As of early January, out of the record-breaking 22 candidates who auditioned, juniors Adelyn Dillavou and Charlotte Norton were announced as next year’s drum majors. 

“We’ve known each other since sixth grade. Now we’re going into senior year and we’re going to be drum majors together, and I would not want to do this with anyone else,” Norton said. 

Dillavou has been looking forward to being a drum major with one of her best friends. 

“I very distinctly remember walking on the track in freshman year with Charlotte, thinking, ‘Hey, wouldn’t it be cool if we were drum majors together?’” Dillavou said. 

In her sophomore year, Norton was the high brass section leader and she transitioned this year to being a drum major along with seniors Mete Berkoz and Riley Saugstad. Norton said she is excited to return to her role next year. 

“[Next] year, I just want to jump in with both feet and make the most of it,” Norton said. 

Dillavou was a section leader this year, and next year will be her first year as a drum major. 

Although Dillavou said she was grateful she did not get the role of drum major for this year, as she was not ready for it, she always finds herself in leadership roles because of her tendency to put herself all into each activity. 

“I’m pretty excited, [but] I’m terrified,” Dillavou said.

This past year, Dillavou learned many lessons that prepared her to take on this role. 

“One of my biggest takeaways is you have to be open-minded, because you can plan and plan and plan, and you can have all these ideas about what a great leader is, but that’s not going to get you anywhere if you don’t have flexibility,” Dillavou said.  

Their audition process included submitting a Google Form and also attending a three-day clinic after school, led by the past year’s drum majors. During these clinics, the drum majors go over leadership styles and how to conduct a 4/4 time and a 3/4 time; both are common time signatures for the band to play.  

During the clinics, Berkoz said he focused a lot on energy and that being a leader sometimes means faking it till you make it.   

“You can’t lead without having a good attitude and showing up,” Berkoz said.  

The audition also includes conducting “The Star-Spangled Banner” in front of the whole class.

“It is kind of scary when all eyes are on you. But it’s such a privilege that I kind of get over the fear, [because] I know that what I’m doing is important,” Norton said. 

After they conduct, candidates get evaluated by their peers about their performance and character. The fourth and final step is a one-on-one interview with all three band directors. During this interview, the students are asked more questions; Band Director Kenneth Tysick said the most important question is why they want to be a drum major. 

“A great drum major has a lot of confidence, passion for our program and drive,” Tysick said.

Tysick said he has noticed leaders who are excited to be there and are excited about the band as a whole thrive more.

Dillavou said that their passion and excitement might be taken as annoying, but everyone will know how much they care. 

“Charlotte and I are really excited to be insanely obnoxious,” Dillavou said. 

She said she loves being in the band. 

“It is a lot in an amazing, passionate and soul-filling way,” Dillavou said.

Norton and Dillavou have already started discussing their leadership styles and setting their goals for next year. Dillavou said they wrote out their strengths, weaknesses, and what they need from each other.

“If we only focus on this year, then we’re screwed for next year,” Dillavou said. 

Berkoz said he hopes that next year’s leaders remember to keep connections close, because the band is where people can meet a lot of good friends, but it’s also a place to meet a lot of people that look up to you. 

“People remember if you remember their names,” Bekoz said. 

Moreover, Dillavou said everyone in the band is her boss and that it’s her job to serve them and make sure everyone has a good time.  

Norton said another goal is to make sure that even if the students are not on the leadership team, they can feel comfortable practicing their leadership skills. 

“Everyone in our program has something valuable to add, and we don’t want someone to feel like they can’t speak out because they don’t have a title,” Norton stated. 

Norton and Dillavou said that they will work to gain respect. 

“I don’t expect them to respect me as a leader just because I’m a drum major,” Dillavou said.