Justin Heideman: Beyond the Viral Sensation, A Legacy Forged in Music

Justin Heideman's story is one of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. It's a narrative that transcends viral fame and delves into the heart of musical commitment, leadership, and the challenges of breaking barriers. This article explores Heideman's journey, from his early fascination with HBCU band culture to his rise as a drum major and his future aspirations.

Early Influences and Aspirations

Justin Heideman's fascination with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) bands ignited a fire within him. He spent countless hours studying their performances, captivated by the energy and precision of their drum majors. As the lead drum major at Jeff Davis High School, Heideman immersed himself in the nuances of HBCU style, meticulously analyzing videos and absorbing the rhythms and movements.

The Viral Moment

In December of 2019, Heideman's life took an unexpected turn when a video of him leading his all-black band went viral. The video showcased his talent and passion, but it also sparked controversy, thrusting him into the center of a national conversation about race, culture, and representation.

Pubby Longway, who initially posted the video, was impressed by Heideman's performance. Longway said he expected the video to get more views than he usually does. It blew up beyond expectations, and today the video sits at 4.4 million views. However, Longway didn’t account for the seeds of hate that would sprout in response. He said he was thoroughly impressed because had never seen a white drum major lead an all-black band.

Facing Criticism and Prejudice

The viral video brought both praise and criticism. While many celebrated Heideman's talent and dedication, others questioned his place in a traditionally black space. Some accused him of "white mediocrity" and suggested that he was taking opportunities away from black drum majors.

"They say it’s ‘white mediocrity,’” Heideman said. “I don’t care if I’m white, I don’t care if I’m Asian, Hispanic, black, whatever. I don’t care if I’m in the front, in the back, 5 miles behind … mediocrity is not the word. “I don’t care if you call me white.

A slice of the African American community saw Heideman’s lead as a crime. “They don’t know the full story behind that, you can’t just go off what you see,” Jackson said. “I feel like people are saying that because he's the first person you see and then you got us behind him. No, it should all just be about that one band, because it’s one band.”

The negativity affected Heideman deeply. He even considered quitting, but his band director, Brandon Howard, encouraged him to persevere. Instead, they decided to shake up the formation, giving other drum majors a chance to lead.

A Rigorous Path to Leadership

Becoming a drum major at Jeff Davis High School was no easy feat. The audition process was a rigorous one- to two-month training program that tested potential leaders' skills, discipline, and dedication.

Howard takes those auditioning through a one- to two-month process of punctilious training before auditions start. This process starts with about 15 individuals. Practices last hours and extend to the weekends, weeding out the unqualified. The number of participants dwindles with each week, and by audition time there are usually about four or five, “because everybody can’t really hang,” Howard said.

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Those remaining are graded on a 80-point scale by judges on stationary points (detailed body control and executing specific movements), conducting, facial and whistle commands and a small routine they must execute. Of those 80 points, the year Heideman auditioned, he scored a 78 out of 80. The highest score.

Choosing His Path: Alabama State University

Despite the expectations of many, Heideman chose Alabama State University (ASU) over Jackson State University and other schools. He wanted to forge his own path and embrace new challenges.

"It would have been easy for me to go to Jackson State. Everybody was telling me to go to Jackson State … that I'm going to 'fit in' and I'll just fulfill my destiny, I guess. But I say 'Life is like Tetris. When Tetris pieces fit in, they disappear.' I didn't want to do anything like that, I wanted to make my own legacy."

Heideman chose ASU over Jackson State, Troy, Auburn Montgomery and Alabama A&M, but anywhere Heideman goes, the fanfare and fame he's amassed should follow.

ASU's band director, Dr. James Oliver, recognized Heideman's potential and welcomed him to the program. Oliver acknowledged that Heideman would need time to adjust to the Hornets' marching style but expressed confidence in his ability to become a key member of the band.

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"I think this kid has all the ingredients from what I've seen," Oliver said. "But he has to show me through playing his instrument and through his work ethic … because that is a very powerful position."

Focusing on Music, Not Just Leadership

While the prospect of becoming a drum major at ASU was intriguing, Heideman's primary focus was on playing his trumpet and honing his musical skills.

"It might be nice," Heideman said about the prospects of him being a drum major one day at ASU, "I might try it, but I'm not entirely sure." That decision will come in time, he says, but for now he is just happy that the pressure of what's next has now alleviated.

Overcoming Obstacles and Building Bridges

Heideman's journey at Jeff Davis High School was not without its challenges. As a white student in a predominantly black school, he initially felt like an outsider.

“I remember the first thing I said on the first day of school,” Heideman said laughing. “I said to my friend, ‘This is probably the worst situation.’ He was like ‘what do you mean?’ I said to him, ‘I’m small. I’m white, kinda weak, and I have lunch money.’ ”

He didn’t necessarily fit in, and he was fully aware of that so he was hesitant about many things his freshman year, which included joining the band. It all was foreign to him.

However, he persevered, immersing himself in the band culture and earning the respect of his peers. He worked tirelessly to master his craft, studying HBCU drum majors and developing his own unique style.

One of those questions was posed by fellow drum major Jackson and trombonist at the time: “Is he going to be able to keep up? Will he be able to do this how we do this? I wasn’t quick to judge, I gave him a shot,” Jackson said. “I just couldn’t seem to wrap my head around him.”

Beyond the Headlines: A Dedicated Musician

Those closest to Heideman emphasize that his story is about more than just race. It's about his passion for music, his dedication to his craft, and his commitment to his band.

“They just think he just gets out there and just dances,” Williams said. “It’s bigger than that.”

Race is not the whole story, they said though the viralization of Heideman’s existence made that his narrative.

Heideman's journey is a testament to the power of music to bridge divides and bring people together. It's a reminder that talent and dedication should be celebrated, regardless of race or background.

Other Education of Justin Heideman

Justin Heideman's educational background extends beyond his musical pursuits. In 1995, Justin received his Associates degree from Dixie College in St. George, Utah. While at Dixie, Justin competed on the National Debate and Forensics circuit. Justin placed in the top three nationally in multiple events and was the recipient of the Bowler award granted annually to the top orator at the School. Following his success at Dixie College Justin went to Southern Utah University and received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.In 2000, Justin received his Juris Doctorate from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.

A Career in Law

Justin Heideman has enjoyed tremendous success in the course of his career. A few highlights of interest include being the lead member of the group that formed Town and Country Bank (TCB). TCB opened in February of 2008 in St. George, Utah and is currently the only community-owned bank in Washington County. Additionally, Justin has extensive appellate practice. His most recent success was a reversal obtained in the case of Pierruci v. Pierruci. Justin enjoys trial work and completed a three-week jury trial in February of 2013. Justin also conducts arbitrations, including securities arbitration work. Of note in this arena was a judgment exceeding eight million dollars ($8,000,000.00) awarded by a securities arbitration panel in favor of the client. At the time this was the largest settlement ever awarded in securities arbitration. Justin also deals with municipal and governmental litigation and was the lead attorney in the case against Provo city regarding a 911 call where EMS personnel were improperly dispatched. The clients received a settlement of $220,000. Justin has assisted in teaching numerous CLE courses in computerized legal research. Justin is also highly active in the legal community as well as the local community. Justin has served on the Board of Directors for the Federal Bar Association (2009-2012) and the Utah County Chamber of Commerce (2009-2011). a charity dedicated to improving vision screen and treatment for school-age children.

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