(This is an archive story, please refer to the byline for journalist’s name)
By Braylee Schelgel
“I can go home and know that I contributed something real and feasible to better the band as a whole, and nothing is more rewarding than that.” Drum Major Matthew Bradley said.
The Brewer Band is led by Drum Majors Matthew Bradley, Jose Melendez, and Kameren Shoemaker. The three of them are considered the liaison between the band as a whole and the band director, Andrew Williams. Their job is to keep the structure together, as well as keep the band on the same tempo by conducting. Bradley is the Head Drum Major, and he is followed by Melendez and Shoemaker.
This position comes with many different responsibilities, and sometimes it is difficult to balance school life and the roles of a drum major.
“It has been a challenge,” Bradley said, “just like any time you take on a new challenge in life it takes adjustments and time to get used to, but in the end, I found a way to balance it all.”
The audition process to be granted this position is very laborious, it consists of teaching, conducting in front of the directors, and much more to show that the person is fit for the job. Although the audition was strenuous, it made the current drum majors ready for the year.
They are held to very high expectations since everyone’s eyes are always on them, literally and figuratively.
“I really like the expectations because I see them as a challenge to do better,” Shoemaker said.
Alongside the expectations, there are many different responsibilities that are attached to the position.
“I couldn’t name all of them, but among taking role, accounting for the equipment we need for practice, keeping the band in check, and conducting, the most important of all is being the example for the rest of the band to follow,” Bradley said. “If you start with fixing yourself and doing your job to be the best at what you do, the rest of the responsibilities tend to fall into place.”
The band members look up to the drum majors as leaders, always looking to them for advice.
“The drum majors help lead us to something greater, especially our current ones, considering we made it to Area Finals this year.” Freshman band member Reygen Currin said.
During the school year, the band goes from marching season to concert season. From performing during halftime at football games to performing for an auditorium full of people, it’s a different dynamic. The roles of the drum majors can sometimes change.
“In actual responsibilities, there’s less overall for you to take care of, and so certainly the responsibilities change, but the expectations never change.“ Bradley said. “You’re still expected to be the example in academics, musicianship, leadership, and service, no matter the season.”
As usual, there are challenges that they have to face when having this leadership position, just like any other position similar in nature.
“The most challenging part of being a drum major is making sure that the band doesn’t lose their focus,” Shoemaker said.
These challenges are not only limited to the physical aspect, but also on a personal level.
“The most challenging part of being a drum major is finding the time to enjoy it along the way amidst all of the stress and chaos, and not only realizing how great it is until it’s over,” Bradley said.
Although these challenges occur every day, they always find positive experiences, and they will continue to find these rewarding experiences as they grow, and as the position grows.
“There is not one single thing I like about being a drum major, it's everything,” Shoemaker said.
While only the drum majors themselves can understand certain aspects of their positions, the band will keep following their leadership as they lead the band to success.