Marching Southerners
Drum Majors
2026 Drum Majors
Kaden Burgess
HEAD Drum Major
Major: Emergency Management
Years in Southerners: 2022-present
Hometown: Huntsville, AL
High School: Sparkman High School
Message to Potential Members: Work hard, remain humble, be kind to others, and remain true to yourself and those around you. By doing all of these things, you will set yourself up for all the success to come. In the words of Zeus from Hercules, “a true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart.”
Jade Watson
Drum Major
Major: Music Education
Years in Southerners: 2023-present
Hometown: Jacksonville, Alabama
High School: Jacksonville High School
Message to Potential Members: “In everything that you do, give it your all and with kindness in your heart. Try to make friends with as many people as you can! This family and these memories will last a lifetime!”
Celeste Owens
drum major
Major: Exercise Science and Wellness
Years in Southerners: 2021-present
Hometown: Harvest, Alabama
High School: Sparkman High School
Message to Potential Members: It’s okay to be nervous, just remember what you did to get here and who has supported you along the way. When meeting new people, in the words of Dr. David L. Walter’s, “be kind to each other, it’s really important.”
Miguel Velasquez-Baltazar
drum major
Major: Occupational Safety and Health Management
Years in Southerners: 2024-present
Hometown: Gadsden, Alabama
High School: Gadsden City High School
Message to Potential Members: Growth begins when you step outside your comfort zone, but leadership is defined by character. Choosing kindness, respect, and empathy allows you to make a lasting impact on those around you.