JTC 25: Drum Major With a Mission

Paola “Sofia” Euyoque auditioned for only one university music program — Ole Miss just felt like home to the Philadelphia native. Experiencing a Pride of the South show and a Rebels football game solidified her plan to attend the University of Mississippi.

Euyoque has been in band since her sixth-grade year at Neshoba Central High School. She chose clarinet, inspired by a cousin who played. It's a journey that recently took her to the Gator Bowl in Florida, where she led the Ole Miss marching band in its pregame show.

Her first opportunity to be a drum major came in eighth grade in the middle school band. She learned to conduct by watching YouTube and following her instincts, polishing her skills at an Itawamba Community College band conducting class, later shaping her musical teachings in advanced conducting under Tim Oliver, director of bands and wind ensemble conductor.

While performing with the UM Wind Ensemble, Euyoque had an opportunity to share the stage with one of her role models, jazz clarinetist Doreen Ketchens, during the 2023 Spring Wind Ensemble Concert.

"I was ecstatic ... my middle school self was smiling so big,” Euyoque said. “It was so inspiring to see a woman of color doing what she loves on that Ford stage.

"Even though it is growing, there is little representation in the band world that looks like me. I want to be that representation for my students.”

A self-described small-town girl, Euyoque wanted to stay close to home for college. Because her parents never had the chance to attend college, they were determined to give both of their daughters that opportunity, although Euyoque didn’t want to burden them with the cost.

Thanks to her hard work in high school, she was the recipient of many scholarships, including the Lucky Day Scholars Program, which provided support, resources and assistance at Ole Miss.

“Sofia has been a leader in the clarinet studio almost from the moment she arrived at Ole Miss,” said Michael Rowlett, associate professor of music and instructor of clarinet. “She has grown into a sensitive musician, diligently and persistently addressing issues in her playing as she conquered musical and technical challenges.

“Most of all, her positive attitude, her willingness to accept a challenge and her sincere desire to help others have been an inspiration to her colleagues. She has truly been a joy to work with, an outstanding member of our program.”

Oliver echoed that sentiment.

“Sofia was an outstanding member of the University of Mississippi Wind Ensemble for multiple semesters,” he said. “She repeatedly demonstrated increasing musical proficiencies and professional preparation, both of which will serve her well as she embarks on the next steps of her professional journey. She was a great collaborator in our ensemble.”

Being a drum major for Pride of the South was a dream come true, she said. During her senior year, Euyoque led a few of the marching band performances, including the Gator Bowl pregame and halftime performances for Homecoming and Military Appreciation Day, a show she is particularly proud of, as her sister is a member of the Air Force Reserve. 

“It has been such an honor to have Sofia as part of our band program over the last few years,” said Randy Dale, director of athletic bands. “She is a strong leader and an incredible musician. As one of the Pride of the South drum majors in the fall of 2024, Sofia was such a great example to the other band members, and she was very well respected.

“She has done great things here at Ole Miss, and she will continue that trajectory in the next phase of her life.”

While being a drum major was a lifelong dream, being a band director has always been the end goal; she is set to graduate in May with a degree in music education. Euyoque’s heart is in public education. She wants to give back to her home state through music education, teaching middle school through high school.

During her student teacher placement in Lewisburg, Euyoque found role models and mentors who shaped her teaching philosophy. However, despite feeling prepared to begin her teaching career, Euyoque has other plans for her immediate future.

“College has prepared me enough to teach next year, but I want to attend graduate school at Ole Miss,” she said. “It doesn't feel like my time is up here.”

Top: Paola 'Sofia' Euyoque, drum major for the Pride of the South marching band and first-generation college student, will graduate in May with a music education degree before pursuing graduate studies at Ole Miss. Submitted photo

See more photos from Sofia Euyoque's Journey to Commencement