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New drum major selected

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brandon Chaney
Washington, D.C. --  The U.S. Air Force Band Ceremonial Brass is kind of like the Post Office - neither snow nor rain nor heat can keep either of these organizations from completing their duties. But whatever the conditions, however difficult the situation, there is one individual who holds the group together at all times: the drum major. Recently, the Band selected a new drum major from its ranks--Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Valadie. He is only the seventh person to hold this title in the history of The U.S. Air Force Band.

The position of drum major originated in the British Army with the Corps of Drums in 1650. Military groups performed mostly duty calls and battle signals during that period, and a fife and drum corps, directed by the drum major, would use short pieces to communicate to field units. With the arrival of military concert bands and pipe bands around the 18th century, the position of the drum major was adapted to those ensembles. The role of the drum major has traditionally been to serve as principal conductor to the ensemble: controlling the tempo during performance, assisting the group musically and leading the group through movements and formations.

The Ceremonial Brass is the official ceremonial ensemble of the U.S. Air Force and is one of six musical ensembles that comprise The U.S. Air Force Band. The 38 active duty Airmen musicians under the drum major's direction include brass and percussion instrumentalists and a bagpiper. The ensemble provides musical support for funerals at Arlington National Cemetery. Additionally, the drum major leads the Brass in support of state arrivals at the White House, full-honor arrivals for foreign dignitaries at the Pentagon, patriotic programs, and change of command, retirement and awards ceremonies.

Newly minted drum major Valadie began his Air Force career in 1998. A graduate of James Madison University, Valadie earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1995. Prior to joining the Air Force, he was a high school band director for 2 years. Perhaps most important as he moves into his new responsibilities as drum major, he has an extensive background in the marching band arts. Valadie has spent a total of 28 years involved with marching band, including spending six years marching in the percussion sections of drum and bugle corps "Crossmen" and "Expressions" from Hammond, La. Additionally, he writes music and drill for various high school bands across the nation and is the percussion judging coordinator of the Atlantic Indoor Drumline Association (AIA).

Valadie commented, "Moving to such a prestigious position is not something I take lightly, and I'm honored to serve in this capacity. I welcome the challenges that lie ahead."

In the next year, Valadie will lead the Brass in several high-profile missions, including the Presidential inauguration and an appearance on ABC's "The Today Show." We wish him all the best of luck in his new role as drum major, a distinguished and significant position in U.S. Air Force Band history.