ELLISVILLE – Leading the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band at Jones College are four students: two returning sophomores and two new freshmen. Both newcomers are Jones County residents with a long history of musicianship. Northeast Jones High School graduate, Hannah Latham has been playing clarinet since sixth grade and continued until her junior year in high school to become a drum major.
“Being drum major is such a thrilling feeling unlike anything else,” said Latham. “I can’t wait for this season and I’m ready for the experiences and impact that Jones will have on my life. I am currently a vocal major, and I hope to share my love for music with as many people as I possibly can.”
She describes this year’s Maroon Typhoon Marching Band’s half time show as being “super exciting” because there is a lot of popular music that will be recognizable for many.
“This show is a perfect example of how hard we have worked, and I cannot wait for people to be blown away by it. I’m also looking forward to all the friendships I’ll make along with becoming a better leader. I can’t wait to gain more experience with what I love doing!” said Latham.
Joining Latham is freshman Braden Yarber, a South Jones High School graduate. His band experience began in eighth grade playing mallets as a percussionist and continuing through his freshman year of high school. Yarber was named a drum major his sophomore year and continued through his senior year. The Medical Laboratory Science major is pursuing a career in medical studies and research but is enjoying his musical experiences at Jones College.
“Although I have only been a member of the Maroon Typhoon for a short time, I have already enjoyed the new memories and friends I have made. I am looking forward to watching the band grow and improve as performers and as a family throughout this season,” said Yarber.
Returning sophomores to the drum major podium are music education major, Jessica Manning from Quitman who also plays alto saxophone, and Melania Sanders from Columbia. Manning served as drum major for three years at Quitman High School. The alto saxophonist has plans to make music her career and is thrilled to return to the drum major podium this season. Manning’s family is also rooted at Jones. Her parents, Douglas and Carla Manning are JC alumni with their daughter Hannah, being a 2021 member of the Maroon Typhoon as a trumpet player. Jessica said she will also be sharing her vocal talents singing in the Concert Choir at Jones.
Melania Sanders’ family tree also includes several JC Bobcats. Her sister, Kimberly played trumpet in the JC band and convinced Melania to pick up the horn too. Her mother and her cousin came to JC and Sanders said a lot of her friends have made Jones College their choice too. However, her rodeo skills and the agricultural opportunities at Jones are what sold Sanders on being a part of the Bobcat family.
While her career goal is to be a veterinarian, Sanders has been playing trumpet since sixth grade. She was the drum major for her last two years at Columbia High School and is also ready to take the field as a Maroon Typhoon Drum Major for her last season at Jones College. For more information about the JC Band and the Fine Arts program click https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/ or email Dr. Burge at ben.burge@jcjc.edu