Alumni Spotlight: Meet the First Female Drum Major of Spirit of Atlanta, Natasha (Johnson) Jones - Drum Major 1989-1992
Natasha (Johnson) Jones on the podium in 1990
In the world of drum corps, where precision, discipline, and musical excellence reign supreme, one remarkable individual shattered stereotypes and broke through barriers to make history. Today, we shine our Alumni Spotlight on a trailblazer who became the first female drum major of Spirit of Atlanta, leaving an indelible mark on the world of marching arts and on Spirit.
For Natasha (Johnson) Jones, joining Spirit of Atlanta was a turning point that boosted her self-assurance tremendously. As a reserved 18-year-old, she was entrusted with not only a leadership position but the coveted Drum Major position. This experience left her with an unshakeable belief that she could overcome any challenges in college and beyond. It taught her the importance of dedication and pushing her limits to achieve what she once thought was beyond her reach. She greatly admires those who took a chance on a flute player, like Freddy Martin and other staff, to name her the first female drum major for Spirit of Atlanta Drum & Bugle Corps.
Following her time with Spirit of Atlanta, Natasha embarked on a wonderful journey, beginning with the attainment of a music education degree from Appalachian State University. After being a band director for a few years, she made a career transition to pursue her passion as an emergency veterinarian once she earned her Doctorate from the University of Georgia. Along the way, she got married and then gave birth to her wonderful daughter who shares her love of softball, and playing French horn, a mirror image to Natasha in many ways. Natasha is a proud alum who enjoys watching her alma mater play college football and she has a deep passion for traveling. She actively participates in humanitarian missions, which have taken her to places like Puerto Rico and Fiji to provide spaying and neutering services for animals in need. Her ultimate goal is to retire abroad on a beachfront property.
Natasha stepped away from the activity for a long period, but her heart always remained with Baby Blue. She is absolutely thrilled to now be involved with the alumni corps, reuniting with many she marched alongside and getting the chance to meet the "legends" who preceded and succeeded her. Natasha takes immense pride in the direction of the corps and hopes to see the continued growth of the organization while encouraging others to come “home” as well.
If Natasha could get the current and future members of Spirit of Atlanta to lean into one thing, she believes it would be: This organization stands apart. It goes beyond being just a drum corps; it's a cherished home for many. The ups and downs of competition may come and go within the activity, but the enduring friendships and connections you forge upon returning to Spirit of Atlanta will endure indefinitely. From lifelong partnerships to lasting friendships and valuable professional networks, Spirit will always be a part of your journey. You can make this your forever home. Everything else will naturally fall into place if you put in the effort and approach, it with a humble, eager heart for learning.
Thank you, Natasha, for paving the way for Carol Lively, Mia Harris, Ester Chapman Richardson, Emily Gwinn, Christina Rogers, Lauren Lingerfelt Roszell, Jenetta Sawyer, Jacqie Rotch, Kelsey Young, Chelsea Kucejko, Bailey Burks, Gretchen Casel, Elisabeth Miranda, Alex Vanderwolf, Morgan Nash, Peyton Brillhart, and every future female drum major Spirit of Atlanta will have.
Accomplishments & Recognitions earned:
Most talented: 1989 Wheeler High School
Spirit Camp: Most talented Drum Major 1989
Drum Major 1987-1989 Wheeler High School
Spirit Of Atlanta First Female Drum Major 1989-1992
Drum Major 1990-1992 North Carolina's Band of Distinction Appalachian State Marching Mountaineers
SIgma Alpha Iota Sister at large
Bachelor of Music Appalachian State University
Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine 2007: University of Georgia
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