The University of Wyoming Athletics Department and the Cowboy Joe Club will begin a new tradition of providing three scholarships each semester to the head drum major and two assistant drum majors for the Western Thunder Marching Band.
The first three recipients were recognized during halftime of the UW-San Diego State football game. They were head drum major Michael Jaycox of Laramie; assistant drum major Lynn Hartley of Buffalo; and assistant drum major Becky Frawley of Phoenix, Ariz.
Jaycox is a 2007 graduate of Laramie High School. He is a senior music education major and will graduate in May 2012. This is Jaycox's third year as a drum major with the band. He played clarinet for one year in Western Thunder.
Hartley is a 2007 graduate of Buffalo High School. He is a senior music major and will graduate in May 2012. This is Hartley's second year as a drum major with the band. Hartley played saxophone for two years in Western Thunder.
Frawley, a 2009 graduate of North Canyon High School in Phoenix, is a sophomore music education major and will graduate in May 2014. This is Frawley's first year as a drum major with Western Thunder. Frawley played piccolo for one year in the band.
"We are pleased to recognize the tremendous efforts of Western Thunder and what they bring to our athletic events," says Josh Rebholz, UW senior associate athletics director for development and revenue enhancement. "We will provide $7,000 annually to the three drum majors with an allocation being made to them each semester."
Drum majors serve in what some would view as assistant band director positions. They help with the instruction of the band, complete administrative tasks, conduct the band in rehearsal and performance, conduct the Cowboy Pep Band at men's and women's basketball games and recruit at summer orientation sessions.
"Our drum majors are some of the very best in the country," says Brad Williamson, associate director of bands and director of the Western Thunder Marching Band. "This scholarship program will help recognize their hard work, talent, and dedication to the Western Thunder Marching Band.
"The relationship between the band and the athletic department is very strong, and will hopefully continue to grow for many years to come."
