Juniors Emma Brooks and Alli Torf can go from laughing on the sidelines to focused on leading a group of people in a performance on the field in a matter of minutes.
In May, two juniors were selected to be drum majors of the marching band in the 2016-2017 school year, which is unusual because usually there is one senior drum major.
Torf said she has known since middle school that she wanted to lead the marching band.
“Ever since I saw the marching band in about sixth grade, I’ve always wanted to be a drum major,” said Torf. “I also want to be a band director as my [profession] so this is close to what I want to do for a living.”
Brooks said she thought it would be a great opportunity to lead and that she has skills that could help the band.
According to Band Director Rich Chapman, Torf and Brooks both have strong qualities, such as good musicianship, that allow them to fulfill the responsibilities of a drum major. Some of these responsibilities include conducting the band during performances, having knowledge of all the parts of music and giving commands when the band is traveling. On top of this, majors serve as a “liaison between the students and directors.”
Chapman said the two girls’ friendship and cooperation is part of what makes them perfect for their positions. They are always working together to make sure their conducting is the same and are on the same page as far as expectations for behavior.
Regardless of their director’s confidence in their ability, Torf and Brooks both said they were still nervous to see the reactions of their fellow band members when they were named drum majors.
“It was really scary because normally [the drum major is] a senior, and they weren’t really used to having a junior as a drum major,” Torf said.
Brooks had a similar reaction.
“I was scared that people weren’t going to listen to me, but it wasn’t like that,” Brooks said.
According to Brooks, once band members got over their initial shock, they were really supportive, especially the seniors.
Senior Melissa Bruckman said she thinks it is more fun being led by two drum majors rather than one.
“Each of them have their strengths and weaknesses, so they kind of balance each other out on the field,” Bruckman said.
Torf said that there are only occasional problems in logistics with Brooks.
“[Sometimes] it’s harder because with different tempos, you really have to be watching each other to make sure you are both on the same tempo along with the whole band,” Torf said.
Torf said both she and Brooks were well prepared after going through drum major camp and leadership clinics over the summer in preparation for their roles.
“It was a lot of hard work,” said Torf. “We were marching almost the entire day for five days straight.”

Chapman said he does not think people realize how hard marching band truly is.
“Not only do you have to have the athletic part of moving around the field ㅡ forwards, backwards, sideways, fast, slow ㅡ but you also have to play music and play music well with the right articulation and dynamic and all that kind of stuff,” Chapman said.
Brooks and Torf said they hope to see their hard work pay off through the presentation of a show that all band members are pleased with.
“I would like everyone to be happy with the product they bring to competitions,” said Torf. “So even if we don’t win, I want everyone to feel like they did their best and be happy with what they produced.”
Chapman said he does not care about winning.
“I can go out to the trophy store and buy you a trophy if you want, if you really want that,” said Chapman. “What I really want to see is them to progress, to grow as musicians and grow as people and be better every time they perform.”