Editor's Note: Three years ago the College of Liberal
Arts and Sciences (LAS) chronicled Ted Brimeyer's first days as a freshman
member of the Cyclone Football "Varsity" Marching Band on the
Iowa State University's web site.
As he enters his senior year, LAS revisits Brimeyer, who is now one of three
drum majors in the marching band.
It's difficult to go to a Department of Music event without seeing Ted
Brimeyer up on stage.
Since his freshman year, he has taken advantage of virtually every musical
opportunity afforded to him.
Four years in the marching band, the last two as drum major.
Three years and counting in the Iowa State Singers traveling with the ensemble
to Europe, China, Los Angeles, Chicago and Omaha for performances.
Every spring he sharpens his instrumental abilities by playing the French
horn in the ISU Symphonic Orchestra.
Come VEISHEA he has had major roles in the SOV productions of "My Fair Lady,"
"Secret Garden" and "Fiddler on the Roof."
And once football is over, he grabs his mellophone and plays in the basketball
pep band.
While he claims good time management is how he manages to juggle all these
demands, there is something else.
"My friends keep me going," he said. "What I've learned to
do is build up a good base of friends in the things that eat up my time."
That meaning the Iowa State Singers, SOV productions, pep band and especially
the marching band.
"Vocal students have huge conflicts with marching band," he said.
"That's the biggest downside to being in the band. There is so much
to do in the music department – so many opportunities to get involved. I
haven't completely learned how to say no."
James Rodde, professor of music and director of the Iowa State Singers,
says he's not surprised Brimeyer is so involved.
"Ted enjoys music, interaction with people and being active,"
Rodde said. "And he seeks knowledge for wisdom's sake. That he is highly
involved in the department does not surprise me."
Tomorrow: Game day
