Eyes sweep over the band as they prepare to play the first act of their show at halftime. Senior Olivia Luck takes her spot on her podium, lifting her hands, ready to conduct the band at her first football game as drum major.
“My favorite thing has been getting to know everyone in the band,” Luck said. “In other years I feel like I’ve been limited to just one group of people, so I love knowing everyone and hanging out with everyone.”
Last year, Luck was one of two woodwind captains. Directors appoint woodwind captains to help organize and lead sections of the band.
“I had a great experience last year as captain,” Luck said. “I auditioned for drum major because I wanted to make an [impact] and help push the entire band forward instead of just a specific group.”
In varsity band, Luck plays the flute. Students have to learn region etudes during marching season to prepare for individual region auditions in December.
“Since I’m not playing my instrument on the field, it’s a struggle to find time to practice,” Luck said. “But I feel like I’m starting to do better at time management.”
In January and February, Luck prepared for drum major auditions. Auditionees participated in an interview with guest judges and learned how to conduct a given piece as well as one of their own choosing.
“I chose ‘Another Day of Sun’ from LaLa Land,” Luck said. “It’s very fun and it’s very me.”
After being appointed drum major, Luck attended two weeks of leadership camp in the summer, where the new team met the brand new head and assistant directors.
“The directors really wanted to work with us and move us forward,” Luck said. “I think having that reassurance really lit a fire under us.”
Mr. Peyton Lee, the new head band director, met Luck at her drum major audition in the spring when he was one of the guest judges.
“Olivia has one of those personalities that just jumps off the page,” Mr. Lee said. “I immediately noticed how bubbly and energetic she was, and you could just tell she’s a natural leader.”
Mr. Lee relies on the drum majors to lead certain parts of practice, speak to the entire band and conduct with the metronome on their podiums.
“I’ve seen Olivia grow into her confidence a lot,” Mr. Lee said. “She’s overcome small fears and also big mental hurdles, like for instance, she had some fears about standing on the podium because it’s so tall, but last rehearsal she was on it the whole time.”
Luck works with the other drum majors and the staff to learn the logistics of the show.
“I’d say Olivia is one of the most approachable leaders,” Mr. Lee said. “Her energy just makes her easy to talk to for most of the band.”
Luck takes this leadership role in stride as the band rehearses for their first competition on Sept. 27.
“We’ve had the most successful rehearsals I’ve ever had in my three years of being here,” Luck said. “I’m really excited for these next two months.”
