Drum Line Accomplishments

One of the reasons I am going for Drum Major this year is because of the growth that I have seen from the current DM’s throughout their high school careers. I met Emma, Madeline, and Tabby as a freshman and seeing how much they would mature to become strong, independent leaders is something I never initially expected. The personal growth that one gains from leadership is one of the reasons why I believe everyone should experience a leader position at least once in their lifetime. From my year as Drill Instructor, I was able to learn quite an impressive amount, however I believe that I still have quite a ways to go before I am satisfied with my skills as a leader. One of my aspirations is to become a Doctor and have the opportunity to help those

Of all the things I’ve ever experienced, being in the Blanche Ely Marching Band was the most meaningful. Growing up I couldn’t fathom the value of life’s intangible things, but my perspicacity grew when I made the decision to stay in the band. The most important lessons I learned while being in the band would be: the importance of resilience,

drumline received 14 out of 23. The marching band’s show had several exciting moments such as when four color guard members began to play along with the

In 1995, DSU’s band traveled to England to perform for the Queen and the people of England for the New Years day parade. It was a wonderful performance to be remembered forever. Since then, the band has performed at many more major venues across the world. They performed in the inaugural parade for President Barack Obama, as well as the MLK parade. The band is conducted by band director Randolph J. Johnson. Mr. Johnson is 61 years old and has 13 years of experience as a college band director as well as 11 years as a high school band director. He has lead the band through many great performances.

As my high school years come to an end, I've realized something about myself. Since I stepped foot in this school as an up and coming freshman I've noticed that the drum major truly captured my attention. It was like when little kids see someone cool on tv and think, “When I grow up, I'll be exactly like them.” That's exactly how I felt, when I became a senior I wanted to be that person. Finally the time has come for me to show that I am capable of being the best drum major Orland has ever seen.

Being involved in several activities at Skutt Catholic aspire and motivate me to reach and strife for success and accomplishment. A prime example of my accomplishments are shown in the band program. My commitment and passion for band goes deep within the band program. I strictly practice self discipline of constant repetition and long dedicated practices in order to receive superiors in districts and an alternate position in the Nebraska Allstate band my sophomore year. As a the drum major of the marching band I had to uphold several leadership skills that require essential attribute to the position. These essential attributes include excellent musical, marching, organizational, and communication skills, as well as a servant-leader attitude. Being the leader of the band demands that I become the best role model I can be for upperclassmen. For instance I am the first to arrive and leave at practices, I must always maintain a positive attitude at all times, and to humbly go the extra mile to serve the band. Another activity that symbolizes my character was football. Football was both a mental and physical struggle, but what truly motivated me to strap on the green and black helmet everyday was my deep respect for my loyal teammates and legacy of the football program built at Skutt Catholic. During

East Carolina’s Concert band and Symphonic band performed on Tuesday, February 16, at seven thirty in the evening in Wright Auditorium. Being a duel performance it included over a hundred of my talented East Carolina peers led by outstanding band Directors Dr. Juchniewicz and Dr. Staub. Along with great students and Directors, the show incorporated a beautiful trombone solo performed by a fellow colleague. Although I have never attended a concert where such style of music was being performed, I did enjoy the music being played and most of them sounded as if I heard them before. The professionalism the students portrayed and maintain to the audience was breathtaking and made me honored to be their peers.

For 4 years, I’ve dedicated my efforts to the people I call family so that we could finally reach our goal an all superior year. By being marching captain, I have come to understand the importance of patience, open mindedness and what it feels like to dedicate my all to something. I have learned that not everyone learns at the same pace and that there is a creative solution that will enable anyone to succeed. These lessons that I have acquired from band are ones that guide now me in everything I do.

For the 2017-2018 SIHS marching band season, I am applying for the position of Drum Major. I am choosing to do so because I believe I am a strong and competitive candidate for multiple reasons. Something I think is very valuable in considering someone for a leadership role is their determination. In marching band, giving up is never an option no matter how hard things are. When you’re in charge of the entire band you can't give up because everyone's leaning back and relying on you.

Left, right, left, right... Those two words rung in my head while I marched until the thunderous voice of my drum major was heard. HALT, I was brought back to my senses. The banging of the bass drums, the turf under my tattered marching shoes, sweat rolling down from my shako. I was here, at assessment, the vibrant sound of clapping from the bleachers and the sight of judges ready to mark how we perform. “Pride of Potomac marching band, you may now take the field.” That is our cue, time to deliver our show, The Heist. Finally, after three months of sweat, tears, and blood, literally, I will earn my superior rating. I mean, what could go wrong right? Or at least that is what I thought until I heard the sound that will haunt me for the rest of the day, thud.

During Senior year’s marching season, I was given two leadership positions. Section leader of the french horn section as well as Hornline Captain for the whole entire wind ensemble. I had many responsibilities and obligations to fill with both positions. With time,patience, and much failure I was able to rise to the challenge.

Through weekly private lessons, chamber, wind, and orchestra ensemble playing, and assiduous independent practice, I have improved immensely as a trombonist and musician. My work paid off when I was accepted into Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute. At this nationally competitive program, I spent six weeks with talented, dedicated students while rubbing shoulders with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). I had never heard elite musicians live before the BSO. Their concerts brought tears to my eyes and my drive to make music at the highest level grew. After receiving instruction from these musicians and hearing their own performances, I refined my technique and made more tasteful musical decisions.

Ever since I stepped foot in my high school band program, I aspired to exceed my band director’s expectations and be able to perform to the best of my ability as a member of such a successful program. My band director has always been, and remains to this day, an exceptional

I, Aislinn Ramos, am applying to be Drum Major for the fall 2016 Maiden Blue Devil marching season. I want to become Drum Major because I believe I have the ability, willingness, and support needed to obtain the position and execute my job successfully. Being Drum Major is a challenge I am willing to take up. In this essay I will go through what a Drum Major is, why I think I am qualified for the position, and finally what I want to do as Drum Major.

Sophomore year of marching came. This year was a surprise for everyone. With our show being named ‘Masterminder.’ The band members marching were under control by the color guard soloist; the puppeteer. This show was pretty exciting, too. The judges also thought that. We made it past regionals AND semi-state. What? Yeah, we all thought the same thing. We had made it. We had FINALLY made it after so many years of just trying to get past regionals for once. It was a bitter-sweet feeling waiting for placement awards at Lucas Oil Stadium. The instructors went around to each band student one by one. The congratulated us on an amazing season. I started tearing up, but that isn’t surprising. As we marched our way out of Lucas Oil Stadium that night, I knew that this was only the beginning of a new generation for the Marching Marksmen.