ORLANDO, Fla.— Bands are often known for their sound but the Evans High marching band is also recognized for putting on a show.
Gio Yawn is the lead drum major for the Green Machine.
“Gio Is the face of the program. He has been drum major for this is his 3rd year now,” said Michael Curry, the drum major leadership instructor for Evans.
Gio’s passion for the role shows in everything he does.
“It means so much to me because it’s an honor to be drum major in this band. I am basically Mr. Ford, our band director’s, right hand man. I help him with what he needs. Drum majors are usually the first to come and the last to leave,” said Gio Yawn, the lead drum major for the Green Machine.
He puts in the work for the every day challenge.
“I love the fact that you can’t be too comfortable. I love having a challenge. I love the competitiveness of it,” said Yawn.
Gio sets the tone for his squad but he also sets the example for the future drum majors.
“Little Kids coming up to me saying they want to do what I do one day, that really keeps me going and puts a smile on my face,” said Yawn.
During this year’s Florida Classic Weekend Gio got the chance to live out a childhood dream of his own and lead the Green Machine in the Battle of the Bands against some of the most historic marching bands in the Nation.
“Knowing that I’m marching on the same field that giants marched on. It’s a very big honor for me,” said Yawn.
So with every step he takes, Gio holds his head high as he marches with pride knowing that one day soon he will become that giant.