Twins Christian and Kenley Wang were chosen to be drum majors for the warrior band this school year.

“Being a twin drum major is really cool,” Christian Wang said. “I’ve never heard of it being done before. We can go by the same schedule, which is nice because drum majors have to come in early. If I’ve got a question, I just cross the hallway and ask her.” 

In a typical marching band season there are three drum majors chosen to lead the band. In previous years, two seniors and one junior would be chosen, but never before has a set of twins been picked to lead the group. 

“I wasn’t necessarily expecting to be a drum major,” Kenley Wang said. “I was just auditioning and the thought became more real as time went on.”

The role of a drum major is to keep time for the band by waving their arms in crisp motions. All eyes are on them as they are the visual source of time. 

“I’m supposed to keep tempo and give a clear downbeat for the entire band so that we stay together,” Christian Wang said. 

Drum majors lead on and off the field and take on many responsibilities for their role. They are never off the clock and always have a task at hand. 

“My responsibilities as a drum major are to lead by example,” Kenley Wang said. “I make sure everybody is welcome, and make sure things are set up without having to be asked and be a leader on and off the field.”

This is not a role unearned. Succeeding as a drum major takes time and practice. Required help sessions were held at the end of the school year for those interested in the role.

“It wasn’t too hard,” Kenley Wang said. “We had a week of help sessions every day for maybe an hour.” 

The audition consisted of the quizzing of various tempos and time signatures as well as patterns and technique. There was also a short answer form with a couple questions from the directors. The candidates were not only judged on their skills but also on their personalities and responsibility. 

Everyone considered to be a drum major had marched in previous years. They are also expected to have play their instrument during concert band seasons. 

“I was a tenor saxophone player before I was a drum major and saxophone is my main instrument,” Kenley Wang said. “I dabble in a few others, but I wouldn’t consider that I really play them. I’m in CJB jazz band, ATSB, wind ensemble during concert season, and outside of school I’m in Blues Ed. All of these bands give me variety and experience.”

Both Christian and Kenley share a love for music. Both of them are considered incredibly gifted at their instruments and seek out opportunities to better themselves musically. 

“I came from the saxophone section,” Christian Wang said. “I play baritone sax, and alto sax. I also play oboe. I’m in one of our school’s jazz bands, the show bands, and some bands outside of school. They’re all very different kinds of music. It’s a lot of fun and a different experience.”

While they both play various instruments, being chosen as a drum major has given them a new unique experience to practice and develop. 

“I practice by conducting to a metronome or the recording of the show,” Kenley Wang said. “Sometimes I’ll practice doing crescendos, cues, cut-offs without background sound so I can work on my coordination.”

Reading music has also changed for them as they now read count structure instead of notes on the page. They also have access to the music score so they can use the sounds played as structure cues. 

“While conducting, I look at myself in the mirror,” Christian Wang said. “You learn a lot about your form when you watch yourself practice. I don’t read individual notes. I just go measure by measure, and then when the time signature changes, I change with it.”

Just like every other band member, drum majors are expected to attend every practice and performance. This is especially important for them because the band needs three drum majors to stay in time properly while performing or even during practice. 

“We have morning rehearsals every week on Wednesday through Friday starting at 7 a.m.,” Kenley Wang said. “There’s Monday night rehearsals, Thursday night rehearsals for Drumline and Color Guard, in-class rehearsals, football games, pep band games, and competitions on Saturdays.”

Arriving on time to these rehearsals and performances is crucial for the drum majors as they have to move equipment and help others prepare for the show. They also lead warm up stretches for the band at the start of rehearsals and take attendance for the directors while the band plays warm up scales. 

“Every morning, Wed. through Fri., the entire band has to be there at 7 a.m.,” Christian Wang said. “Then Monday nights from 6:30 to 9. We play all the home football games, do some pep band stuff, and go to a bunch of competitions.”

Christian and Kenley have proven with their dedication to the band with their effort and teamworking skills. They have shown that leading a band is more than just conducting. By inspiring those around them and working together more than any other team, they proved that two is better than one.