(Last in our series, here’s your Head Drum Major, Nick! -The RLs.)

So it is my turn to post on this blog deal…let me be first and foremost with you, future R.A.T.s, I am not a blogger. This would mean that I have no idea what to say, or do, or the lingo…so bear with me a little bit.

A little bit about myself…My name is Nick Smith, the Head Drum Major for the Auburn University Marching Band. I am pretty much involved in every “band-type” thing that you can be in at Auburn, and I would not change it for the world. One of my favorite ensembles that I am involved in is “Auburn Premier Brass,” an all-music major group that my friends and I began over a year ago to further our development as musicians. We have performed at several University and community related events like the University President’s Inauguration, College of Liberal Arts events, weddings and church services.

Enough about me though, lets talk about you, the incoming RAT, which of course you know means “Rookie Auburn Tiger.” The RAT program at Auburn is a nationally recognized freshman program that is being duplicated under similar names across the nation. You don’t know it yet, but in a couple of days, you are headed to a band program that revolves around the words “Family and Fun.” We all pride ourselves with being one of the top marching bands in SEC, but also in the nation. Don’t take just my word though; ask your section leader and even your college friends. If you don’t believe them, ask the fans of Auburn University. The Auburn University Marching Band is famous, and YOU are going to be apart of it, CONGRATS!

So you have questions? You will immediately fit in when you get here, and will find it incredibly easy to talk to anyone in the band. So don’t be afraid to ask. But, if you have a few things you want to know now, ask! Our contact information is plastered all over this site. One really cool thing about the “AUMB” is that we are the biggest organization on campus, flat out. I had some friends tell me, when I was a freshman, that I would never walk around campus and not see someone from the band. THEY WERE NOT LYING! Tip #1 for the freshman college student that wants to know someone before their first class: JOIN BAND!

So what else can you do at Auburn besides the marching band? Campus Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, basketball pep band, Orchestra, Percussion ensemble, steel drum band, horn ensemble, woodwind quintet, brass quintet, trombone quartet…you name it, you can start it! Not a music major? Not a problem. Any of the above ensembles are available to you, regardless of your major.

One quick word of advice… don’t overload yourself this first semester. Give yourself time to adjust to the added freedom from Mom, and the new types of classes and college life. One thing that gives YOU and advantage is that you are surrounded by 340 other students in a variety of majors from the FIRST day of class. Use your band friends!

I hope that you will contact me (through Facebook or e-mail or whatever) if you need anything! I am looking forward to meeting you during preseason camp and the Fall 2008 season! If I don’t come up to you first, come up to me. I am a pretty friendly guy, so don’t be afraid. WAR EAGLE and “peace out…” I think that’s cool to say.

Nick Smith

The 2008-09 AUMB Drum Majors