During a marching band performance, have you ever wondered who the person is standing atop a platform, waving her hands at the musicians? 

Well, it’s drum major, senior Lauren Smith.

A drum major is the person who keeps the band on tempo, tells them what songs to play, and has the primary student leadership role. “I do a lot of teaching, leading sectionals, and helping people learn the music,” Smith said, adding that she also “helps set some of the cultures of the marching band.”

Smith has been a part of the Marching Golden Lions for more than four years.

 “I was an apprentice in eighth grade, which means that I didn’t do the halftime show, but I came to all the football games and played stand tunes [short songs played in the stands] and the Star Spangled Banner,” she said.

Director of Bands Mr. Ian LaBreck said he selected Smith to be drum major because “Lauren is a natural leader and a great musician.” 

Throughout her years marching, Smith has played many instruments, including the piccolo, saxophone, and flute, which is her favorite to play.

“The flute and piccolo were the primary instruments that I played, but most of my band activities are with the saxophone,” she said.

Smith is still deciding where she wants to go to college, but she plans on majoring in psychology and music therapy with a focus on voice. In addition to playing musical instruments, Smith is also participates in Music Ministry and the chorus program. You can see her performing next at the Christmas Chorus and Theater Concert on November 30 and the Christmas Band and Guitar Concert on December 7.