While previously serving as drum major in his high school marching band, Tom McGovern heard stories from his band director about his experience as a drum major in the Spartan Marching Band (SMB). Now, McGovern, a sophomore nursing student, inspires the next generation of SMB members as he backbends his way through the College of Nursing at Michigan State University.
“During high school, my band director would always share his experiences in the SMB, from all the people he met to the things he accomplished,” explained McGovern. “His stories made me want to be a part of the SMB.”
While being an active musician for eight years, playing and perfecting his craft at the euphonium, a brass instrument, McGovern’s hard work paid off during auditions for the SMB. His fellow musicians and SMB leadership saw great potential in McGovern as a leader; he was named out of 20 other SMB members as drum major.
“Last year, I joined the SMB officially. I grew to realize while being a member just how incredible this organization is,” said McGovern. “I dedicated time and energy to this achievement for a while -- being drum major means a lot to me."
The road to becoming drum major was long, but the work and preparation behind the scenes leading the SMB can now be seen on game days. McGovern and other band officers follow the path built by 155 year’s-worth of the marching band’s legacy, building excellence for future generations to come.
The physical training involved with being an SMB drum major was nearly as intense as learning to lead the group. SMB drum majors complete a traditional marching salute during the band’s pre-game entrance. The highlight of this salute is a backbend.
“The backbend was the most nerve-wracking moment for me, but it is so exciting,” said McGovern. “Everyone hyping you up and running out with the band. All that work and anxiety pays off.”
McGovern’s other passions fueled him to want to enter a health-related field. That’s when he found nursing.
“Nursing really blends my love of science and math ... and my passions with bedside care,” said McGovern. “There are so many paths you can take in nursing.”
While McGovern is still working his way through nursing school and figuring out what specialty he wants to eventually go into, he knows the weight that the ‘Spartan Nurse’ title carries at the bedside.
“Being a Spartan Nurse carries a lot of weight in the hospital setting. People see us and know we are getting some of the best training,” said McGovern. “Upperclassmen have shared they all feel prepared for the hospital setting because of the foundation we have here.”
McGovern has now two active places that he can call home forever at MSU.
“It feels good to blend both nursing and SMB,” he noted. “These are the two spaces that I can always be a part of.”
