According to the National Association for Music Education, only 125 students around the nation earn the honor of taking part in the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band (USAAAMB), and this year, senior Corey Mohar is excited to be one of those gifted band members.

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“I was ecstatic. It was an awesome feeling,” Mohar said of hearing the news. “I was bouncing off the walls.”

Automatically drawn to the drums out of all other musical instruments, Mohar has played them since fourth grade.

“They seemed like the coolest one I could choose from,” Mohar recalled.

Mohar, along with 124 other senior marching musicians, will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to San Antonio, Texas. There, they will march in the halftime performance for the All-American Bowl at the Alamodome. Band members will work with elite directors and staff from esteemed band programs across the country.

Fellow senior and band member Shane Bookhultz thinks this event is a wonderful way to reward young musicians.

“It shows how dedicated they are,” Bookhultz said.

Mohar is most thrilled to work with other musicians, all around the same skill level as he is.

“[I’m excited] to be able to play drums with guys just like me,” Mohar said.

How can someone achieve such a high honor? Mohar chalks it up to plenty of practice, but also others’ assistance.

“Since I started high school, my instructors have honed my drumming ability,” Mohar explained. “And my friends have supported me since day one.”

Mohar also appreciates all his family’s encouragement, and all the times they have driven him to and from practice.

Bookhultz believes the honor is a result of Mohar’s own persistence.

“He’s a great percussion player, and he works hard at everything he does,” Bookhultz explained.

Although Mohar sees music in his future, he does not plan on making it a career.

“I do want to continue playing in marching bands and stay[ing] involved in any music programs they have in college,” said Mohar.

Mohar will perform with the USAAAMB on January 5. He has the school’s best wishes and congratulations.