Keeping time, Lee-ding the band to success

PHOTO/ Allison Lu

By Annabel Lee
Staff Writer

“Drum Major Madison Lee, is your band ready?” Silence abounds as junior Madison Lee takes a deep breath, preparing to count off the 2023 field show, The Irrational Mind. Throughout the day, thoughts and to-dos run through her mind, but now she feels a moment of clarity. Lee turns to face the band and with a swipe of her hand, the music begins.

Yet, being drum major is so much more than just performance; it’s about leadership, hard work and musical commitment. Lee is the 2023-2024 head drum major. As drum major, Lee is in charge of leading the band, communicating with band staff, section leaders and members, giving musical directions such as timing and positions and setting a good example.

“I’m willing to make sacrifices for band that some people are not willing to,” Lee said. “It’s hectic from my point of view, but if it makes things run smoother for the instructors, band director and students, then I did my job.”

Lee first joined band in fourth grade as a flute. Despite not being able to audition for Oak Avenue Intermediate’s drum major position due to COVID-19, she became an apprentice in sophomore year. Apprentices train under the head drum major, eventually applying for the position themselves.

The four main activities of the audition include an interview process, essay, performance–where candidates spin and conduct in front of the band and a binder with a log of everything they do during self-practices. One of the most important parts of her job as head drum major is being a role model and mentoring apprentices.

“I look up to Madison because she manages logistics very well and creates convenient schedules, making it clear for the band what to do next,” apprentice drum major Jay Liu said. “This clarity makes the whole band run much faster and smoother, working together like a puzzle piece.”

The head drum major is typically a senior, training for several years before applying for the position. However, with the upperclassmen leaving the program, Lee got the opportunity to lead.
“Becoming head drum major as a junior gave me a lot of imposter syndrome because I didn’t have the most experience and I felt like I got handed the position,” Lee said. “I wasn’t sure if I deserved it at first, but over time I learned to grow into the role.”

Due to the large size of band, miscommunication can often arise from divides between leadership and others in band. This year, Lee posts anonymous comments and complaint forms to address this, where band members can request changes and bring up issues.

“I’m proud of this addition, as people now feel more comfortable bringing up issues to me,” Lee said. “When someone comes to me with a complaint, I listen to them 100%. My first priority is making people feel validated and that’s what I enjoy the most; looking out for other band members.”

With competition season just beginning, band is looking forward to a successful year under Lee’s leadership.

“Madison is doing a phenomenal job,” Band Director Reginald Cordero said. “Even though she is a junior, she’s shown exceptional maturity and is extremely well organized, staying on top of everything. She’s truly thinking ahead of the game.”