Drew drums up Blair excitement

"Music, for me, is more than entertainment," says junior Drew Thomas. "It is simply what I do to make people happy, even if it's just myself."

Thomas has been immersed in the music world his entire life. He is currently a distinguished member of Blair's marching band and chamber choir as well as three singing groups at his church. According to students and teachers alike, Thomas delivers passionate vocal performances in his choral groups and exhibits strong leadership skills as drum major of the marching band.

Originally inspired in church to develop his musical talents, Thomas says that his reason for entertaining is simple. "God gave me these talents," Thomas says. "I love making people smile."

As a committed member of his church's community, Thomas is involved in the Youth and Adult Choir, the Sanctuary Choir and the Praise and Worship Team at the Triumph and Baptist Church in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Bernadette Wiggins, the leader of the church's Praise and Worship Team, says that Thomas is a heartfelt singer. "He is very sincere in what he's singing about," says Wiggins, who describes his performances as "truthful" and "real."
Thomas was also inspired by his aunt, Sharon Thomas, who has been singing all of her life. "When she sings, you feel it. It hits you," says Thomas, who says that when he sings, his goal is to create a similar feeling. "If you're feeling sad, I want it to be healing," Thomas says.

Thomas has extended his involvement in singing groups beyond his church and into Blair's chamber choir. Choral teacher Paul Newport says that Thomas is a valuable member of both the instrumental and the choral departments. Thomas has participated in many events with the chamber choir, including school and community performances.

Thomas also contributes to Blair's musical department as drum major in the marching band. Thomas says that he became drum major after auditioning for the marching band as a tuba player, a part he has played in three other school marching bands. Because there was already a tuba player in Blair's marching band, he opted to become the drum major rather than the second tuba player. "It was fate," Thomas says, recalling that the lead tuba player, senior Martin Katz, said, "Let's just make the new guy drum major."

With the role of drum major comes a unique set of responsibilities for Thomas. "He's the people organizer," says music teacher Kurt Lucas. According to Lucas, Thomas ensures that each member of the marching band is in his or her designated position and calls the shots throughout the performance, from where and when to march to how to play the song.

Thomas' personality is also a significant part of his role. Thomas possesses both the willingness and the skills needed to be a leader, says Lucas. "He has a big desire to get it right."

Close friends of Thomas say that his talents for entertaining are evident beyond his performance in organized music groups. "He's funny in an eccentric sort of way," says junior Tara Brown, who has known Thomas for two years. "He's a good friend and a good entertainer."

Another friend, junior Rachel Moorin, agrees that Thomas is entertaining. "He knows how to make people laugh," Moorin says. "He's goofy. He's unique. He's Drew."

Despite his talents, Thomas says that he doesn't envision a career in entertainment. He sees himself pursuing law but says he will continue to perform in church, explaining, "It's something that I love doing."