“I love it. I love what I do,” senior drum major Avery Harriger said.
Despite the name, drum majors don’t necessarily play the drums. In fact, their title holds a lot more responsibility. Drum majors need to be fully committed to the marching band, both on the field and off.
Harriger along with juniors Julia Frey and Nathan Emerson currently hold the title of drum major. While they are known for conducting the band, behind the curtain they do a lot more.
The three drum majors act as “mini assistant directors” for the band teacher, Greg Wells and assist him in whatever he needs help with Harriger said. Their jobs are to file paperwork, make important phone calls, help run sectionals and act as a mediator between Wells and the band.
“It’s kind of our responsibility to keep the band together,” Emerson said.
To become a drum major an interested student has to go through an audition process. The only requirement to audition is that an applicant has to be a sophomore or older, although juniors and seniors are usually the ones chosen.
Drum majors must be someone who has a moderate temper, good communication and is an overall good leader.
The audition has two parts. Part one requires the student to write an essay on what leadership means to them. Part two tests the applicant on technique, which means that they will be tested on their marching and conducting. Teacher and peer recommendations, along with these two parts of the audition are required.
After the lengthy audition process, it’s up to Wells to choose the new drum majors.
“When [Frey] and I got accepted, it was probably one of the best feelings in the world,” Emerson said.
With the extra responsibility comes extra pressure. The band constantly relies on the drum majors to know what to do. They are also expected to attend any and all band practices, including drum line rehearsals.
But for these three the pressure is welcomed.
“I always want this band to be better, and I thought if I was a drum major I could help get it to a better spot,” Frey said.
Due to the immense pressure put on them, the students also learn responsibility, leadership and how to communicate with a large group of people.
“My leadership philosophy is conversation, not confrontation,” Harriger said. “I want to use the position to help the band get better.”
The extra pressure and responsibility also leads to many rewards.
The drum majors get to personally witness the growth of the band and form bonds and connections with each member, including those that they might not have known if they were not in that position.
Drum majors are an essential part of the band. They help lead, maintain and create a healthy atmosphere for the marchers.
“I’m proud of the title because I worked hard for it. I’m here now and I’m proud of where I’ve gotten in marching band,” Frey said.
