The daily life of a drum major

Among the shouts, the marching and the loud music being played, three people run the entire show. The drum majors of the Mighty Marching Chargers are the student leaders of the marching band, and they have a bigger job to do every day than many people realize.

Drum major Rachel Carle conducts during a band practice.

The three drum majors, seniors Rachel Carle and Will Morgan-Palmer and junior Rachel Dunning, work together to help the band directors run the marching band.

“Without the drum majors I think the band morale would be lower, and people wouldn’t be as into it,” band director Drew Ross said.

The drum majors strive to make the band the best that it can be. They perform duties every day that keep the marching band up and running.

“We get here half an hour before practice, help set up the podiums and all the electronic stuff, set up everything for the parking lot rehearsal or inside if it’s raining,” Dunning said.  “Then we get on the field, and depending on what the directors want, we could be up directing the songs, we could be walking around the block, fixing little details and helping people. After practice, we help take everything down and put it back in the shed and band room.”

Drum majors also have extra duties to perform.

“They will come a little bit earlier just to make sure their equipment is set-up,” Ross said. “The podiums, our markers and all these things that we have to put out on the parking lot for practice.”

Ross also said that the drum majors are in charge of setting up rehearsals, motivating the group and making sure that the members of the band are ready for practice, as well as conduct the band on the field.

In addition, the drum majors act as student advocates and form the bridge between the band teachers and the members. Every day, they make sure that the band members know what they need to do for that practice.

 Morgan-Palmer and Carle agree that it is not easy to be a drum major. They endure a week-long clinic to learn how to perform their tasks before they audition.

“It’s difficult because it’s not something that you’re used to,” Carle said. “Flailing your arms is not a natural thing at first, so it takes a lot of getting used to. A lot of the audition is mostly a reality check of how much you’re gong to commit to it because the responsibilities are a lot more than just conducting; it’s being accountable for the band.”

Drum majors know that for students outside of the band, what they do is a complete mystery.

 “It’s one of those things where from the outside you may not understand why we put so much time into it or why we love what we do,” Carle said. “But it’s really a sense of camaraderie, and it’s a family.”

Ross said that it is not all fun and easy for them, though.

 “Even if they’re tired, if they have five AP classes, and this and that and the other, they still have to put on the superman costume and keep everyone motivated,” Ross said. “They’re like the president.”

The drum majors say they all love what they do.

“For anybody that may hear this or see this, don’t judge a book by it’s cover,” Morgan- Palmer said. “Band may seem easy, but a lot of work goes into it.”

Arts & Style, Issue 1, Print