Muskogee High School senior Jawuan McGill has built his marching arts journey through discipline, passion, leadership, and a relentless drive to keep getting better.

McGill, a 5’7” percussionist, is a senior at Muskogee High School in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he has been involved in the school’s marching band, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble, and jazz band. On the marching field, he performs on snare drum, serving as a center snare and section leader.

His journey also extends beyond the high school level. McGill is preparing for his third year with Zephyrus Drum and Bugle Corps, where he started on bass drum in 2024, moved to center snare in 2025, and will return for another season this summer.

For Jawuan, the marching arts have become more than an activity. They have helped shape who he is as a musician, leader, and person.

Finding His Place Through Music

McGill’s love for music started early, but his path into marching percussion was influenced by the people around him and the performances that opened his eyes to what the marching arts could be. “I’ve always loved performing music,” McGill said. “Jerry Huffer has seen me perform for musicals since I was seven, and he influenced me to give marching a shot.”

That introduction eventually grew into something much bigger. Watching world-class drum corps videos with his dad and attending a drum corps show helped push Jawuan toward a higher standard. “Watching world class drum corps videos with my dad and going to a drum corps show inspired me to strive for excellence,” McGill said. “In doing so, I have also found myself as a musician and a person.”

A Moment Inside the Alamodome

One of the biggest moments of McGill’s marching career came during the 2024 season with Zephyrus Drum and Bugle Corps, when he performed inside the Alamodome for the first time during Zephyrus’ production, “Crescent.”

For many performers, there are moments when the work, the exhaustion, and the pressure all become worth it. For Jawuan, that moment came at the end of the show.

“I performed in the Alamodome for the first time ever during the 2024 season of Zephyrus’ production, ‘Crescent,’” McGill said. “After we played the last note of the show, hearing the ringing of how long that note felt, but also the sound of the audience giving back, showed me why I do what I do.” That final note represented more than just the end of a performance. It was the payoff for every long rehearsal, every physical demand, and every moment of commitment.

“All the sweat in those rehearsals for that sense of satisfaction and accomplishment,” McGill said. When asked about a favorite show, Jawuan said it is hard to pick just one because every performance has required something different from him. Still, a few productions stand out.

“Muskogee’s performance of ‘Wonka Unwrapped’ in 2025 will forever be dear to me, as well as Zephyrus’ 2025 production of ‘Boundless,’” McGill said.

The Work Behind the Performance

The precision people see on the field does not happen by accident. For Jawuan, training is built on repetition, mindset, physical effort, and a constant commitment to the job in front of him. “Many reps, searching for certain mindsets, training both on the drum and physically,” McGill said. “Being drained from all the rehearsals but knowing I have a job to do and remembering what I do this all for. It’s exhausting but so worth it in the end.”

That mindset is a big part of what separates marching arts performers. The audience sees the finished product, but the performer lives the process: the reps, the corrections, the heat, the fatigue, the discipline, and the demand to execute at a high level every time.

The Physical Demand of Marching Snare

Marching percussion requires more than musical ability. It demands endurance, strength, stamina, coordination, mental toughness, and physical control. “Marching in general takes a certain amount of skill both physically and mentally,” McGill said. “I tend to work on cardio a significant amount. Marching an 11-minute show is not easy, so I need the endurance, strength, and stamina to get through.”

Jawuan uses jogging, bike rides, and walks to build cardio. He also works on exercises like planks and squats to strengthen his body for the demands of carrying and performing on the drum. “Other exercises like planks and squats help build muscle for carrying the drum,” McGill said.

For a center snare, the responsibility is not just physical. There is also a mental demand that comes with being a visual and musical reference point for the section.

Staying Relaxed Under Pressure

Pressure moments are part of the marching arts. Whether it is a major performance, a difficult musical phrase, a visual demand, or the responsibility of leading a section, performers have to learn how to stay locked in.

For McGill, handling pressure starts with breathing and staying relaxed. “Taking time to breathe as well as finding the right mindset helps me stay relaxed,” McGill said. “As a drummer, many of my teachers have told me to stay relaxed when playing as well as marching.”

That relaxed approach helps him stay focused and avoid becoming overwhelmed. “Staying relaxed helps physically as well as mentally,” McGill said. “Being relaxed helps my mind focus on what I need to execute well and not get overwhelmed or caught up.”

Leadership as a Lifestyle

As a center snare and section leader, leadership is a major part of Jawuan’s role. But for him, leadership is not just a title. It is something he carries into his daily life. “Being a leader is everything to me,” McGill said. “Learning how to build a culture and thriving in a system is very important to me.”

McGill believes leadership begins with personal accountability. Before someone can lead others, they have to lead themselves. “I go through my daily life leading myself always,” McGill said. “If I can’t instill good habits for myself, how would I ever lead an ensemble or section? Leadership isn’t just a role, it is a mindset and a lifestyle.”

That perspective shows maturity and purpose. It also reflects what the marching arts often teach: discipline, consistency, teamwork, and responsibility.

Jawaun McGill - Photo provided by Jawaun

Role Models and Influences

When it comes to role models, Jawuan looks first to his dad.

“For everything, I always look up to my dad,” McGill said. “The more I’ve grown with him, the more I see the lessons he’s learned in his life that he is constantly preaching to my sister and I.”

His dad has played a major role in his growth, not just musically, but personally. “He’s helped me develop into who I am today as a musician, but more importantly as a human being,” McGill said.

Jawuan also draws inspiration from people within the marching arts, including Christian Elliot, who recently aged out with Atlanta Quest, Aiden Eames, and several educators who have helped shape his mindset and playing. “Micah Strauss has influenced me a ton in my development as a marching snare drummer,” McGill said.

Awards and Achievements

Jawuan’s work has led to several major accomplishments throughout his high school career.

He performed in the Eastern District Honor Band, including both concert band and jazz band, from 2021 to 2026. He also earned a spot in the All-State Orchestra as the second chair percussionist and performed for the Discovery Awards in 2024.

Those achievements reflect his versatility as a musician. From marching snare to drumset, percussion ensemble, concert band, jazz band, and drum corps, McGill has continued to push himself across multiple performance settings.

Why Marching Arts Matter

For Jawuan, marching band and drum corps have helped him discover how much he can endure and how focused he can become when chasing a goal. “I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for marching band,” McGill said. “Learning that I am able to endure so much and be so focused on a goal to make it happen is life changing.”

One of the biggest lessons he has learned is that performers may chase perfection, even if they never fully reach it. “Marching arts taught me a lot of things,” McGill said. “But one thing is that we always strive for perfection but will never reach it. But as long as we are fighting for perfection, we will always get better somehow.”

That pursuit is part of what makes the marching arts powerful. It is not just about a score, a placement, or a single performance. It is about growth.

Taking Time to Breathe

One of the biggest life lessons McGill has learned is the importance of slowing down enough to appreciate the moment. “I’ve learned many things about myself as a person,” McGill said. “One thing that I love is finding time to take it all in. Life moves so fast.”

For performers, especially those who experience intense rehearsal schedules and tour life, time can move differently. Long days can feel endless, then suddenly the season is over. “Being on a four-week tour can feel like forever until you realize you’re already back home,” McGill said. “Take time to breathe, reflect, and enjoy the time you have whenever you can.”

Looking Toward the Future

Jawuan’s future goals are clear. He wants to continue performing at the highest level he can reach. “One day in the hopeful future, I will be marching world class drum corps,” McGill said.

Beyond performing, he also hopes to eventually give back through teaching and sharing the knowledge he has gained. “Performing as much as possible, then later down the line sharing my knowledge in teaching,” McGill said.

Passion in Every Rep

When asked to describe his performance style in one word or feeling, Jawuan chose passionate.

“I love what I do,” McGill said. “And I’m going to always commit to making it happen to the best of my abilities.”

That passion is visible in his story. It shows in the way he talks about music, leadership, performance, family, and the pursuit of excellence.

Quick Hits

Name: Jawuan McGill
School: Muskogee High School - Muskogee, Oklahoma
Hometown: Muskogee, Oklahoma
Performance Group: Zephyrus Drum and Bugle Corps
Graduation Year: 2026
Height/Weight: 5’7”, 202 pounds
Instrument/Role: Marching Snare
Position: Center Snare / Section Leader
High School Ensembles: Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band
Zephyrus Experience: Bass Drum in 2024, Center Snare in 2025, returning for another season
Awards/Achievements: Eastern District Honor Band, All-State Orchestra second chair percussionist, Discovery Awards performer
Favorite Food: Italian food, especially shrimp Alfredo
Performance Style: Passionate
Instagram: @mikej.323

Final Word

Jawuan McGill’s marching arts journey is a story of growth, discipline, leadership, and passion. From Muskogee High School to Zephyrus Drum and Bugle Corps, he has embraced the physical and mental demands of the activity while continuing to grow as a musician and person.

As he finishes his senior year and looks ahead to the future, Jawuan is focused on performing at the highest level, continuing his pursuit of excellence, and one day sharing what he has learned with the next generation of performers.

For anyone who loves the marching band, drum and bugle corps and percussion, Jawuan’s story is a reminder of why this activity matters: the work is hard, the days are long, the standard is high — but the growth lasts far beyond the final note.

Stats graphic by Alonzo Adams Media and photos provided by Jawaun for this story.