We’ve all seen the band perform during halftime at Hinsdale South football games, but how is the band able to stay together throughout the show? You may have seen our two drum majors in white conducting the band, but is there more to their role? Senior drum major Josh Byrd and sophomore Emma Koelling answer some of our burning questions. 

So, what exactly is the role of drum majors in the band?

“Obviously I conduct the band, but I think it’s more like being a leader, or in Goeke’s [Hinsdale South’s band director] words, I’m supposed to be the ‘mom of the band,” drum major Emma Koelling says. Being a drum major is more than just keeping time; it’s a role that requires leadership and responsibility. Without one, the band would be disorganized and out of time. 

Senior drum major Josh Byrd also emphasized the idea of leadership in the band. According to him, drum majors are “leaders [that] demonstrate skills and help the band director [to] organize”. They’re expected to help keep band members in line along with assisting the band director in leading and directing the band, not only on the football field but in parades and the classroom as well. 

Being a drum major can also be a somewhat stressful job, as Emma states that they are expected to “know everything, all the time”. Emma also includes, “It’s [conducting] a lot harder than it looks. My arms hurt all of the time but I’ve gotten stronger over time. It’s also mentally draining.”

Given this information, why would anyone want to become a drum major in the first place?

Our current drum majors profess that it’s an entertaining position, and that it is satisfying to be in control of so many people and moving parts. “I wanted to be able to help others love band as much as I do,” says Emma Koelling. It is also beneficial as a way to “up your leadership role,” Josh says. 

You may be wondering how a member of the band becomes a drum major?Well, anyone who wants to take on the drum major role for the next season has to go through an audition process.

“A month before auditions, we had clinics with the previous drum majors who taught us basic conducting, cues, marching basics, and commands. At the end of May was the actual audition where we conducted in class,” Emma explains. Many important aspects that were looked for during drum major auditions also include “knowing the tempo and demonstrating marching and leadership skills,” as Josh states.

Josh and Emma play saxophone and clarinet, respectively, and both find interest in continuing their marching band career in the future as a marcher and drum major. 

“It’s nice seeing the band looking good and sounding good, and knowing that I had a part in making that happen”.