From yearbook co-editor during the day to being drum major at competitions and football games at night, senior Abigail Shelly has her hands constantly full no matter what job she is doing.
According to Shelly, being drum major is a difficult thing to do because it consists of conducting the band, helping whenever the directors need help, leading stretches, overseeing sectionals, and finally providing support to other officers.
“I really looked up to Kaylee Potter; she really inspired me to become drum major,” Shelly said. “Also, my old band director, Mrs. Smith, really pushed me in band and encouraged me to become a drum major.”
Shelly said the hardest part about being drum major is the legacy and impression she leaves on the band.
“Feeling the weight of everyone’s eyes on me to be perfect can be challenging,” Shelly said. “I have to strive every day to be the best I can be to always have a positive attitude, and to be a role model so the band can be as successful as I can make it.”
Shelly said the yearbook editors have a really complex job to do because they must overlook everyone else in yearbook to make sure it can be the very best it can be.
“Once the other staff members finish their spreads, I am in charge of checking grammar, as well as the layout and design of the specific spread,” Shelly said. “I also have a major role in picking color, theme, and design element along with my partners.”
Becoming yearbook editor is a tough decision to make because doing that puts one in charge of everything that goes along with producing the yearbook.
“I had to apply and fill out an application (to be editor),” Shelly said. “From there, Mrs. Fruge picked me and I am so thankful. I have been in yearbook three years now and in journalism my freshman year.”
Drum majors have a really difficult time doing their jobs and sometimes, they just need time to relax. So, in those moments, they just need to do their favorite things to calm them down.
“The friendships I create with everybody is my favorite part of being part of the band,” Shelly said. “It truly is a family!”
According to Shelly, she has taken away several life lessons from her involvement in both organizations.
“The biggest thing I have learned is how much my work ethic impacts both activities,” Shelly said. “If not driven to be better, the people I’m leading aren’t going to be either.”
