Penn State’s new drum major, Justin Senzer, did not have a linear path to one of the most exclusive honors the school offers. In fact, for the Marietta, Georgia, native, nearly a 12-hour drive from State College, it almost didn’t happen at all.

Senzers’ musical journey started in sixth grade when he was assigned an instrument to “specialize” in. Though he was given the Trombone at first, that reality didn’t last long.   

“I went home crying,” said Senzer. “My dad played trumpet his whole life, and I wanted to be like him.”

Senzer’s dad, a Penn State alumnus, had always been an important musical influence in his life. In order to keep it that way, Senzer knew he had to follow in his footsteps. The next day, he went back to his band teacher, switched instruments, and never looked back.

For the next couple of years, the concert band troupe was where Senzer thrived. It wasn’t until his senior year at Sprayberry High School that he finally decided to join the marching band.

“My brother did it all four years, and it took him three years to convince me. At first, I was hesitant, a bit stubborn, but then something just clicked, and I thought, I’m going to regret not doing this,” said Senzer.

That one decision ended up shaping everything that followed for the new drum major. That included attending Penn State, which he initially regretted.

“I kind of hated the first month or two,” he admitted. “Out-of-state and far from home, it was just hard to meet people since most students seemed to be from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or nearby. It just felt a bit isolating.”

However, that discomfort became part of the process.

“It forced me to depend on myself and put myself in uncomfortable situations,” said Senzer. “That’s where you grow.”

At the time, Blue Band wasn’t in the picture yet. As a freshman in Navy ROTC and an economics major, his schedule was jam-packed with training or homework, leaving no room for band camp or rehearsals.

Yet, he wasn’t ready to give up his musical aspirations completely. Senzer decided to apply for the trumpet section of the Blue Band right before summer break freshman year.

With the deadline approaching, Senzer grabbed his trumpet, found a practice room on campus, and recorded his audition on the spot.

“It wasn’t perfect by all means since I hadn’t played in a while, but at least it was done,” exclaimed Senzer.

A few days later, he got an email stating he was accepted. That made sophomore year his turning point.

The first time Senzer stepped onto Beaver Stadium’s field as part of the Blue Band, it felt like an out-of-body experience.

“Hearing the roaring crowd and just looking up at thousands of people from the field was just a completely different experience and so much fun,” he said.

But somewhere between rehearsals and performances, something else caught Senzer’s attention: drum major. Not just the uniforms or front flips, but the overall responsibility and presence.

“The way people were drawn to the role, I just remember thinking that’s something I want to do,” he said with a smile. There was just one small problem. “I didn’t know how to do any of it.”

So, during his junior year, Senzer started the training process from scratch. With the help of a ROTC friend who had a background in gymnastics, he began learning the basics of flips.

At first, it was slow and required lots of repetition. However, over time, Senzer built his confidence and was landing them each time.

“It was kind of scary at first, but once you understand it, you realize you’ll be okay,” he said. “Then, from there, it became about consistency and believing in yourself.”

Now, in his senior year, Senzer is stepping into one of the most visible roles within the Blue Band, while balancing ROTC, his academics, and everything else that comes with student life.

“It’s a demanding schedule, but after my experimental sophomore year, I’ve learned how to use my time right and now just embrace it. Actually, I really like the long days; you feel accomplished,” said Senzer.

When it comes to his leadership style, Senzer says it’s all about energy and showing up no matter what.

“Even if I’m having a bad day, I have to bring it; people are looking at you. I think that mindset comes from all my experiences, like ROTC, sports growing up, and past coaches and mentors. I’ve learned a lot,” he said.

To Senzer, the meaning behind some of the bands’ most historic traditions matters just as much as, or more than, each performance itself.

“I’m not going to be a carbon copy of anyone,” he said. “I just want to bring what I have to the table and excite our fans.”

As for what he hopes to leave behind: It’s not about records or recognition, but about being a positive mentor to others.

“If I can be a positive influence in someone’s life,” he said, “that’s enough.”