With stadium lights, millions of eyes, and one goal in mind, Addison Ezernack has the weight of previous band seasons upon her shoulders.
Senior Addison Ezernack has begun her first year as a band drum major. Ezernack went through a extensive process to become a drum major this year and secure her position.
“First we had to do a teaching portion,” Ezernack said. “Then conduct a piece of music, and then finished the tryout with an interview with four different directors.”
When Ezernack was younger, she took piano lessons and said she fell in love with them. Naturally, she found interest to join band in middle school and continue through high school and eventually tryout for the drum major position.
“The past drum majors, especially my freshman year, truly impacted me and I wanted to do the same for others,” Ezernack said.
Ezernack has a process for each practice. She begins with stretches and warmups then conducts a walk around and checks to see if anyone needs help. After practice, after everyone has left, Ezernack chooses to stay behind to help clean and work on the band show.
“Being a drum major is an odd role,” Ezernack said. “I’m not a director, even though I have some roles like one, but I am also still a high school student. It was a struggle to find a balance between the two, but once I did, it was easy to settle to.”
If Ezernack were to give advice to an aspiring drum major she would tell them to be confident.
“It is difficult, but if you are confident in yourself it makes everything better, and stay humble,” Ezernack said.
Ezernack is looking forward to seeing the show put together on the field and seeing everyone have their own individual progress.
“Personally, I want to be proud of what we put out there,” Ezernack said. “At the end of the season, I don’t want to look back and be disappointed that I didn’t give it my all or do my best.”
