Senior Trae Steele has been a drum major since sophomore year and has grown to really enjoy the position.
This year, he has had the privilege of overseeing the first season of Memorial High School’s band.
The Memorial Messenger sat down with Steele ahead of Friday’s senior night to talk about his experiences being a drum major and his future plans.
Q: Why did you decide to be a drum major?
A: I decided to be one in sophomore year because I thought that I really liked band and I really wanted to pursue music at that time. I thought it would be a good option so I just did that.
Q: What has been your favorite part of being a drum major overall?
A: My favorite part is probably just being a leader of the band and also just seeing different perspectives of music. I am not in the marching with the section, I am looking at everyone the whole time.
Q: What’s been the most challenging part of this role for you?
A: Probably the relationships I form. I had a lot of relationships in band when I was not drum major, but I always say that just the connections with the directors and some other students came strong since I was drum major. So probably the relationships and just being a leader.
Q: What does it mean to you to be a part of the first year of Memorial High School band?
A: I think it is a really big thing. I’m really excited I was able to be the first one and also that I was able to be the last one of Old High. That is like history in the making of Wichita Falls, especially in band. I am really happy that I am able to do that and we also got a one (score) too in the competition this year. I think that is a very good thing.
Q: In what ways have you grown since your freshman year in band?
A: I would say that probably being a leader when I started doing it. I was really nervous and I wasn’t really sure how to do it, but I feel that I have grown as a person because of it. I have more confidence in my ability to do things, speak in front of people, just being more confident in myself and in my abilities and what I am able to do. I also realized what I can do.
Q: Do you have a favorite band memory?
A: My favorite band memory is probably freshman year. I was going to Odessa for area. The girls were very quiet in the front and the the boys in the back were so loud, and I remember the seniors were so gross just lying on the floor.
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: I want to go to the Air Force Academy and study psychiatry and then go to the military for a while and later leave and do psychiatry. I want to specialize in children (psychiatry).
