Coal Ridge High School junior Ava Karren has become the first dedicated drum major in the school’s band program, stepping onto the podium to lead a marching band that has grown from 17 students a few years ago to 50 today, the Post Independent reported.
Karren earned the role after stepping in last year when Band Director Abby Schuelke went on medical leave during marching season. With only about half of the show learned, Karren began conducting naturally as the ensemble worked through the music, according to the report.
Schuelke said students reached a group decision that Karren should become the program’s first dedicated drum major because of her leadership. The role requires knowing the beat, managing tempo and time signature changes, and adjusting when the ensemble gets off track.
With Karren conducting, Schuelke can move through the ensemble, play alongside students and offer more individual feedback. The director said she has been able to be much more integrated within the ensemble because of Karren’s presence on the podium.
Karren joined band in sixth grade on clarinet, later switched to saxophone, became a section leader and joined jazz band. She said she loves learning how music works, not just her instrument. The new student leadership position is expected to continue growing along with the band program itself.
For more information, visit postindependent.com.