Accomplished musician Jalan Thomas is going from drumline to drum major.

Thomas, a senior, is drum major for Port Arthur Memorial High School’s Marching Heat.

“Jalan is an excellent drummer and percussionist,” Band Director Trent Johnson said. “We went to UIL (University Interscholastic League) state contest and earned a 1 which is the first superior rating at Memorial High School since 2003. He was a junior.”

Thomas’s duties as drum major require leadership.

“Lead the band, make sure everybody is together,” Thomas said when ticking off a list of some of his responsibilities during marching season.

Johnson can attest to his students’ leadership skills adding that during summer band camp fellow band students noted the leadership skills and respected him.

The MHS band drum major must also show some dancing skills on the field as well.

“It’s simple for me because I’m on the drumline and this is similar to what we do,” Thomas said. “The hardest part was (learning) the back bend. We follow after Southern University in Baton Rouge.”

Johnson said 26 of the band students traveled to the university where they learned some routines that will be part of their halftime performances.

Thomas and fellow band members will be putting on some action packed halftime shows this season.

“We’re working on a skit to excite the fans and get the crowd poppin’. The band director has set the bar high this year,” he said.

Music is a big part of Thomas’ life. Besides band he is also in the MHS choir.

“In past years it was a bit sketchy with practices between band and choir,” he said. “But Mr. Johnson and (choir director) Mr. (Lawrence) Ingram worked out a schedule.”

The top musician and drum major has been a member of the National Honor Society and recently committed to joining a church, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He also, when time allows, helps a friend with a lawn care service.

Thomas has his eyes set on attending Prairie View A&M University, hopefully on a band scholarship, and play in their music program. Ultimately he plans to become a mechanical engineer.

Jalon Thomas is the son of Zendora Kight.

Mary Meaux: 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews