Generations of Williams family claim RBHS drum major heritage

By Brandi Miller

For the FCT

You could say a love of music runs in the Williams’ family. Jane Williams, her daughter Jennifer (Williams) Pierce and her granddaughter Eliza Williams have each had the honor of serving as the drum major of the Red Bay High School Band at some point in high school.

This proud family tradition began with Jane Williams in 1958.

“I had been in the band since fifth grade,” said Jane. “I could read music, and I played piano and saxophone.”

Jane served as drum major from 1958-1960 under the direction of Ellis Campbell, who served as band director for RBHS during that time.

Several years later, Jane’s daughter Pierce followed in her mother’s footsteps when she served as drum major at RBHS. Jane’s two nieces, Danielle Hall and Rachel Hall, also served as drum majors at RBHS.

“I was drum majorette in 1985 and 1986,” said Pierce.  “I shared the title with my co-drum major, Steven Mann, in 1985. As far as I am aware that was the only year there was a drum major and drum majorette.”

Fast forward to 2014, and the tradition continues with Jane’s granddaughter Eliza.

“I was drum major in 2014 for the first time as a tenth grader,” said Eliza.  She is continuing this year as the 2015 drum major for the RBHS band.

“To me, being a drum major means leading the band by example,” said Eliza. “I can’t force anybody to do anything; I can only encourage, support and help them to the best of my ability.”

Being a drum major is a crucial role in the dynamic of a band. As Eliza implied, the drum major is always leading by example, but all three Williams women agreed they have had some fun times they will always remember.

“There were so many good times in the band,” said Pierce.  “All of my best friends were in the band; we were like family. My favorite time as drum majorette was when I shared it with Steven.  We had lots of laughs, and he was a very dear friend.”

Like her daughter, Jane recalls an especially fond memory.

“My favorite memory would be going to Memphis, Tenn., for the Cotton Carnival Parade,” said Jane. “I met my husband-to-be there. He was in the Russellville band.”

All of these memories and love of music is something the youngest Williams noticed, and she said that’s a big reason she chose to pursue the band and music in high school.

“My family has had the greatest influence on my musical aspirations,” said Eliza. “My grandmother, mother and father have always backed me up, first with continuous piano lessons, then by surrounding me with different instruments and genres of music. About sixth grade I decided to begin beginner band, where I played the flute. The next year, my seventh grade year, I was in the RBHS marching band.”

Jane said it makes her very proud to know that her daughter and granddaughter have followed in her footsteps. “It has been an adventure to have seen both of them perform, along with my two nieces as well.”

Both Jane and Pierce said there have been a few changes since their days as the leaders of the band. Jane said the uniform of the drum major is the biggest change she has noticed. Pierce said the uniforms she wore were more regimented than they are today, and that she also wore the tall white boots.

But no matter the year, or the style of the uniform, the RBHS band is a strong presence on campus today as it was in years past. Eliza summed it up best, perhaps, when she said the band’s greatest strength is that people care and want to improve. This is a recipe for success that always stands the test of time.