Vanderbilt Marching & Athletic Bands

Our next featured leader is Drum Major, Magdalena Turner!
Magdalena is a rising junior at Belmont University studying Honors Audio Engineering Technology with a Live Production emphasis and minors in Mathematics and Studio Art. A 3-year member of the Spirit of Gold, Magdalena was a member of the Alto Saxophone Section and has previously served as Spirit of Gold Vice President, Field Assistant, TBΣ-HΦ Vice President of Membership and TBΣ-HΦ Parliamentarian.

What is Magdalena most excited about this season?
“I am the most excited about serving and leading the band as the drum major this upcoming season. I can't wait to encourage and uplift my peers, and help everyone enjoy band as much as I do, both on a musical and personal level.”

What goals does Magdalena have for this season?
“My goals for the upcoming SOG season are to uplift every single participant, and build a culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and challenged. Everyone has room to grow!”

Favorite thing about the Spirit of Gold?
“My favorite thing about SOG is the camaraderie and friendships that are built. We are all here for the same reason, to make music. When we are able to do that together, there in an inexplainable wonderful feeling that gets created.”

Why did Magdalena join the Spirit of Gold?
“I joined the Spirit of Gold because I wanted to continue doing my favorite high school activity! I was highly involved in the music department and marching band at my high school, and knew that I did not want that to go away when I went to college. Marching band is my favorite activity, and I knew that had to continue. Band has taught me so much, about being both a musician and a person, and that continues to be valuable throughout my collegiate career.”

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Our next featured leader is Tenor Drums Section Leader, Brayden Brewer!
A 3-year member of the Spirit of Gold, Brayden is a rising junior at Belmont University studying Commercial Music Composition and Legal Studies.

What is Brayden most excited about this season?
“I am most excited about meeting new people and making incredible memories.”

What goals does Brayden have for this season?
“My main goal is to work hard and be a good section leader for the new tenors coming in. Outside of that, another goal of mine is to reinforce the culture and community that has been created in the drumline in the past two years.”

Favorite thing about the Spirit of Gold?
“My favorite thing about S.O.G is the memories that I make while in it. Over the past two years so many incredible things have happened, and I've gotten to be a part of all of them. I know I will remember most of them for the rest of my life. Even when the season is challenging it is the knowledge that at the end of the day, I won't regret any of it that makes me love the band. Thus, the memories that I get to make, hold, and look back on are my favorite thing about the Spirit of Gold.”

Why did Brayden join the Spirit of Gold?
“I joined because I wanted to continue band after high school. I loved the idea of being a small part in something greater than myself. S.O.G provided me with an opportunity to be a part of a legacy and the drumline gave me the opportunity to create a community and culture that I am proud of.”

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Our next featured leader is Clarinet Section Leader, Samantha DeLillo!
A 3-year member of the Spirit of Gold, Samantha is a rising junior at Vanderbilt University studying Special Education and Public Policy Studies.

What is Samantha most excited about this season?
“I’m most excited for the new music and shows we’ll share with the Vanderbilt Athletics community this season. Every year, Spirit of Gold puts on so many fun performances, and I can’t wait to find out what we’ll be performing and to learn all of the music and drill together as a band.”

What goals does Samantha have for this season?
“My goals for the upcoming Spirit of Gold season are to help create fun memories for every member and make sure everyone gets the most out of our time together. I want every person in the band to feel celebrated, included, and supported throughout the season. The SOG community is truly so special, and I hope to help create an environment where everyone feels encouraged to fully engage, connect, and enjoy being part of the band!”

Favorite thing about the Spirit of Gold?
“My favorite thing about Spirit of Gold is definitely all of the friendships I’ve made and the memories we share both in and out of band. We spend so much time together in rehearsal, and I love all of the funny stories, inside jokes, and little moments that make the band so special. Even during the off-season, running into band friends around campus somehow always turns into a fun adventure! The people in Spirit of Gold are truly some of the best people you’ll ever meet, and I can’t wait to welcome and get to know all of our new members this season!”

Why did Samantha join the Spirit of Gold?
“I joined Spirit of Gold because I wanted to have an active role in the Vanderbilt Athletics community. Being a member of the band allows me to experience so much more of game day than the typical student, and it has been such a special opportunity. From the behind-the-scenes moments to the travel and school spirit, being part of SOG has given me so many unforgettable memories and experiences!”

Fun Facts / Samantha DeLillo Trivia
• Samantha never marched before coming to Vanderbilt
• As a member of the athletic bands, Samantha has travelled to Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas.
• Samantha is a member of the Spirit of Gold, Anchor of Sound, and Dore Slam!

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Our next featured leader is Trombone Section Leader, Mary Hallgarth!
Mary is a rising junior at Vanderbilt University studying Anthropology as well as Medicine, Health, & Society. A 3-year member of the Spirit of Gold, Mary has served as Trombone Section Leader since 2025.

What is Mary most excited about this season?
“I’m so excited to be back in Vandyville performing for all of Commodore Nation with all of my bestfriends and my perfect section!”

What goals does Mary have for this season?
“My biggest goal is to make this organization as close to a family as we can be- I love them so much and being close makes performing THAT much better!”

Favorite thing about the Spirit of Gold?
“The people. I could not express enough how grateful I am for every voice in this program, we are uniquely ourselves and have so much fun doing it.”

Why did Mary join the Spirit of Gold?
“I love band!!! Being a musician has been so rewarding, and doing band is simply so much fun. SOG really is my home away from home.”

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Our next featured leader is Membership Chair, Ezra Franseth!
Ezra is a rising junior at Vanderbilt University studying Secondary Education & Mathematics. A 3-year member of the Spirit of Gold, Ezra is a member of the Bass Drum Section of the Vanderbilt Drumline.

What is Ezra most excited about this season?
“Spending game days with my friends in FirstBank cheering on the dores!”

Favorite thing about the Spirit of Gold?
“The people. It is such a diverse group of people coming from all different universities and walks of life who just enjoy making music together and want to create a positive atmosphere for the fans.”

Why did Ezra join the Spirit of Gold?
“I did band in high school, didn’t think I was quite done with it after senior year, then rediscovered a passion for music here which has kept me rejoining every year.”

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Our next featured leader is Media Chair, Addison Patrick!
Addison is a rising sophomore at Belmont University. A 2-year member of the Spirit of Gold, Addison is a member of the Clarinet Section and has previously served as Freshman Class Representative.

What is Addison most excited about this season?
“I'm most excited to be back in First Bank and cheering on the Dores with my favorite people!”

What goals does Addison have for this season?
“My goals are to foster community, have fun, and make some AMAZING TikToks!”

Favorite thing about the Spirit of Gold?
“My favorite things about the Spirit of Gold are all the great people I have met here and all the amazing memories we've made together!”

Why did Addison join the Spirit of Gold?
“I joined SOG because I loved marching in high school, and I wanted to find my community here in Nashville!”

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Our next featured leader is Uniform Captain, Anna Roth!
Anna is a rising sophomore at Belmont University studying Fashion Business and Design Leadership. A 2-year member of the Spirit of Gold, Anna is a member of the Mellophone Section.

What is Anna most excited about this season?
“I am SO excited for game days at FirstBank and getting the opportunity to make our band look amazing from head to toe as Uniform Captain! ”

What goals does Anna have for this season?
“To grow! Not only in numbers but in spirit, sound, and passion. Show off just how amazing this organization and school community is for everyone to see and want to be apart of. I want this band to be a group of people that you can look at and tell they are just having the time of their lives.”

Favorite thing about the Spirit of Gold?
“My favorite thing about the Spirit of Gold is the community. The levels of support from staff, leaders, and peers are unbeatable. The lessons not only in music but in life that this band can teach you are so valuable and I am eternally grateful for every member of this organization!”

Why did Anna join the Spirit of Gold?
“I wanted stability in my schedule. Something to always have to look forward to whether it's a game, a practice, or an event. SOG always had consistent times that I got to participate in something I am so passionate about! The amazing friends and historical school seasons were just a bonus!”

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Our next featured leader is Cymbal Section Leader, Ryan Black!
Ryan is a rising junior at Vanderbilt University studying Engineering Science. A 2-year member of the Spirit of Gold, Ryan is a member of the Drumline Section and has previously served as Cymbal Captain in Dore Slam, Secretary for the Vanderbilt Commodore Orchestra, and Head Drum Major for Zephyrus Drum & Bugle Corps.

What is Ryan most excited about this season?
“I am most exhilarated to improve my visual cymbal technique so that I can impart more wisdom upon those members joining me on the Spirit of Gold's cymbal line.”

What goals does Ryan have for this season?
“My primary objectives for the 2026 Spirit of Gold season are to increase the cymbal skill proficiency of those in my section, communicate goals more effectively to my peers, & encourage those that hear the Spirit of Gold to root for Vanderbilt.”

Vanderbilt University ⚓️⬇️

Our next featured leader is Alto Saxophone Section Leader, Annelise Perez!
A 2-year member of the Spirit of Gold, Annelise is a rising sophomore at Belmont University studying Social Entrepreneurship.

What is Annelise most excited about this season?
“Spending time with my section & playing good music!”

What goals does Annelise have for this season?
“I want to improve my own marching and playing skills, and make sure my section feels loved and cared for!”

Favorite thing about the Spirit of Gold?
“The whole band feels like a family, and we get to serve the Nashville community by making games fun and exciting.”

Why did Annelise join the Spirit of Gold?
“I love marching band, and I wanted to challenge myself and improve. I also knew the community would be wonderful.”

Anything else?
“I'm excited to be a leader this year. Please feel free to reach out any time! I am here for you!”

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Our next featured leader is Mellophone Section Leader, Parker Curry!
Parker is a 3-year member of the Spirit of Gold and a rising junior at Vanderbilt University studying Physics and Applied Mathematics. Outside of the athletic bands, Parker previously served as Secretary for the Vanderbilt University Concert Band.

What is Parker most excited about this season?
“I’m super excited for the rivalry game this year against UTK. While I’m not excited to see or*nge on Dudley Field, we beat UTK in Neyland last season. I’m excited for the momentum the ‘Dores will bring into rivalry weekend.”

What goals does Parker have for this season?
“My main goal this season is to set a tone of focus and awareness during band camp. I think we have a lot of opportunity to grow as a section this year and contribute to the sound of the band. Another goal I have for this season is to continue developing the bonds within the mellophone section.”

Favorite thing about the Spirit of Gold?
“My favorite thing about the Spirit of Gold is the opportunity to watch incredible sports while contributing to the game day experience. I’m looking forward to playing a lot of Dynamite this year.”

Why did Parker join the Spirit of Gold?
“As a STEM major, I knew going into Vanderbilt that I would have a packed academic schedule. SOG is the perfect break from the school day. I get to step into FirstBank Stadium every Saturday and cheer on the ‘Dores.”

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