Drum major, Asker, takes the lead

LHS Senior, Hailey Asker, was appointed to be one of the two drum majors for the LHS Marching Band for the 2018 season. As Hailey conducts the band, her peers said she is sharp with her hand movements and she is good with rhythms and she knows her times.

“She showed much excitement for the position and she had good musicianship,” Brendan Burns, the LHS band teacher.

The drum major’s role is to stand on a platform and conduct the band. As she conducts the band, she stands on a five-foot podium in her purple and gold band uniform with her black hat with a black feather.

“You have to be able to keep a steady beat and have a good understanding of the piece. You also have to be able to not let the band control you,” said Burns.

“There’s lots of responsibility but it’s fun,” Asker said.

Being a drum major for the marching band is stressful but also enjoyable, according to Asker.

“It is a good experience… it makes me feel as if I am actually doing something important,” she said.

“Hailey takes music very seriously and she works very hard but she still makes it fun. She is always willing to help,” said junior, Amie Greenfield, who plays tenor saxophone in the band.

Burns knew Asker would make a good drum major based on her attitude, her patience and ability to conduct multiple patterns.

“She had good behavior in class and a good attitude towards herself and others,” Burns said.

Asker plans on pursuing her music career at the University of Idaho. Starting in the fall of 2019 she will major in jazz choir and she will play with the U of I marching band.

As she prepares to continue her music career outside of Lewiston, she said she will miss the familiarity of being a part of the LHS band — visiting the band room before school or eating lunch with her friends there.

Asker and the LHS marching band competed in at competition at Washington State University on Oct. 21, resulting in last place.

“It was a successful show… The students were proud of the show but not so proud of the score,” said Burns.

As the 2018 marching band season comes to an end in October, Asker said she feels proud of the group.

“Every year we improve and this year we did better than last year,” Asker said.

This year, Burns made many new additions to the music department at LHS this year. After school he now directs an orchestra and a jazz combo. He has also split the concert band into two sections — a wind ensemble and a concert band.