Ohio State Marion student Brian Speckman is realizing a dream by being named assistant drum major of The Ohio State University Marching Band.
For the sophomore accounting major, being part of The Best Damn Band In The Land has been a thrill.
During his freshman year, the St. Mary’s native lived at The Annex of Marion, a privately developed student housing facility near campus, while taking a full-time course load at Ohio State Marion and spending the past year on D-Row, which gave him preparation for a position to head or assist the drum major.
According to Speckman, that first year at Ohio State 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,” Speckman said. “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.”
Speckman plans on transitioning to the Columbus campus this fall.
Leading the band during double script O-H-I-O
As assistant drum major, Speckman will have the opportunity to lead the band during games when 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 said.
He began his journey as drum major at St. Mary’s Memorial High School, where he played trombone for three years.
“My high school had a drum major program like Ohio State’s. That’s how I got my foot in the door. Ohio State hosts these winter and summer sessions. Anyone interested can attend one of these sessions. That is how I got involved,” Speckman said.
The young man grew up loving the Buckeyes and dreaming of being part of the Ohio State 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.”
Speckman said he is venturing into new territory as a Buckeye and a first-generation college student.
“None of my family went to Ohio State. It is a new experience being able to go to Ohio State and study,” he said.
Experience expected to pay dividends
“If you want to get the Ohio State 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.
With his sophomore year involvement in the band increasing, the new Ohio State assistant drum major knows his experience will pay dividends and provide more opportunities with his future in the band.
“The ultimate goal,” he said, “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 Ohio State, 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 driving toward his goals.
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