the precision of a champion: shaka hawkins

shaka just won a gold medal in military marching band. so fresh!
he's done it all. from east texas to the valley, small schools and big, shaka has seen every side of band life. growing up as a tuba player in east texas, music played a huge role in shaping who he is.

since becoming a band director, shaka has taught both military and corps style on the marching field, stood in front of honor band finalist ensembles, and handled everything in between. we sat down with shaka to hear his take on what makes military band so challenging to teach, the mentors and educators who’ve inspired him, the difference between a pay day and a baby ruth, and his favorite style of band uniforms.

sponsored by:

• ⁠⁠shawn murphy⁠⁠⁠ with fanpledge
• ⁠⁠the band blueprint⁠⁠⁠⁠ (use promo code bandyap5 when you purchase)
• ⁠⁠troubadour consultants⁠⁠⁠⁠

check out our uil pml playlists on ⁠⁠youtube⁠⁠ (all 5 grades available!)

• ⁠uil pml grade 1s⁠
• ⁠uil pml grade 2s⁠
• ⁠uil pml grade 3s⁠
• ⁠uil pml grade 4s⁠
• ⁠uil pml grade 5s ⁠