Demetrius “Dee” Walker Admitted, ’10, University of Kentucky It is said, “Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” Demetrius Walker understands that perfectly, musing that, as far back as he can remember, music has always been a part of who he is. Born and raised in Franklin, the student council president at Franklin-Simpson High School was also a drum major. He was mentored by his band director and his choir director who encouraged him to shoot for the stars because anything is possible. He was inspired by a UK faculty member, Jeff Johnson, after a Kentucky Music Educators Association All-State Conference. He arrived in Lexington as a first generation student with little support from his family. It was a big adjustment. He found a community of support at the university that made life easier. Walker learned that with perseverance and determination he could balance his ups and downs and learn from his mistakes. Walker was chosen as one of nine national semi-finalists to compete in the American Choral Directors Association Student Conducting Competition in 2013. He finished third in the nation.
“I chose music so that I can instill in my future students a love and passion for music like I have. But really it is much more the education than it is music. I want to be the teacher that my students know that they can trust and depend on. When my students walk into my choir room I want them to feel safe, to know that being great takes hard work, perseverance and determination. In the end, every battle and struggle is worth it when you see the light of music in a student’s eyes.”
In 2014, Walker was selected as the first AfricanAmerican drum major to lead the Wildcat Marching Band. He brings to the role the heart of a servant leader. One professor has a sticky note on his computer that reads, “Be a servant today,” and he is one. That inspired Walker to take being a servant leader very seriously. He understands that it is not about him, but about the band and how he can serve the band to make it the best that it can be.
Demetrius “Dee” Walker was the first African-American drum major to lead the Wildcat Marching Band.
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