She stops homework to spin a rifle. She pirouettes down hallways. When her art teacher asked her to bring an object to class that described her, Moser brought her saber.
While some students are going to spend their summer tanning with friends or typing with colleagues, University of Memphis junior Brandi Moser will be spinning saber with Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps.
Phantom Regiment, based in Rockford, Ill., tours different cities performing field shows for audiences all over the United States.
This summer Moser will join the drum corps for their 2005 show entitled "Rhapsody," which will tour the West Coast from May to August.
"I'm building my résumé," said the choreography and theater design major as she absentmindedly spins and tosses a glimmering silver saber that looks more like falling water than spinning metal.
Moser originally came to The U of M as a dance major, but had to create her own when The University closed the dance department.
She has been involved in color guard for almost eight years and said she cannot imagine doing anything else. Moser is also the color guard instructor at The University of Memphis.
"It's the one thing I can do to get away from everything," Moser said. "I can have fun and still get things accomplished."She spun on the saber line with Santa Clara Vanguard last summer and decided to tryout for Phantom Regiment in November 2004 because of the instructing staff.
"They bring out the best in performers," she said. "And they know how to treat them."
Moser goes to Illinois this weekend for her final audition to secure her spot on the all-girl color guard.
The instructors have to make sure we are keeping up with the routines, she said, dancing around floating flower petals and catching her falling sword.
Moser said she likes the fact that Phantom Regiment is an all-girl guard; that she enjoys working with females more.
"Believe it or not," she said, "guys are more dramatic."
Phantom Regiment is an all-girl guard with a co-ed drum and bugle line.
Moser's boyfriend will also march with Phantom Regiment this summer, giving the two more time together. As it is, Moser said, "I see him on average twice a week."
Moser stays busy with guard and school, taking about 18 hours a semester.
Moser is either at school, work or in her backyard armed with color guard equipment.
"It's pretty much all I do," she said.
She does not drink.
"I grew up in a house full of it," she said, "I saw the aftermath of a case gone bad."
She does not enjoy dancing in nightclubs.
"If I dance, it's with Will and it's not bumping and grinding."Moser does, however, love to move.
"It's my outlet," she said, bowing to catch and twist her saber.When Moser actually decides to sit still, it is usually to watch a movie.
"I like women in power movies," she said. Moser has the entire "Little Women" movie memorized.
"Not women going against society, but working with society," she said.
Moser wants to have an impact, but not necessarily on society.
"I want to have an impact on the people around me," she said.
Moser wants to teach high school English when she is older, but for now she is concentrating on choreography.
"I want to be a freelance choreographer and costume designer," she said.
"I see what I want," she said, "and I go after it."
Nick Holland, associate director of bands at The University of Memphis, said he hired Moser to teach the color guard because she showed so much skill and passion.
"She's awesome," he said. "I depend on her a lot."
Holland said he is confident Moser can accomplish her goals. "She has drive perseverance and skill and just talent."
"This is what God wants me to do," she said, tossing, waiting, then catching.
