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Photo courtesy of David Campbell/Alabama State University
On January 1, 2019, the Alabama State University (ASU) Mighty Marching Hornets will be one of 21 marching bands in the Rose Parade.
By Miles Kealing
ASU is a Historically Black University; this will be ASU’s first appearance in the parade. The 200 members of the band include drum majors, musicians, the Ladies of Distinction Flag Corps, the Stingettes dance line and the Honey Beez plus-size dance line. The ASU Mighty Marching Hornets is a nationally renowned college marching band. Its members put in long hours practicing for their performances at football games, marching band competitions, appearances in motion pictures and other activities while managing their college studies and achieving their educational goals.
The theme for the 130th Rose Parade is “The Melody of Life.” One of the five Drum Majors of the Mighty Marching Hornets will be ASU senior and Pasadena native Robert Esaias Jones, Jr. (Pasadena High School (PHS) Class of 2014).
Robert’s passion for music began in the Children’s Choir at New Guiding Light Missionary Baptist Church in Pasadena. Robert attended Noyes Elementary School and Norma Coombs Middle School, but his musical talent took flight at Pasadena High School. While attending PHS, Robert took every music class offered; he plays all of the percussion instruments, most of brass instruments, piano and guitar. He was named the “Best Dressed Marcher” in the Pasadena High School Marching Band in 2013. In 2014 he won the Gerald Freeny Scholarship in 2014—an award named for Gerald Freeny, the 2019 President of the Tournament of Roses.
Robert’s talent and hard work drew the attention of Alabama State University’s Marching Band Director, Dr. James B. Oliver. When I asked Robert why he chose to attend Alabama State University, he stated that he felt too familiar with the Los Angeles and Pasadena areas and wanted to explore other possibilities. Alabama was far, but not too far, and he would be able to work toward his ambition of being a musical director so that he could provide people with more opportunities through musical expression. He also stated that a major attraction was Mr. Oliver’s interest in him as a musician, including a coming to Pasadena for Robert’s audition. Robert received the Alabama State University Marching Band Scholarship and the Alabama State University Music Scholarship, cementing his decision to move across the country to begin his college education and career. In 2016, Robert earned a spot as a Might Marching Hornets Drum Major.
Robert E. Jones, Jr. (Photo – David Campbell/Alabama State University)
What’s my interest in Robert E. Jones, Jr.? Well his parents are my godparents: Robert is my godbrother, and I have known him my entire life. He has always been an inspiration to me and to my younger brother. Whenever we went to his house, Robert would try to engage us with musical instruments and talk about the importance of education, volunteering and being a part of something bigger. He told me, “Take everything you love, put in the practice, keep it going, and never stop if you love it!” Although music is not my vibe, I am gaining a greater understanding of the meaning of Robert’s words as I head into higher education.
On January 1, 2019, I will be sitting somewhere along Colorado Boulevard with my family watching the Rose Parade. I will see Robert E. Jones Jr, Drum Major, musician, college student, Pasadena native and my godbrother leading the Alabama State University Mighty Hornet Marching Band, and I will feel a strong sense of pride.
All things you put your mind to can be achieved if you remain humble. Never doubt what you can achieve because you don’t know if it’s possible until you try.
~ Robert Esaias Jones, Jr.
Miles Kealing, a senior at Marshall Fundamental School, is the Associated Student Body Vice President, an AP Scholar with Distinction, and a 2018 Boys State Delegate. He is a member of the Altadena Baptist Church and lives with his family in Altadena, California.
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