Percussion & color Guard
WHy Percussion? Why Color Guard?
Percussion and color guard are two special sections of a marching band that give us the rhythmic heart and the color palette that make our performances pop! We are looking to grow these groups for the Marching Minutemen in 2024, so if you've ever thought about giving drum line, auxiliary percussion, or color guard a try, now is the time, even if you have no experience at all! We have two great instructors on our staff, as well as outstanding student leaders, that will work with you and teach you everything you need to know to succeed as a Marching Minutemen.
This is a perfect opportunity to get into the band world if you haven't already learned to play a wind instrument in middle school. We have had students of all backgrounds succeed, from athletes and dancers, to people who just love to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Maybe you're thinking about taking the plunge with one of these fun sections of the band, but you have questions! That's okay! Just email Mr. Satterwhite and we'll get you the answers you need.
Meet the Instructors
Mr. Jake Fischer, Percussion Instructor
Jake Fischer joined the Marching Minutemen staff as Percussion Instructor in 2023. He was is a native of Cary, Illinois, where his love for music began. He is pursuing a major in Percussion Performance at Liberty University, where he is a student of Professor Jay Ware. At Liberty University, he participates in the percussion ensemble, symphony orchestra, wind symphony and in leadership for the Liberty University "Spirit of the Mountain" Marching Band. Jake also plays snare drum for Spectre Indoor Percussion out of Richmond, Virginia, and has previously performed with the Liberty University Indoor Drumline.
Mr. Derek Nellum, Color Guard Instructor
Derek Nellum has been Color Guard Instructor for the Marching Minutemen since 2011. Derek was born and raised in Bedford and participated in numerous music ensembles at both Bedford Middle School and Liberty High School. As a Marching Minuteman, Derek performed as part of the trumpet section from 2002-2005, and found his love for color guard as a senior in 2006. Upon graduation in 2007, he served as one of the Color Guard Instructors for the band before attending Miller-Motte Technical College to study Pharmacy Technology and receive his Associate Degree in Occupational Science.
Along with his work as Color Guard Instructor, Derek also works as a Certified Pharmacy Technician, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, and Hospital Laboratory Assistant.
