If the words “marching band” bring John Phillip Sousa to mind, think again. Today’s competitive bands are more inclined to play a riff from Stairway to Heaven than the old standard, Stars and Stripes Forever. There are still trombones and bass drums; but, an RISD marching band may include tympanis playing Aaron Copeland or a saxophone soloist playing John Coltrane. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) Competition is entertainment that appeals to all ages and exemplifies Richardson tax dollars at work building the talents of our young musicians.

     Students at Berkner, Lake Highlands, Pearce and Richardson high schools began rehearsing their UIL Marching competition shows in the heat of early August, while their classmates were still on vacation. Rehearsals continued when school started; with bands practicing up to 8 hours a week before and after their academic day.

     Among the most committed and hard-working of the student musicians are the drum majors. You’ll see them in their capes and white gloves directing the bands’ performances. But, there is more to the job, as Maxwell Atkinson, one of four drum majors at PHS explains, “It’s a lot more work going on behind the scenes than anybody would really expect because all the different music has to be copied for everybody in the band. All of the different co-ordinate sheets designating where they are (moving) in the show need to be copied. A lot of that is done by the drum majors.” Morgan Coplan, one of three drum majors at BHS says, “We take charge of teaching fundamentals and describing how to actually march.” Adds  Andrea Ablen, also at BHS, “We set the pace for the rehearsals.”

     Historically, Drum Major was a military rank, tasked with defending the bandsmen who used drums and bugles to communicate instructions to the troops on and off the battlefield. The Major was also responsible for the administrative work, choreographing drill movements and for military discipline of the whole battalion - that is lashing.

     Discipline for errant band-mates in an RISD marching band is more likely to be push-ups. Jordan Garcia, a BHS drum major, does talk about his responsibility in military terms. “We have jobs set out for different logistical leaders. But, we have a head logistical leader called the quarter master who oversees that… we take charge of delegating.” The position requires a drum major to walk a fine line with their peers, balancing friendship and leadership. Harrison Wallace is a Junior in a role that is usually held by Seniors. “It’s challenging to try and gain the respect of all your peers,” he reports.

     RISD band directors have high expectations for their drum majors. Zebulon Loewenstein, drum major at PHS, describes the rigorous preparation for try-outs that last up to 3 weeks. Each candidate learns, “…conducting, how to teach marching fundamentals, and whistle commands, calling commands, saluting the list goes on and on, there is a lot to learn.”

     What motivates a teenager to take on such a challenging extra-curricular activity, an edge on getting into a good college? Nadia Hill, a drum major at RHS says, “We are up here so much longer than everyone else, if you only wanted to put it (drum major) on your resume it would be a long year.” Instead, they talk about their roles in terms of self-less leadership and giving something back to the band. Morgan Coplan explains her reason for serving as a drum major. “This is the best way to get any sort of experience as a leader. The three of us are in charge of 400 kids! I mean there is no better way.”

     Saturday, October 24, the eligible 4A bands in our area will compete at Mesquite Memorial Stadium to see who will go to the State Competition in San Antonio November 2 and 3.

     Monday, October 24, the 5A bands will perform at Mesquite Memorial Stadium for rankings by UIL judges. These bands will competing in a State Competition in 2010.

     Whether your interest is orchestra, choir or theater, for future RISD performances, visit www.risd.org/calendar/fine_arts.

Head Band directors are:

BHS – Frank Troyka

LHHS – Jeff Bradford

PHS – Greg Hames

RHS – Scott Taylor

Written and submitted by Rhonda Richards-Cohen.

Photo credit Todd Cohen