Auburn College of Education student, marching band drum major answers call to teach in pursuit of second degree

When Ross Tolbert arrived at Auburn University, he planned to complete a Chemical Engineering degree before pursuing medical school and becoming a doctor. After his third year on the Plains, Tolbert’s career goals shifted, and he found his true calling in Auburn’s College of Education.

“Through working various Auburn summer band camps as well as high school band camps in Alabama, I discovered that I could not see myself doing anything else other than teaching music,” Tolbert said. “Upon this realization, I added a degree in Music Education, and now, I plan to become a band director.”

Even before adding a degree in music education, Tolbert remained heavily involved in music by serving as a drum major in the Auburn University Marching Band (AUMB) and several other groups, including symphonic winds and the basketball pep band.

As one of four drum majors, Tolbert is responsible for conducting the band on the field and in the stands as well as in the pregame show. He also helps keep rehearsals running smoothly and handles logistical tasks behind the scenes. Tolbert said holding the leadership position in Auburn’s marching band means a great deal.

“My dad was a drum major at the University of Alabama, so I feel a sense of connection to my family by following in my dad's footsteps,” he said. “It also means a lot to me to be able to serve my peers in a way that makes a positive impact on the band. If it were not for the opportunities I had as an AUMB drum major to teach high school students, I would never have had the opportunity to realize that I had a passion for teaching music.”

Tolbert’s musical involvement at Auburn has been driven by his love for music, which took root when he was a child.

“I have been surrounded by music ever since I was little,” he said. “Both of my parents were band directors, so there were a multitude of wind instruments lying around the house. My curiosity drove me to naturally discover my passion for music and inspired me to join band when I got into the sixth grade. From that point on, I became fixated with all things music and found a community where I could make friends and have fun.”

Tolbert said the feeling of community has carried over into his classes in the Music Education program. He believes he has developed relationships with both classmates and program faculty that will last a lifetime in addition to learning and applying skills in a real-world environment.

“My experience inside the classroom has been wonderful,” Tolbert said. “Music classrooms are all about applying practical skills in real-time. A practical approach to learning allows us to gain the necessary experience to succeed as future educators.”

Associate Professor of Music Education Jane Kuehne met with Ross the summer before he made his final decision to pursue Music Education as a major.

“I immediately knew that he had very seriously and logically considered his choice,” Kuehne said. “Now, a year later, through observing him in our early teaching program and working with him in Music Education classes, it’s clear to me he made the right choice. Ross is already showing that he will be an outstanding music educator and band director.”

Tolbert is expected to graduate in 2027, and he will take with him two degrees—in Chemical Engineering and Music Education—and a strong desire to create the same opportunities he was afforded for his future students. 

“I decided to pursue Music Education and become a band director so that I could provide my students with an environment that encourages them to build life skills while also building community with one another,” he said.

To learn more about Auburn’s Music Education program, visit its website.