JACOB GALL

Class of 2021

CADET / SECTION LEADER / INSTRUCTOR / MENTOR

Cadet Years: Percussion/Snare/Section Leader (2006-2008)

Percussion Staff/Battery Caption Manager (2009-2023)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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HIS CADET STORY:

Jacob Gall first joined The Cadets in 2006 as a member of the snare line under the tutelage of Tom Aungst.  He marched through his age-out year in 2008, when he was appointed section leader of the drumline.  Once aging out, he was asked to join the percussion staff and has been a part of the staff ever since.  Jacob utilizes an introspective review of his teaching skills, always searching for ways to improve, understands and addresses the physical and mental capabilities of his students, and has the ability to translate complex technical concepts into concise, yet thorough, explanations.  He leads by example and holds both students and other staff members accountable to be the very best they can be.

 

After the 2011 season, bringing The Cadets their 10th World Championship, the Corps found themselves facing the 2012 season with a snare line comprised entirely of “rookies”.  None of these members had rehearsed or performed as a Cadet, and none of them had any knowledge of the historic traditions/culture of the Corps.  To no one’s surprise, Jacob embraced these new performers with open arms, simultaneously teaching the technical skills of marching percussion while also mentoring them on core Cadet values and principles.  In these moments, 78 years of Cadet history rested on Jacob’s shoulders, and he selflessly bridged the past to the present, ensuring the continued excellence of Cadet percussion.

 

The fruits of his labor were realized at the final two regional performances of the 2012 season (Atlanta, Allentown) when the percussion section, with this same rookie snare line, won Best Percussion against all other DCI percussion sections, and in 2013 was awarded the 2013 Fred Sanford Best Percussion award.  

 

Jacob faced another crossroads in Cadet history when our Percussion Caption Head (Colin McNutt) left to join another Corps and The Cadets had to endure the 2018 hardships.  Jacob remained with the Corps, with the overwhelming majority of eligible percussion members deciding to return to The Cadets for that summer. 

 

Jacob continues to examine best practices of the marching arts and incorporates a contemporary aesthetic to teaching as he motivates and mentor’s students.    

 

Additional Honors:

Cadet of the Year (2008)

Cadet Staff Member of the Year (2012)

Fred Sanford Best Percussion Award – The Cadets (2013)