Beat Q&A
Corbin Blum smiles and gives a thumbs-up Sept. 21, 2025, at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music in Athens, Ga. Blum plays in the UGA Redcoat Marching Band, which performs at football games and campus events. (Photo/Olivia Roth)
Corbin Blum, a third-year health promotion major at the University of Georgia, is a mellophone player in the Redcoat Marching Band. He also serves on the executive board as an experience captain.
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Q: How did you first get involved in music?
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A: My sister was in band before me, and I got to watch her go through it. My school didn’t have many sports, so I joined band in middle school. I had a really good teacher and met a lot of my friends through it, so it stuck. My sister marched in high school, and I decided to try too. By senior year, I auditioned for the Redcoats.
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Q: What is the audition process like for the Redcoats?
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A: For me, it was a playing and marching portion. I had to submit two passages, one lyrical and one technical, play five scales, and then march simple sequences while playing a sustained note. It’s not just about playing well, but also showing you can handle the marching part.
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Q: What instrument do you play?
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A: I play the mellophone. The only way to describe it is like a big trumpet. In the stands, we have the second-smallest bell diameter, so it's bigger than the trumpets but smaller than the baritones and tubas. I started on French horn in middle and high school, but you can't march with it because the bells point backward. The mellophone is the marching version, so horn players usually switch to the mellophone.
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Q: What does your role as an experience captain involve?
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A: There are two of us, and we’re in charge of the overall Redcoats experience. I plan themes, help with the semi-show, coordinate events like our Florida trip, and write the weekly newsletter. It’s making sure band members enjoy their time while also keeping traditions strong.
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Q: What does a typical game day look like for you?
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A: Call time is seven hours before kickoff. We rehearse pregame and halftime, then load buses to campus. Before games, smaller groups do exhibitions, pep shows, and Dawg Walk. Once in the stadium, it’s hours of playing and cheering. The staff takes care of us with food and water, so even though it’s a long day, it’s exciting from start to finish.
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Q: What is your favorite Redcoat memory so far?
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A: My first game stands out. We were waiting under the stadium, and when we ran out, Sanford Stadium went from nearly empty to 93,000 people watching. That was surreal. Another favorite was the Tennessee game this season. It had the craziest energy and felt like a playoff atmosphere.
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Q: What lessons have you learned from being a Redcoat?
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A: The biggest one is that the people you march with become like family. Our alumni network is strong, and current members really support each other. My roommates are all in the Redcoat Marching Band, and my section hangs out outside of band. That sense of community is something I’ll carry with me after college.
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Q: Do you see music continuing to play a role in your life after UGA?
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A: Definitely. I don’t know in what capacity, but there’s always the alumni band or opportunities to play at community events. I can see myself coming back to perform and staying connected through Redcoat alumni.
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Comments trimmed for length and clarity.
Why I Wrote the Story
I wrote this Q&A with Corbin Blum because I wanted to understand what drives someone who is so deeply involved in the Redcoat Band. Talking with him reminded me how easy it is for people to open up when they care about something. His enthusiasm made the interview feel more like a conversation, and it showed me that passion can turn even simple questions into meaningful stories. This piece gave me a chance to step back, listen, and let his voice guide the narrative. My goal was to share that energy with readers and highlight the pride and dedication that Redcoats brings out in its members.