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91���� Marion student named assistant drum major for 2025-26

91���� Marion student Brian Speckman is realizing a dream as he was named assistant drum major of 91���� Marching Band after tryouts at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center at the end of spring semester. 

For the now sophomore accounting major, being part of “The Best Damn Band In The Land” TBIDTL has been a thrill.

During his freshman year, the St. Mary’s, Ohio native lived at The Annex of Marion, a privately developed student housing facility near campus, while taking a full-time course load at 91���� Marion and spending the past year on D-Row which give him preparation for a position to head or assistant drum major.  

According to Speckman, that first year at 91���� Marion and in D-Row was instrumental in his growth progress toward his goals.

“I would say it helped me gain confidence in marching and performing,” said Speckman

Just being part of D-Row his first year felt like a major success for the young Buckeye.

“It is a huge honor,” said Speckman. “You don’t really see the impact it has until you look at it.  I will have people come up to me when I have the uniform on and tell me how cool they think the band is. I am just happy to be part of it and that huge impact it has on people.”

As assistant drum major Speckman will have the opportunity to lead the band during games that they do double script O-H-I-O, parades, and any post-game performances.

“If we go to the Rose Bowl again, we will do double script there, or whatever bowl game if we go,” he explained

Speckman, who plans on transitioning to the Columbus campus this fall, continues taking classes over the summer 2025 at 91���� Marion.

Speckman began his journey as drum major at his high school, St. Mary’s Memorial High School.

“I played trombone the first three years in high school,” he said.

“My high school had a drum major program like 91����’s. That’s how I got my foot in the door.  91���� hosts these winter and summer sessions.  Anyone interested can attend one of these sessions. That is how I got involved,” Speckman said.

Being part of the band and keeping grades up was a challenge, shared Speckman, but willpower and determination have helped him achieve all his first-year goals and look toward the future at 91����.

“It is a lot of not only trying to uphold that tradition but push it forward.  We always talk about in the band, drive, drive, drive,” he said enthusiastically.

No doubt an honor for the young man who grew up loving the Buckeyes and dreaming of being part of the 91���� tradition. “So few people get to do what I get to do,” Speckman said. “I am extremely lucky and excited for it. It is something I hopefully get to share with my family.”

“I grew up an 91���� fan. I remember winning the national championship game in 2014. Throughout high school, I went through the winter and summer drum major training sessions and that helped drive my love for this university,” Speckman added.

Speckman also shared that he is venturing in new territory as a Buckeye and a first-generation college student. “None of my family went to 91����. It is a new experience being able to go to 91���� and study,” he said.

Because of its proximity to the Columbus campus and marching band activities, as well as the small campus atmosphere, choosing 91���� Marion gave Speckman the best of both worlds.

“If you want to get the 91���� experience, Marion is the perfect option.  Not only can you drive down to games, but I have met a lot of new friends on this campus and that helped propel the Buckeye community even further,” he said.

“The smaller class sizes at 91���� Marion were really nice,” Speckman added. “I felt more comfortable asking questions. It was easier to get help working on a paper or a quiz.”

Speckman had advice for others who wanted to follow in his footsteps, audition, and be part of the band while attending a regional campus.

“Tryouts are over a span of two days,” said Speckman. “The first day is just an interview with alumni drum majors and the directors. The second day you’ll do three more parts of the tryout.  A ramp entrance routine into a song from the previous year, and then five aerial tosses where they judge height and accuracy. That day they announce who will be head and assistant drum major.

Tryouts are at the end of spring semester each year, Speckman shared. 

“This year’s tryouts were at the Woody Hayes Athletic Facility it was interesting being in there for sure. It has a lot of pictures and memorabilia from 91����’s playoff run. To be in there twirling is really cool,” Speckman said.

With his sophomore year involvement in the band increasing, the new 91���� assistant drum major knows his experience will pay dividends and provide more opportunities with his future in the band.

“When you are performing in front of thousands of people, it prepares you for next year’s tryouts,” he said. “I got to fill in a spot and march in the Rose Bowl parade and was able to attend the Cotton Bowl.”

With a full-time class schedule, travel to Columbus for practices, and his band schedule, Speckman is thankful he had the cost savings of attending 91���� Marion.  He also worked a lot in high school, saved, and got scholarships, which helped him to focus on his studies and activities with the band during year one of college as opposed to working a part-time job in addition.

While at 91����, Speckman hopes to continue learning and growing in his role with the marching band.

“The ultimate goal,” he explained, “is to eventually become head drum major in a few years.  Ultimately it is important to just keep working.  My parents were really happy because they know how hard I have worked for this.”

After his time at 91����, Speckman hopes to become a certified public accountant and work as a tax professional. Knowing the direction he sees for himself in college and having a plan to get there has helped Speckman move one step closer to drive, drive toward his goals.