2008 Officers and Drum Majors
Commanding Officer- John Bowie
John Bowie is an Aerospace Engineering major at UB. After graduation, he hope to work for an aerospace design team. Currently in his third year with the marching band, John is a proud saxophone player. He has been playing for 14 years, and over that time has played soprano, alto, tenor, and bari saxophone. Prior to joining the "Thunder of the East" , John performed with multiple ensembles such as the Longwood High School Marching, Jazz and Concert bands, the Brookhaven Youth Orchestra Jazz Band, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Pep Band and Jazz Ensemble, and the Suffolk Community College Jazz Band. John is proud to continue his service to the "Thunder of the East as their Commanding Officer for the 2008 season, and is looking forward to another great year for the band and our UB Bulls.
Executive Officer and Assistant Drum Major- Eric Rochman
Eric is a native of Huntington New York and graduated from Huntington High School in 2006. During his four years there, he participated in the Blue Devil Marching Band, as well as the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble. He was a member of Trombone section and was the Trombone section leader his senior year for all three ensembles. During his involvement in the Blue Devil Marching Band, they won both a USSBA and a NYSFB championship in 2002 and 2004 respectively. Because of his determination and love of the activity, Eric joined the Syracuse Brigadiers Drum and Bugle Corp in 2004 and completed four seasons with them. Eric will be a Junior this coming Fall and is pursuing a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences with a double Minor in Medical Anthropology and Theatre. He joined the Thunder of the East his freshmen year and was a part of the Trombone Section. The following year, Eric became the assistant Drum Major of the Band as well as Executive Officer. He was reelected as Executive office for the 2008 season as well. Eric is also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi; the National Honorary Band Fraternity and was inducted into the Fraternity with the Pi class in the Spring of 2007. Eric is extremely excited about the 2008 season and looks forward to the 2008 field show. Eric would like to thank his fellow band members for all of their hard work over the past two seasons and would like to congratulate them on the success and growth of the Marching Band. He also would like to extend his welcome to any new incoming band members and looks forward to meeting them in the fall.
Executive Officer- Evonne Cleveland
Evonne Cleveland is a Speech and Hearing major at UB. A native of Camillus, NY, Evonne graduated from West Genesee Senior High School in 2007 where she played clarinet in the West Genesee Wildcat Marching Band. In the four years she marched there it was her privilege to have been awarded three NYSFBC Championships. Evonne also played clarinet, bass clarinet, and contrabass clarinet in the West Genesee Wind Ensemble. Evonne's musical passions include vocal performance and theatre as well. The fall of 2007 was Evonne's first season with the Thunder of the East Marching Band, and she was awarded Freshman of the Year. She currently plays the mellophone in the Blue Noise Pep Band. Being a member of the Thunder of the East Marching Band gave Evonne the most positive, rewarding, and meaningful experience of her college career thus far, and it is her honor to serve as 2008 Executive Officer.
Head Drum Major: Brandon Bryant
Assistant Drum Majors: Eric Rochman, Evonne Cleveland
