LA PLATA, Md.—On Jan. 4, North Point High School’s Tony Teleky plans to march to the beat of the 2014 Army All-American Marching Band.
Drum roll please. Teleky is one of 125 top high school musicians playing during halftime at the Army All-American Bowl game at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, TX. During a Selection Tour assembly on Oct. 24 at North Point, Army representatives said Teleky is the best of the best, selected from more than 1,300 nominees from 47 states and the only All-American from Maryland.
Teleky, a percussionist, is one of five snare drummers chosen for the band. While accepting the honor, the 18-year-old senior entertained the crowded North Point auditorium with a solo snare performance dedicated to his grandmother, Betty Teleky, who was sitting in the front row.
“This is really a culmination of the musical percussion that I have done since I started drumming. I have had the support of my family and teachers through school and life, and I am very thankful for all the people who support me and the opportunities I have been given,” Teleky said.
Teleky started playing the drums in sixth grade and has had a number of opportunities beyond North Point. He is an honors band participant, and this year he will march for the third time in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.
Teleky was selected for the Army All-American Marching Band through an application process judged by the National Association for Music Education, All-American Games and Drum Corps International. He submitted his application, which included a video demonstrating his drumming and public speaking skills as well as an explanation of why he wanted to be part of the band. He learned the Army had selected him a few months ago, but was not able to go public until the Selection Tour announcement.
During the assembly, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Chris Whitfield said the Army’s marching band “provides young Americans with training, discipline and experience that makes them mentally, emotionally and physically strong. It takes a special person to be a soldier just like it takes a special person to be a band member in the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band.”
Source: Charles County Public Schools