Trying out for a leadership position for the Washington Township Minutemen Marching Band 2014-2015 season just to see what would happen, Sophomore Emily Faust ’17 ended being one of the youngest students to ever become a drum major for the marching band, which has changed her entire year.
“Being a drum major is a big responsibility and it took me a little while to adapt to the new position,” Faust says about her new role in the band. In Faust’s opinion, a drum major takes care of the band on a student level. She believes that they are not only the show conductors, but they also represent the band as well as still be a part of it.
Faust joined the Marching Band last year as a freshman, just trying it out, and now has made it to drum major by her sophomore year.
“Honestly I thought being a drum major would have a lot of challenges, but it’s just something you have to get used to. When you switch from marching with everyone else, to being a conductor (drum major), the strain is no longer physical, but mental.”
“She has the challenge of leading students who are 1-2 years older than her which can be a difficult but an important life concept for all students to grasp when preparing for the real world.” Marching Band Director Mr. Casey Corigliano explains.
Considering Faust herself was shocked with the selection, having a sophomore drum major in marching band is definitely a change for the senior members. Many four year Marching Band Members take pride in the band and have strong opinions about leadership.
“I think it may work out and be good for the band if she is a drum major, usually people try out their junior or senior year and only have the position for 1-2 years, in this case she can have an extra year of experience.” Paul Malone ‘15, 4th year member of the Band said about the young drum major. “It’s definitely a change, but age shouldn’t define her, if she is a good drum major, it doesn’t matter how old she is.”
A lot of members in the band have a strong positive take on Faust’s role as drum major and where she could potentially lead the band.
“I like that’s she’s drum major because she will continue to be drum major throughout high school, and by senior year she will grow, inspire the band members, and be great.” Marching Band Color guard Captain Anna Bradley ’15 said.
“She can think and connect to younger kids, who will be more likely to respect someone closer to their age, and it can definitely help to bring fresh and new ideas to the table rather than tradition.” Marching Band Color guard Captain Natalie Delasandro ’15 said.
Faust not only encourages students to join the marching band, but also encourages them to try out for leadership roles.
“I remember when I first heard about leadership auditions and how discouraged I felt about how young I was and how slim I thought my chances were, I was planning on just trying out as a junior, but after much encouragement from my friends and more confidence in myself, I tried out and the rest just happened from there. The night I found out, I couldn’t fall asleep all night because I was so happy and I couldn’t calm my nerves! Everyone should experience that happiness. To all the students out there, if you want it, go for it!”
Corigliano believes that leadership should be not only based on the training and audition process, but also on his previous experiences with the student(s).
“Many students want to have the title of a leader in the program and it’s up to me to sort out who is indeed qualified to handle those roles and the responsibilities that come along with those positions,” Corigliano said, “If future leaders always carry themselves with the “lead by example” mantra in mind, they should find success with their application to become a leader of the program.”
Faust is looking forward to the marching band season, and she is eager to learn from her fellow drum majors. For dedicated students like Faust, activities become a way to define themselves.
“Marching Band is a huge part of my life and I’d have no clue where I would be without it. Yes it is hard at times, but what activity isn’t? I couldn’t ask for a better family.”