Joseph Ayala has been able to experience a lot as a member of the Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band. He’s now going to have the experience of being the band’s drum major.
Ayala, who attended and played in the band at Sequoia Middle School and Porterville High School, has been chosen to be one of three drum majors for the Bulldog Marching Band next year along with Serenity Hudler and Sophia Abraham. Ayala has actually already started in his duties as drum major in preparation for next year.
Ayala is now in his second semester of his junior year at Fresno State. He’s a Music Education major and “God willing should be graduating next spring,” Ayala said. “Being a music major has been extremely fulfilling.”
Ayala has met musicians from all over the world and has performed at Carnegie Hall. As part of the Bulldog Marching Band Ayala also had the chance this past year to perform along side Snoop Dogg at the Arizona Bowl. He also marched with the Bulldog band in the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade.
Ayala has been able to make connections with a number of music educators and to work with the Dr. Lawrence R. Sutherland Wind Festival. He said he’s been able to study “with some really great professors learning skills that I will need in the future as a teacher.
“Skills such as ear training, sight singing, piano, music theory, pedagogy classes, elementary music techniques, music history, global music, and so much more.”
Ayala is also now a member of the Trumpet Studio under Dr. Nathan Sobieralski and there’s another Porterville connection there. Dr. Sobieralski was one of former Porterville High Panther band director Jim Kusserow’s private trumpet students in the 1990s.
“I hope to one day come back and teach in Porterville and give back to the community that has given me so much,” Ayala said.
“I’ll be leading the band, alongside two other great colleagues, on the field and around the community for the 2026/2027 season, but my responsibilities have already begun,” Ayala said.
His responsibilities include selecting section leaders, setting up the band council, and with with Fresno State band director Dr. Steven McKeithen about what will be included in the season.
Another factor making the fact Ayala will be one of the band’s drum majors is this year will be the 100th year of the Bulldog Marching Band, “so we are definitely going to have some fun with that,” he said. “The goal this year is to honestly just have a great time, have a great community, play the best, and look the best.”
When it comes to those who have influenced him, Ayala began with his family, especially his grandparents. “They went to all of my concerts and performances growing up and listened to me play when I was at Sequoia, and on the podium for the Panther Band,” Ayala said. “It’ll be nice for them to see me on the podium at Valley Children’s Stadium this fall. It’ll be easier for them to spot me too!
“My mom, dad, sister, aunt and cousins as well have always supported me, from when I first picked up the trumpet and all the way up to now. My sister was really excited to hear the news when I told her. She’s become a huge Fresno State fan ever since I started going there.”
He also added he couldn’t forget a numerous list of teachers from Porterville that “have led me to where I am musically today. I owe much to Norm Campbell, Richard Madrigal, Savannah Madrigal, Clark Keele, Emily Keele, Christine Klippenstein, Justin Adams, Joshua Sutherland, Adrian Martinez, and Jim Kusserow. They have all in some way or another have formed me as a musician and pushed me to want to become a music educator.”
In addition to working with Sobieralski, Ayala has worked with Dr. Alia Kuhnert and has worked with Professor Max Hembd. In ensembles Ayala has worked with Cody Forcier, McKeithen and Dr. Gary P. Gilroy. He primarily works with McKeithen.
Ayala said he has to work 2-3 jobs depending on the time of theyear. He works as the equipment crew manager with the marching band. He manages all the equipment that’s used during rehearsals and performances with the marching band.
“I drive some big trucks to transport them around the city if need be, but usually around the campus and stadium,” Ayala said. “This includes sound systems, front ensemble instruments, battery percussion, and larger instruments like sousaphones.”
Another job for Ayala is in the School of Music as a Performing Arts Technician. “I assist in helping run concerts, recitals, and other events within our concert halls. I record them audio and visually, as a sound engineer, and help with staging as well. This job has allowed me to work with guest artists from around the world.”
His other job is in the school’s instrument shop where he organizes inventory and repairs instruments for the university.
“Is it busy? Absolutely!,” Ayala said. “Is it rewarding? Absolutely! But sometimes, you have to do what you have to do. I do it all with a smile on my face.”