Rory Slikker might just be the incarnation of John Philip Sousa. With baton in hand, feet pounding to the thundering rhythms of the drumline, Slikker is feeding his passion for music—a passion just as demanding as hurdles or tossing a pigskin.
When Slikker isn’t giving marching orders to the band, he plays the trombone and is an all-around percussionist. In the percussion field, he plays auxiliary instruments (the xylophones and bells) and pit instruments: the tenors (the drum piece with four drums) and the bass drum. Slikker has been performing for seven years with different bands: the Lompoc Valley Junior High School band, Lompoc High School band, and the Santa Ana Winds of Orange County.
As a drum major, though, he’s been quite the “thunderer.” While at drum major camp, he received the All-American award, which included recognition in front of his peers, a ribbon and a patch, and an invitation to be a part of the London New Year’s Day parade.
“It was a great honor,” Slikker said. “I’m ecstatic to leave Lompoc.”
The invitation didn’t necessarily need to be given out, since last year, only one person was awarded at the camp. This year, however, he was one of seven to win the coveted prize. In the entire United States, only 30 to 50 people are invited to the event.
While in London, he’ll spend two days sightseeing, and on the third and fourth days, he’ll be practicing for the parade. He might even see an English icon there.
“When my director went to the parade, the Queen was present,” Slikker said.
However impressive the honor, Slikker is facing an obstacle: the cost. In order to attend the parade, he needs $2,770 for the trip—and that’s not including spending money. Since the price tag is rather high, Slikker can’t pay for the trip on his own, so he’s holding fundraisers.
One fundraiser, a car wash, will be held on Aug. 29 at the corner of H Street and North Avenue in Lompoc. Pre-sale tickets cost $5 at Whistle Stop in Lompoc (805 W. Laurel Ave.) or from Darlene Slikker (944-8752). Want to keep up with Rory? Visit “Rory Slikker Drum Major Fundraiser” on Facebook.
This article appears in Aug 26 – Sep 2, 2010.