Two Harris County grads will add joy to Clean Old-Fashioned Hate UGA-Georgia Tech game
The rivalry between their college football teams is Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate — but only joy gushed between University of Georgia senior Hannah Marston and Georgia Tech junior Kaleigh Griswell as they reunited Sunday on the 50-yard line at their alma mater, Harris County High School (HCHS).
The Georgia Bulldog and Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket posed for photos with Harris County band director Miranda Carlsen to celebrate this achievement: simultaneously being drum majors in the state’s top two public universities’ marching bands.
They are the first HCHS band alumni to rise to the rank of drum major at UGA and Georgia Tech. They are also two of 18 HCHS band alumni now playing in college bands, Carlsen told the Ledger-Enquirer.
“It is super cool,” she said.
Griswell, entering her second season as one of Georgia Tech’s four drum majors, knew Marston would try out for one of the four drum major positions at UGA because Marston asked her to help prepare for the audition.
On Instagram, Griswell saw the announcement listing this year’s UGA drum majors.
“I was like, ‘Oh, my Lord! Hannah!’ I immediately texted her,” said Griswell, 20, majoring in aerospace engineering. “I was so happy.”
Marston, 21, majoring in music and entertainment/media studies, was on the phone with her mom as she received an email announcing the Redcoat Marching Band’s student leaders.
“I was completely shocked,” she said. “… Coming from a super small band to this really big band, and especially rising to the top, I never would have expected that.”
The drum major commands the band during rehearsals and performances. UGA’s band has approximately 400 members, Tech’s has about 300 members and Harris County’s has roughly 100.
“We practice from six to nine hours per week for a 10-minute show,” Griswell said. “That’s a lot of artistry people don’t see.”
During the photo session, Carlsen gave Marston and Griswell a metal washer to wear on a chain as a token representing the circle of unity among HCHS band members and alumni.
Carlsen described Marston and Griswell as excellent musicians, well-respected by their peers.
Griswell, a flutist, became the youngest drum major — and the first from the color guard — that Carlsen has had in her 15 years directing the HCHS band.
“She’s a whole force,” Carlsen said. “She reorganized my library one day. She put a lot of procedures in place. … Incredibly driven. Seeks feedback. Team player.”
Marston, a clarinetist, marched on the HCHS drum line. She was “always fully prepared, initiative driven,” Carlsen said. “She was a team player, but she also was very strong independently, and she really loved her drum line family.”
Griswell explained Carlsen’s impact.
“The leadership skills I learned through her are things I’ve been able to apply in aerospace engineering, in Miss Georgia competition (where she finished in the top 15 this year) and other things I do,” she said. “They’re life skills. That’s why arts programs like band are so important.”
Carlsen is “there for everybody,” Marston said. “She’s a great leader. She’s an amazing role model.”
This year’s edition of the Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate rivalry will be played Nov. 26 at UGA.
Thinking ahead to watching each other perform during halftime, Griswell said, “It’s going to be so fulfilling. … It’s really validating to see the talent that exists in Harris County being able to go to that level. Harris County gave me so many opportunities that I’m so grateful to have.”
Marston said, “It’s going to be really special. For a moment, it’s going to feel like just two Harris County students in Sanford Stadium.”
This story was originally published August 30, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
