Autumn football games, where the chilly air, transitioning from summer to fall, hits your face as you cheer for your team. Later on, the marching band’s halftime show is performed. Some may notice there is always a person standing atop a platform, leading the band. You may ask yourself, ‘Who is that, and what are they doing?’, or think nothing of it at all.
What many do not realize is that these people usually play one of the most important roles in marching band. A drum major is a crucial element when it comes to marching band since they act as the leaders of the band.
“Drum Majors serve the purpose to be a positive influence and help out with anything that needs to be done, along with conducting music, whether it is from the show or just another song,” said Brayden Neesen (11), one of the three drum majors for Southeast’s Marching Band.
This is Neesen’s first year of being a drum major, which he auditioned for last spring. There were practices held prior to auditions to help with teaching how to conduct. To Neesen, a new perspective of marching band is exactly what he wanted out of this new position.
“I wanted to become a drum major to be able to serve the band more as well as to have a new experience. I also wanted to be a drum major to be able to see marching band from another perspective, as I can see the band and its progress from the first day of band camp, all the way to our final performance as the state band competition,” said Neesen.
Although he doesn’t enjoy getting up so early, he says that the benefits greatly outweigh the commitment that it takes.
“It is a very rewarding experience to be able to perform what has been worked so hard on in front of an audience,” said Neesen.
Although the learning process and the commitment may be difficult, the things Neesen has learned and experienced so far will be the most rewarding.
“The most difficult part of being a drum major, though also one of the most rewarding, is that there is something new to learn almost every day. Every day there is something to improve and something that can be done,” said Neesen.
Neesen’s position as drum major just proves his dedication and commitment to LSE’s marching band and the influence he holds over other members. So next time you’re at a football game, watch out for the drum majors, because it could just be someone you know.
