This year we have four new drum majors leading the band: junior Chris Marvel and seniors Claire Ahlrichs, Russell Franklin, and AJ Vasa.

One of the biggest responsibilities of a drum major is conducting the band at performances and rehearsals; they are the first ones to arrive and the last ones to leave. In addition, they set up the rehearsal spaces and coach the student leader team throughout the season.

Marvel, a mellophone player, has gained the title of one of the four drum majors as a junior. However, Marvel does not think of himself as a “junior drum major,” but as a “drum major that just happens to be a junior” instead.

“We’re all just people trying to work toward the goal,” he said.

Marvel is well prepared for his new leadership role. Watching the past drum majors has taught him to “prioritize personal connections first, as opposed to just thinking of yourself as a leader.”

The past Majors helped him grow as a person, not just as a musician. He is always considering what he can do to help his teammates, sharing that he just tries to be “the best person [he] could be.”

“My favorite part is being in a position that’ll help me change the band,” Marvel said. “Being a drum major really helps me influence others influence the band.”

Ahlrichs, a flutist, who wants to major in music in college, thoroughly enjoys her role as a drum major.

“I love how I can float around and talk to everyone in the band,” she said. “It gives me more connection. I always had a passion for music, and I love teaching and leading.”

Conducting is also a perk of being a drum major that excited her.

Ahlrichs has learned from the past drum majors and her flute teacher who taught her that “no performance is ever perfect.” Her teacher helps remind her that music is a process, and imperfections are part of the journey.   

Ahlrichs’s favorite experience with the band is the long road trips, which she thinks are always fun.

Franklin is a trumpet player in the band.

“I like being able to facilitate other people’s growth and be able to push them,” he said.

Franklin joined the band because he loved music and leadership. He also cares for the others in the program and takes it upon himself to “make it a good experience for them.”

From watching past drum majors, specifically alumnus Ethan Oppold, Franklin has learned to “always put others’ needs before your own.”

Originally, Franklin did not want to join the band since during virtual learning he had hardly played his instrument. But Julia Janda, his music teacher, convinced him to join and he believes it has been “one of the best decisions.” Even if he is not formally in a band, he plans on playing trumpet “a little bit for the rest of [his] life.”

Vasa is a tuba player who wanted to become a drum major to “give back to the band” and to “live up to the seniors who came before [him].” 

Inspired by his former tuba teacher, Vasa was motivated to be good at his instrument. He has also learned a lot from watching the past drum majors, such as how to go unnoticed as he fulfills important tasks.

“I hope to continue playing in small communities,” he said.

Vasa’s favorite part about being in the band is being more exposed to everyone and going to the competitions.

“Performing is nerve-wracking sometimes, but the feeling after performance is super cool,” he said.