Halftime Magazine Intern Named Drum Major of USC Trojan Marching Band
Eddie Carden, one of Halftime Magazine’s editorial interns, was recently named drum major for the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band. As drum major, Carden will represent the Trojan Marching Band for the 2008 to 2009 school year. Unlike many other universities, USC features only one drum major, and he doesn’t wear any traditional band garb. Actually, he’s probably better recognized as “Tommy Trojan,” clad in armor and bearing a sword instead of a baton.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to represent USC as the new drum major,” Carden says. “After three years in the band, this is the absolute pinnacle for me. It’s a huge honor just to be a part of such an amazing band program, and this next year is going to be great. I just can’t wait for that first game against the [Virginia] Cavaliers.”
Try-outs were held on April 22 on the USC campus, and Carden won the band’s vote to become the next drum major. Candidates were assessed during three activities: voicing double commands, directing and marching the pregame routine, and giving a speech to the band.
“It was incredible getting up there in front of the band and performing,” he says. “The two other candidates and I spent months preparing for the tryout, and it was an accomplishment just getting up there. Those guys put in a ton of work and really did a great job. I know I wouldn’t be where I am if they hadn’t pushed me like they did.”
At Halftime Magazine, Carden works on editorial and marketing projects. His articles have included:
- Corps Survival Skills
- Musicians in the Military
- Are You Ready for Some Football … er, Marching Band?
- Caring for Your Instrument and Equipment
“We’re very excited for Eddie to lead the USC Trojan Marching Band,” says Christine Katzman, Halftime Magazine’s publisher and editor-in-chief. “He’s worked very hard and deserves this opportunity and will be a great example for all the members of the band.”
Carden spent his first three years in the Trojan Marching Band as a trumpet player, acting as a squad leader in 2007. He has also been active in the band during the offseason as part of the basketball band and 10-piece ensembles, performing at weddings, birthday parties and various other functions. In 2007, Carden also appeared in a State Farm commercial as part of a five-piece band.
“The past three years have built up to this,” he says. “We have a great football team. We have a great band. We have a great school. And now it’s my time to represent the Trojan Family.”
For more information, contact Christine Ngeo Katzman, founder/publisher of Halftime Magazine, on our Contact page.
