Hastings High has nearly 100 band members but only two drum majors. Sophomore Lauren Canady and senior Annie Davis know what is like being the drum majors of the band.
Davis didn’t have to think too long in noting one of the best parts of being a drum major.
“We have band camp during the summer and it’s hot and awful but we don’t have to do much. It’s less physically demanding,” she said.
As a drum major, everyone looks up to her for guidance.
“Being a drum major is tons of fun. Everyone listens to me and it’s kind of nice. There is lots of pressure because everyone is looking at me,” Davis said.
Davis is moving up to college next year, but she would love to stay involved with band.
“I’m not sure if I’m trying out for marching band next year in college, but yes I would because it was a ton of fun (in high school),” she said.
Davis isn’t known for her height, so she worried about the logistics of leading a band.
“When leading the band in a parade it is tough because the banner is taller than I am and people can’t see me,” Davis said. “Being in a parade is always fun. Being in a parade itself is just fun.”
Leading the band on the field gives her more of an advantage.
“I’m lucky I get to stand on a podium when at practice so people can see me; with only being 4”11 it’s a struggle for people to see me,” Davis said with a chuckle. “In class when we practice it is hard for people to see me so we have to split up the room.”
Canady also enjoys being a drum major. Canady said the leadership between her and the band “Is the next step from directors and I have a lot of responsibility.”
Canady said being in a leadership position when she is just a sophomore can be a real challenge.
“It’s very hard being in the lower seniority class. It it sometimes very hard to get respect,” Canady said.
Drum majors have a very important job.
”A drum major is the timekeeper to keep the band on track,” Canady said.
The hardest part about being a drum major is that they are always on the spot. Having people look up to them causes them to have to be accurate.
“I can never make mistakes or the band will follow my mistakes,” Canady said.
There are a variety of aspects to being a drum major.
“My favorite part about being a drum major is that I get to wear a cape and just the pride I get for having a good performance,” Canady said.
