When Dr. Andy Rummel first visited Illinois State University as a sixth grader at band camp, he had no idea he would forge a lifelong bond with the school. During that summer, while practicing in Manchester Hall and Centennial West, a spark ignited his passion for music.
“I remember telling my parents on the drive home, ‘I’m going to college at ISU. I’m going to study to be a band director,’” Rummel recalls. Now, he’s celebrating 20 years as a professor of tuba and euphonium.
Growing up in Delavan, a small farming town, ISU introduced Rummel to a broader community of musicians. He returned for summer camps and earned his degrees in music education and performance. One highlight was marching with the Big Red Marching Machine (BRMM), where he created friendships and unforgettable memories. He vividly remembers the thrill of performing at major events like the Bands of America Grand National Championships and halftime shows for the Chicago Bears. “I’d never been to a football game before college,” he said. “To go from that to playing on Soldier Field was incredible.”
Rummel’s passion for music also led him to the United States Air Force. While he initially aimed to be a high school band director, being under the guidance of Ed Livingston opened new doors for him. “Military bands became a real career option for me,” he said.
In 1999, he earned a position with the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band. His role focused on performing music to support troops and engage communities. Rummel recalls the powerful experience of playing for audiences filled with pride and emotion after 9/11, where the music felt more significant than ever. “We received standing ovations before we played a note,” he said. He also performed at poignant events, like the funeral of an airman who had made the ultimate sacrifice, deepening his respect for military service.
By 2006, Rummel was preparing for a new band assignment in Germany when he learned ISU needed a tuba professor. After receiving his commander’s blessing, he got the job and returned to the campus that had shaped his life.
Now, Rummel teaches in the same building where his love for music began. His office is the one where he first learned from Livingston, creating a special connection to his history. “It’s surreal,” he says, noting the nostalgic feelings that wash over him every day. Rummel emphasizes the values he learned from military life—preparation, humility, and accountability. He encourages his students to strive for their best, reminding them that perfection isn’t the goal; growth is.
Every Veterans Day, Rummel reflects on his service and the profound impact of music in those moments. “Playing at ceremonies and historic events showed me how powerful music can be,” he says. This legacy continues as he helps his students find their paths, much like he did as a child.
“I’m proud of helping others discover their purpose,” he shares. “That’s what keeps me smiling every day.”
In a recent survey, 78% of musicians expressed that music significantly enhances their emotional well-being. Rummel’s commitment to teaching and service illustrates not just the power of music but also its ability to foster community and connection.
For more insights into the benefits of music on mental health, check out this [report from the National Institute of Health](https://www.nih.gov/).
