When 2021 Tyrone graduate Becca White was the drum major for the Tyrone High School Marching Band, she had just 25 musicians to lead.

Today, as one of only four drum majors for the award-winning Liberty University “Spirit of the Mountain” Marching Band, White helps lead a band of 250 members.

Despite the massive difference in size and scale of her new band, White said that thanks to what she learned at Tyrone, she was up to the challenge.

“Tyrone prepared me so well for a college level band,” said White.

White was a standout in the Tyrone Marching Band, leading the band as drum major for three years.

Being chosen as a drum major in just her second year at college is a big honor and achievement for White.

“I have lots of responsibilities including leading the band in the stands during football games, conducting my section of the show, behind the scenes office work for the band, and leading the spirit band for basketball games in the spring,” said White.

Learning how to be a drum major for such a large band was difficult for White at first.

White is a mathematics major, and balancing the responsibilities and time commitments of her challenging classes with her band responsibilities was a big adjustment from high school, but White said it has been worth it.

“It is so rewarding to be in front of a band that size,” said White.

Tyrone Band Director David Hock said that he couldn’t be more proud of his former drum major.

“Becca had a great impact on the other students in the band when she was at Tyrone,” said Hock. “She is a natural leader, kind, and very helpful to other students. Her hard work, dedication, and good character helped inspire other students.”

White said she has had a great experience so far at Liberty University, which is located in central Virginia.

“I love it down here,” said White. “Liberty University overall is amazing, specifically the band. We are all one big family of 250. But seriously, everyone loves each other like family and I couldn’t be more thankful to be a part of it.”

Liberty’s Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band has appeared in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, at the New York Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands for 80,000 spectators, and at colleges and universities throughout the Eastern United States.

The best band experience that White has had so far was when they traveled to Boca Raton, Florida over Christmas break for the 2022 Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium, where Liberty took on Toledo. White and the band got to spend a few days prior to the game having fun in Florida.

White said that the university paid for their food, lodging, and activities for the trip. They got to spend time on the beach, go to Universal Studios, and held a “Battle of the Bands” with the Toeldo Marching Band, playing their best hype songs.

“All our fans, and cheerleaders, and everyone was there. Then the next day was the game,” said White.

Even though it rained during the game and the Flames lost to the Toledo Rockets 21-19, White said that the trip was her favorite band memory of all time.

“The school was very generous to provide everything for the members on the trip when all they were required to do was send the band to the game,” said White. “This school is amazing and they make it very achievable to do band and do well in school.”