Students tryout for drum major spot

By Alisha Weight

The first round of the Golden Eagle drum major tryouts were held on Tuesday, March 24 after school.

The eight students that tried out had to conduct a song and complete an interview with Mr. Murphy, high school marching band director, Mr. Verzilla, middle school band director, and the current drum majors.

“[The drum majors] have many duties that go far beyond conducting the band on the field. They help organize rehearsals and lead sectional practices; they serve as instructors for young band members and advise the staff on a myriad of topics,” Murphy said. “They really become junior staff members to facilitate every aspect of the program from copying music to running rehearsals and everything in between.”

After the first tryouts, the candidates were narrowed down to two students, who will be required to try out again: Molly Fessler-LePorte, 9th grade, and Lia Gavazzi, 11th grade.

“I am trying out because I have been I have a lot of experience and think I have a good chance,” Gavazzi, said.
“I decided to try out because I think it would be a good experience,” Fessler-LePorte, said.

According to Murphy, the first round lasted about five minutes. The second round will be about 20 minutes and will consist of conducting, giving vocal commands, and conducting interviews. The final round will last about 10 minutes.

Candidates all conducted the TAHS Alma Mater during the first round, a piece that they selected for the second round, and the final round will consist of conducting a piece called “Escape from the Deep” by Brian Balmages.