Day, Mu, Todd lead Patriot Band
Wenle Mu, from left, Matt Day and Josh Todd are calling signals as drum majors for the 2015 Bob Jones High School Band. (Photo by Pete Shea)
MADISON – Matt Day, Wenle Mu and Josh Todd are issuing commands as the 2015 drum majors for Bob Jones High School Band.
Day decided to play guitar and trumpet after watching the Discovery Middle School Jazz Band. “Ever since I was little and watched my brother on the drum major podium, I wanted to be a drum major,” Day said.
Day earned placement in honor bands at district and Auburn University and superior ratings as drum major in 2014. “Taking my passion for music to the next level means that I myself must be willing to learn even as I lead … difficult but necessary,” Day said.
Day also participates in Junior Civitans and community volunteering. His parents are Greg and Jan Day.
MU, a clarinetist, is her family’s first musician. “When my fourth-grade band director asked who would like to join band, I shot my hand up and squealed, ‘Me!'”
As drum major, Mu wants to “influence other peoples’ lives and be influenced. Your job, although not more important than everyone else’s, is most visible. People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17),” she said.
Mu holds membership in First Priority, Mu Alpha Theta, Science National Honor Society and “devozine” magazine’s Teen Advisory Board. Wenle’s parents are Fangli Chen and Jifeng Mu.
Todd constantly sang as a child — at home, the car, church and practically everywhere. Learning to play flute offered a new musical venue.
Former drum majors impressed him. “They made me want to be in band. I’ve wanted to follow in their footsteps, make the band better and have a positive impact,” Todd said.
As drum major, Todd “cannot slack off or lose focus for a moment. I always have to be at my best.”
A Computer Science Club member, Todd was named “Most Outstanding Band Rookie” and first-place winner in science regionals. Josh’s parents are Richard and Amy Todd.
Day, Mu and Todd are members of National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. This summer, they attended the University of Alabama Crimson Camp.
