Every Buckeye has wondered what it’s like to put on a uniform and walk onto the field in the ‘shoe, whether that ensemble is a numbered jersey and helmet or a crisp scarlet and white band uniform. Junior John LaVange of Warren, Ohio always dreamed of donning the latter. Read on to find out more about his extraordinary journey…
Heading into his third year at The Ohio State University studying finance and economics, John LaVange has been able to showcase his talents both on the field and in the classroom. Like many other students, when he first began looking at colleges, John did not know exactly what he wanted to study. But one thing was certain: John knew he wanted to become the drum major at Ohio State, a role deeply rooted in Buckeye tradition since the 1920s. His story is a great example of turning a dream into reality, as John will have the honor of serving as the marching band’s head drum major this year.
“In the band,” John shared, “we have a saying – pick up your feet, turn your corners square and drive, drive, drive. That means in whatever you’re doing, if you give 110%, you’ll do well in any aspect of life.” Though many might think a passion for hard work and success might be centered on his own goals, John has turned that passion to focus on others. He cares deeply about teaching younger students through the marching band’s programs and cites his mother’s career in education as an inspiration to him. John is considering teaching as well, possibly at the college-level after a career in policy first sparked by his internship this past spring with the Ohio State House of Representatives.
On campus, John is also active in Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity and is considering joining the Boo Radley Society, a group that carries out random acts of kindness. With so many responsibilities and interests, it’s a wonder how John finds time to study in his favorite spot on campus – the Ohio Stadium Band Center – to maintain his impressive 3.9 GPA. His best piece of advice for incoming Buckeyes is to manage your time well from the first day here, setting the tone for classes, hard work and a busy but rewarding schedule.
Self-described as excitable, passionate and curious, John continues to set ambitious goals for himself. What’s next? Performing a round-off back-handspring in a pregame routine, a feat that’s yet to be achieved by any drum major at Ohio State. Looking even farther ahead, John hopes to attend graduate school for an MBA at either Stanford or Harvard. But no matter where he takes his talents next, John will always hold his alma mater close to heart. One day, he hopes to give back to Ohio State and the marching band in order to foster experiences for others that have made his time here so transformative.
“I had a lot of expectations before coming to Ohio State. But the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had are much different than I could have ever imagined. You have free range of so many opportunities here, and I am really excited for the next two years.”