Standing on the podium looking out onto the field, senior Kristi Kamesch waits for the show to begin. As the students prepare to start, Kamesch raises her arms to conduct, ready to lead the band.
Kamesch, the band’s head drum major, began playing clarinet in the sixth grade.
“I loved band class when I first started playing,” Kamesch said. “My friends in that class made it really fun.”
Kamesch played clarinet in the marching band during freshman and sophomore year before becoming a drum major her junior year.
“I wanted to become a drum major because I thought it would be the most effective way to make a difference and be involved,” Kamesch said. “I just wanted to put my hand print on band, and make it better in general.”
To become a drum major, students interested must attend a drum major clinic held at the school during spring taught by Assistant Band Director J.P. Wilson.
“Mr. Wilson helped me a lot during the clinic,” Kamesch said. “He really prepared me for the drum major auditions.”
A group of professionals in the band community judge auditions. Various band directors and competition judges decide which three students become drum majors.
“I felt prepared for auditions, but I was still a little anxious,” Kamesch said. “The judges on the panel let me know how I did, so I felt confident afterwards.”
After auditions the selected students attend a drum major camp. The 2011-12 camp took place in June at Texas A&M Commerce.
“I think we all thought drum major camp was pretty taxing,” Kamesch said. “We worked almost the entire time, but afterwards we felt pretty prepared for marching season.”
As drum major, Kamesch’s responsibilities vary depending on the season. Drum majors teach incoming freshmen how to march during freshman camp, but during marching season they mainly conduct and help out on the field when needed.
“Mr. Fugett normally gives us drum majors freedom to decide where we’re needed. He’s normally pretty hands off during practice and lets us do what we need to,” Kamesch said. “I think the freedom he give us is necessary because part of our job is to know where we’re needed and be there.”
Along with senior Morgan Wood and junior Landon Cowan, Kamesch conducts all games and competitions.
“I like being a drum major because I like being influential,” Kamesch said. “I enjoy seeing that my opinions matter.”
