PATRICK'S PEOPLE: Dalton Williams takes pride in his drum major role

For Dalton Williams, music touches every aspect of life, including sports.

The Pittsburg State University music major will be in his second year as a drum major with the Pride of the Plains Marching Band, which performs in parades and at football games, and he’s proud of the role the band plays in Gorilla victories.

“The duties of a drum major include leadership within the band,” Williams said.  “We keep the band engaged, which keeps the team engaged, which keeps the crowd engaged. We facilitate the entire stadium.”

He explained that the music played by the band is carefully selected to appeal to those of the college generation.

“We play music they can know and recognize,” Williams said. “Having music at a game makes a huge impact. The football team has said how much they appreciate having us there. It makes them drive to a a higher standard.”

Originally from Austin, Texas, Williams said that music has always been part of his life.

“My father, Bruce Williams, is a professional musician who plays viola with the Austin Symphony and several ensembles,” he said.

It was through his father that he eventually found his way to PSU. His father knew Todd Hastings, a member of the PSU music faculty, and his family.

"They introduced me to Todd at the Victoria Bach Festival in Victoria, Texas,” Williams said. “He encouraged me to explore the PSU music department.”

He did, and liked what he found.

“I enrolled and immediately and began getting involved with the music department as much as I could,” he said.
His primary instrument is the trumpet, which he has played in the  marching band, PSU Wind Ensemble, PSU Jazz Band and the Southeast Kansas Symphony.

“I’ve also gotten into singing some with the PSU choirs,” Williams said. “I’m a definite bass. I’m also doing some light amateur piano playing.”

Last year he was elected president of Beta Delta Chapter, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

“This is a social organization for those trying to advance the cause of music, to use music as a tool for uplifting students,” Williams said. “Our membership is growing steadily.”

He said that the organization recently had a fundraising car smash.

“We got an old car, removed all the glass and fluids, and invited students to smash the car with tools we  provided,” he said. “We’re donating $500 from this for the new PSU art center.”

He has also done some performing in the community.

“The Trumpet Ensemble has been to perform at several churches, not for pay,” he said.

Williams also played “Taps” at Memorial Day services Monday at the Avenue of Flags in Highland Park Cemetery.

The upcoming year will be his fifth and last at PSU. A performance major, he’s now researching opportunities for graduate study and hopes to get professional playing jobs in the future.

Williams feels that his time at PSU has been very well spent and he’s glad he made the choice to come to Pittsburg.

"The music faculty here is deeply concerned with the welfare of the students in their charge,” he said. “They want to give us as much as they are able. They want to see us succeed.”