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As a 2006 William Blount High School graduate struts through The University of Tennessee's "Power T" every weekend, he can't believe his luck.

Ben Farr is the "Pride of the Southland" marching band's drum major. He served as William Blount High School's drum major for two years.

Farr was not a die-hard Volunteers fan before attending UT. "UT grew on me in high school," he said. "I certainly had a lot of respect for the band program in high school."

While Farr was vying for the drum major position at William Blount, he sought the help of UT staff members, including Fuller Lyon, who was UT's drum major in '98 and '99.

"This situation is certainly a dream come true," he said. "Things have been going so fast the last couple of weeks, I haven't had the time to sit back and reflect on any of this. I'm just keeping busy and pushing forward. It's all been pretty amazing."

He was in a constant state of amazement during his first public performance as the university's drum major. "All the excitement of the first game was pretty special. There's still a lot of emotion. I'm, of course, still excited, but I'm also nervous and stressed out, because there's a lot running through my mind," said Farr.

"The two coolest parts of the first game was doing the strut in a stadium in front of all those people and when the "T" opened. Drum majors probably get the best seat in the house," said Farr.

The famous strut is both awkward and awe-inspiring, he said. "It definitely is awkward, because it is not something I do everyday," said Farr.

He has found himself captured in the moment. "The (band) director (Dr. Gary Sousa) is a legend in the band world. There's a long history of excellence (at UT), and we've held many traditions over the years. Continuing those traditions is something that drives me -- it's something big that (he is) a part of," said Farr.

He thanks Sousa, Lyon, former William Blount High School band director Rob Clark, Dr. Donald Ryder, Dr. Michael Stewart, Dr. W.J. Julian and John Martin, who was one of his freshman year band directors.

Farr credits his years in William Blount's Junior ROTC for teaching him the necessary leadership and discipline skills for his current position. He would also like to thank his Junior ROTC instructor, Col. Thomas Shaughnessy.

Farr would like to serve as the university's drum major for another season, he said. "I just have to make it through this first year. It's been enjoyable so far."

He is majoring in radiological engineering and plans to graduate in five years. Farr is currently considering whether to enter the workforce or continue his education at graduate or medical school.

He is also a trumpet player in the basketball and volleyball pep bands and performs in UT's concert band.