Famous Maroon Band Profile: Ashley Carey

Periodically throughout the summer, we will be taking a look at individual members of the Famous Maroon Band which make the game day environment so great.

One of the great things about college football game day at any school is the atmosphere. And one of the most important parts, and often under appreciated, is the band.

I was in the band in high school and spent two years paying for my education in the band at Northwest Community College before finishing up at Mississippi State. So I decided to put the spotlight on the Famous Maroon Band this summer.

Today’s spotlight is on Ashley Carey. She is one of the Drum Majors, just like her twin sister Brittany, for the Famous Maroon Band. Brittany will be entering her senior year at Mississippi State for the 2016-17 school year.

Tell us a little something about yourself, such as your major and what role you fill with the Famous Maroon Band.

"My name is Ashley Carey and I will be a senior this upcoming year majoring in mechanical engineering. During the marching season I am one of four drum majors that conducts the band on the field and in the stands. During the spring, I play the flute in the symphonic band."

In all likelihood, you joined the band in middle school or junior high. What made you want to be in the band at that time?

"In all honesty I joined band in middle school because all of my friends joined. When I first learned to start playing the flute I was horrible. I couldn’t consistently make a noise while all my friends excelled at it with ease. I stuck with it though and can now play the flute with ease. Although it was frustrating at times I learned how to put in the work and see the payoff when everyday it became easier to understand and play."

What musicians have had the biggest influence on you?

"I’d have to say my biggest musical influence was my middle/high school band director Mel Morse. When I struggled as a flute player in middle school he never gave up on me and continued to encourage me. He also planted the seed in me that one day I could be a very successful drum major. When he was in college, he was the drum major at TSUN and would always tell me how much fun conducting college bands was for him. From those conversations I knew my dream was to one day conduct a college band on game day. I know I would not be in this position today without his influence."

What is your favorite memory of being a member of the Famous Maroon Band?

"I think my favorite memory with the Famous Maroon Band would have to be getting the opportunity to travel to Italy and perform in different cities. This trip gave me memories to last a lifetime as well as showed me how much better real Italian pasta and pizza are than it is here in America (with the exception of Strombolis of course)."

What is your favorite non-band related memory at Mississippi State?

"It’s hard to pick a favorite memory about Mississippi State that does not involve the Famous Maroon Band because they have given me so many fantastic opportunities. I think my favorite memory outside of band would be the very first memories I have of walking around campus and taking a tour as a senior in high school. At that point I was dead set on attending the University of Arkansas, but as soon as I walked around the campus I felt in my gut that this was the place for me. The genuine hospitality and small town feel that I felt was unbeatable and I knew I wanted to be a part of it all here."

Brittany’s Twitter handle is @AshleyCarey95 and her Instagram handle is @ashley_suzanne013.

Thanks to Ashley for allowing us to feature her in this Famous Maroon Band Profile. Also thanks to Dr. Craig Aarhus, one of the Associate Directors of the Famous Maroon Band for working with us to be able to spotlight the members of the band.

You can follow the Famous Maroon Band on Twitter with their Twitter handle @maroonband. The band also has a Facebook page you can go and like to keep up with all the happenings of the Famous Maroon Band.

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