photo: 2023 PCHS Graduate Zach Eggleton is USC's new Drum Major! Photos show Zach in Trojan Armor, with the featured twirler & trombone section, alongside the former drum major Samuel Perez III (left) and USC's Band Director Dr. Jacob Vogel (right), and just minutes after finding out he was awarded the position.
Crowds will be cheering at University of Southern California’s football games this fall, and leading the marching band onto the field will be Park City’s own Zach Eggleton. A 2023 graduate of Park City High School, Zach is now heading into his junior year at USC, where he’s pursuing a double major in Molecular Biology and Environmental Studies – and has taken on one of the most iconic student roles in college athletics: Drum Major of the Trojan Marching Band. Voted into the position by his peers, each game day, wearing full Trojan armor, he leads the band onto the field, performs the legendary sword routine, and brings energy and spirit to die-hard Trojan fans!
We recently caught up with Zach to learn how his educational journey in Park City helped shape his interest in science and music, and hear about his unique new role at USC. While Zach’s academic path – a very challenging double major – speaks to his drive and curiosity, the role as drum major highlights his college experience, leadership, and responsibility. We asked him to provide some insight into each, including what sparked his interest.
A Double Major: Molecular Biology & Environmental Studies
Zach’s passion for science began in Park City classrooms. “I was drawn to biology because of a class I took in high school. I had Biology in my sophomore year, and then I took AP Biology the next year,” he said. “My teacher, Mr. Mulick, made the material so engaging, he had great drawings and just made learning fun. But what really sealed the deal was Mrs. Purzycki’s Biotechnology class. That class is what made me want to pursue the research side of biology, and it's what eventually led me to my current lab at USC through the CURE (Cancer Undergraduate Research Experience) program.” CURE focuses on the early detection of different cancers, with a few students working on each one. Zach is working on multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
“When I first started college, I was really interested in genetics and as I dove deeper into my classes I became interested in disease research, which led me to cancer biology. I love working in the lab,” he shared. “Being on the front lines of research, trying to figure things out is what excites me the most. I’m especially fascinated by molecular biology because it looks at how life works at the cellular level. And, at the end of the day, I just want to do something that matters, something with real, tangible impact on people.”
As for the Environmental Studies major, Swaner Nature Preserve influenced his love for nature and the environment. “I worked there as a summer camp counselor for five years, and it really shaped who I am and how I think about leadership and the natural world. With climate change and the state of the environment reaching critical points, it’s a field that’s only going to grow,” Zach said. While he’s not planning to pursue the environmental field as a profession, he didn’t want to limit himself to just one area of expertise. “Honestly, growing up in the mountains, it’s hard not to appreciate nature especially after moving to a city like L.A.”
Zach’s academic path, which is focused on research and discovery, is a sharp contrast from the spotlight of the USC Drum Major, leading one of the most recognizable college marching bands in the country. And, one that brings a different kind of challenge and reward according to Zach.
Drum Major of the Trojan Marching Band
Zach said people are often confused of what a drum major is so thought it was worth explaining, “Simply put, a drum major is the leader of the marching band. Some bands have multiple drum majors or assistant drum majors, but at USC, there’s only one, so that makes it even more of an honor. My role has two main parts: the part the band sees and the part the outside world sees. Most people will see me lead the band onto the field and perform the iconic sword routine before stabbing the field. After that, I conduct the band through our Fanfare. From the outside, it’s very much a performance-based role. I’m one of the faces of the band and, in some ways, the school. But behind the scenes, there’s a lot of work that goes into keeping this band running and constantly trying to improve it for everyone. In a way, I view this second part of my role as a bridge between the student leaders and the adult staff, a way to support and serve my peers.”
He said growth isn’t possible without getting uncomfortable, and the audition was nerve-wracking at first. “For me, auditioning for Drum Major was a huge leap out of my comfort zone, and it still is. I had to go through training I had never done before and perform in front of the entire band consisting of around 370 people. This fall, I’ll be performing in front of tens of thousands of people. These past few months, it’s been really difficult to fully comprehend what an incredible honor it is. To me, this role is about commitment, service, and spirit. That also ties into why I wanted to be in this role in the first place; it’s a major commitment to the band, and more importantly, a commitment to serve its members.”
Zach credits Park City music and theatre programs for inspiring his eventual path with the marching band at USC. “I honestly wouldn’t be Drum Major today if it weren’t for the 6th-grade instrument petting zoo, where I picked up the trombone for the first time and probably played the worst note of my life,” Zach joked. “But just being able to make a sound on it was what got me hooked. I played in the Wind Ensemble, Varsity Jazz Band and the Pep Band in high school.” He credits Mr. Wallis in elementary school for keeping him going and Mr. Taylor for pushing him to be a better player.
“Ms. Hansen helped me a lot with the performative side of being drum major. This role isn’t just musical, it’s theatrical. I have to carry myself with a certain presence, much like a Trojan would, serious, powerful, focused. And as someone who’s fortunately (or unfortunately) a naturally smiley person, that didn’t come naturally. Theater taught me how to control my expressions, how to play a role, and how to command a crowd.”
Zach’s story is a powerful example of why Park City schools shine. The generosity of the community who values and prioritizes education helps equip students to succeed in whatever path they choose. Zach remembers and appreciates so many teachers who helped guide him along the way. His academic drive was inspired in science classrooms prioritizing hands-on, real-world learning, and outside of the classroom in the community. His love of performing grew through years in band and theatre.
PCEF’s mission is to fund educational-powered initiatives that inspire all Park City students to successfully reach their academic and lifelong potential. PCEF donors support real-world learning programs in science, and Classroom Grants for music and theatre. Programs like these provide students with a strong foundation – and often a head start – as they move into college or their next chapter. Park City students continue to show what’s possible when you invest in education.
