ELLISVILLE – Three ladies beat out the competition to lead Jones College’s Maroon Typhoon Marching Band this fall. Freshman, Melania Sanders of Columbia, Jessica Manning of Quitman and sophomore, Rachel Turner of Runnelstown will lead the nearly 180-member organization.
“Being drum major is a whole new level of leadership and you get to know everyone in the band, not just one or two sections. That’s what I wanted; that relationship with people and also being able to help, lead and guide as much as I could. This is a really great environment to do that and that’s why I wanted to be a drum major,” said the Perry Central 2021 graduate.
During her freshman year at Jones College, she was a member of the Color Guard. However, she served as drum major at Perry Central and her family has strong ties to the Maroon Typhoon and Jones College. Her mother, Lynn Turner played trumpet in the Maroon Typhoon and her father was the sound engineer for the theater. Rachel said her parents loved Jones and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Maroon Typhoon Band Directors before transferring to a university to pursue her career as a cattle rancher.
“When we finish the song or even the whole program, the roar of the crowd puts it in perspective for me. I am part of something so big and people love this! I love being a part of it and the fact the crowd enjoys our performances makes it all worthwhile for me,” said Turner.
While new to the Maroon Typhoon this year, Jessica Manning has served as drum major for three years at Quitman High School. The alto saxophonist has plans to make music her career and is thrilled to include being a drum major at Jones as part of her preparation for her future.
“As drum major in Quitman, it just felt like I fell in love with people and I
realized, that’s what I wanted to do here, at Jones. This will give me more experience to go into the field as a band director and music education major. Knowing Dr. Burge also plays saxophone is a bonus!”
Manning’s family is also rooted at Jones. Her parents, Douglas and Carla Manning are JC alumni with their daughter Hannah, being a 2021 member of the Maroon Typhoon as a trumpet player. Jessica said she will also be sharing her vocal talents singing in the Concert Choir at Jones.
Melania Sanders’ family tree also includes several JC Bobcats. Her sister, Kimberly played trumpet in the JC band and convinced Melania to pick up the horn too. Her mother and her cousin came to JC and one of her cousins works 
in the horticulture department at Jones. Sanders said a lot of her friends have made Jones College their choice too. However, her rodeo skills and the agricultural opportunities at Jones are what sold Sanders on being a part of the Bobcat family.
“My ultimate goal is to be a vet. Nevertheless, my band director in Columbia encouraged me to audition for the drum major role at Jones. I’ve been playing trumpet since I was in sixth grade, I was the drum major for the last two years at Columbia High School and I love making new friends. I’m excited to be here!”
Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge explained the three were selected after a competitive audition that included demonstrations, a lengthy interview and a presentation of their field conducting and showmanship.
“I’m really proud of each of these young ladies who each had a wonderful audition with our judging panel. They each bring a very unique perspective to their leadership role! Their diverse backgrounds from very different high school experiences and personal interests are going to make them a very strong team,” said Burge.
After meeting and working today for the first time, he is confident they will be a dynamite leadership team.
“They are already communicating well together and have each displayed wonderful leadership and interpersonal skills. They are going to make a wonderful addition to our long and distinct Maroon Typhoon history!” said Burge.
For more information about the JC Band and the Fine Arts program click https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/ or email Dr. Burge at ben.burge@jcjc.edu