Stepping onto the podium

An overview of the winter drum major and the experiences of new drum majors

The field is empty, the stands are silent, and music blares from the field as a baton slices through the cold winter air. As the new semester begins, many excited band kids put on their uniforms once again, ready for the start of a new winter drum major season: a sport where students compete against others in conducting or baton routines. For many students in AHS’s Marching Band, however, this time marks the rise of a new chapter filled with unique experiences as they lift their batons for the first time.

Before becoming a winter drum major, students have to go through an audition. For many new members, including Olivia Chen (10), this process can be intimidating. “I was incredibly nervous throughout the audition process,” said Olivia Chen. “I didn’t allow myself to imagine the thought of making it since I was just so focused on getting through the auditions.”

Others, including Atsu Iyer (12), found the audition process more enjoyable. “Although I definitely was a little nervous, everyone there was really helpful. I was also doing it with many of my friends, which made it more fun and gave me the courage I needed to keep going.”

While the process of becoming a drum major was stressful for many new members, their previous experience in the band greatly helped them prepare. As Chen explained, “I think that doing winter guard in the past has definitely helped me, since I know the basics of how to toss, and I have much better hand-eye coordination.”

However, for many new members, the shift to an independent sport can be rattling at first. Chen said, “Winter drum major was a bigger change from the band than I thought it would be. Since you have to come up with your routine on your own, there is less of a connection between people, and it’s harder to make friends.”

Chen conducted as a winter drum major last season. “Conducting is truly something special to me. I love putting my all into it with my expressions and my movements”

While most people in the winter drum major participate in the baton section, those who hope to become a drum major in the fall also conduct. During the marching band season, which happens in the fall, they conduct the entire band.

Last season’s head drum major, Benjamin Chen (12) was also a winter drum major, and he explained how it prepares students for the role in the fall. “For anyone wanting to become a drum major in the fall, joining the winter drum major is the best thing to do to get on that path, as it helps build core fundamentals that they can expand on in the future.”