Spring Break
A leader of the band
By: Meredith Zdenek
Issue date: 1/30/09 Section: News
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This is how it would feel to be in the shoes, or boots, of Samantha Kropp, senior artillery drum major from A-Battery.
Kropp, a university studies in architecture major, is a member of a long line who have serves as drum major for the Aggie Band, but what makes her unique is that she is the first female in Texas A&M history to do so.
"Being the first female drum major is really an awesome privilege," Kropp said. "Not just because I am a girl or the first, but that I have the opportunity to work with wonderful people in the Aggie Band as well as the other two drum majors who are two of the best people I have ever met."
To be a drum major for the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band comes with a lot of responsibility and involves an extensive tryout process.
"Everyone as a junior has the opportunity to try out as long as they have the grades," Kropp said. "The first tryout is conducted in front of the directors and old drum majors. And after that they make some cuts. Then the second tryout is conducted in front of the entire band."
Each spring, the drum major candidates undergo a rigorous selection process that encompasses various components of each cadet's participation in the band. This includes the candidates' individual academic performances and experience in the band.
The judges take into consideration the applicants' integrity, respect among fellow band members and how they represent themselves, the Corps of Cadets and the Aggie Band.
Each candidate prepares for weeks prior to a preliminary tryout, which includes a demonstration of basic baton and whistle commands, as well as conducting skills. Final candidates are selected and conduct the band, without the senior class, in various selections of standard marching tunes played by the Aggie Band.
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