What is it like to be the HTMB drum major?

Who’s the student that you see conducting on the podium during every halftime show and pep tune? Erin Lee, a Hoover senior, is the drum major for the Hoover Tornado Marching Band and their 2025 production, Hexed. Joined by assistant drum major and senior Nolan Flores, Hoover’s majors are working hard to inspire and push the band to first place during their seasons competitions.

So, what do the majors do?

“The literal definition of a drum major is someone who keeps tempo, runs rehearsals, and is the representative of the band,” said Lee. “But [the] figurative role of the drum major is to be the best role model…I think my ultimate role is to provide guidance and support, and also to bring people together and make a team.”

Flores’ position as an assistant drum major helps solidify these responsibilities. He also makes it his job to mentor, motivate, and cheer up the band.

“The assistant drum major supports the drum major, focuses on finer details, manages the band during competitions, and is a secondary conductor (in the event that something happens to the drum major),” stated Flores.

Lee first decided to audition for drum major during her freshman year, ambitious to take on an opportunity to lead.

“It was really cool to me that the drum major was the face of the band and everyone looked up to them. I also wanted to [get] out of my comfort zone and be involved during highschool…I would have to interact with so many people and learn how to be a person that people want to follow,” said Lee.

When Flores applied for his position as assistant drum major, he sought to inspire the band and expand the assistant majors duties while still being able to march with his saxophone on the field.

“I wanted to support the band with my knowledge and mentality. Furthermore, I wanted to be an example and inspiration to my fellow peers in the band,” claimed Flores.

Being the face of the band can seem straightforward, but there are many challenges that come with it.

“I need to look confident and happy to be [at rehearsals] everyday,” said Lee. “There are days where I’m tired and stressed out, but I need to push myself to keep going. My role as drum major is to keep everyone on their feet and going, whether it’s physically or mentally, and I can’t do that if I’m the one who gives up.”

On the contrary, being the second person to look up to presents its own dilemmas.

“When I applied for this position, one of my goals was to expand [its] duties,” said Flores. “It’s a challenge for me because I’m doing things that other assistant drum majors have not tried.” 

However, both Lee and Flores are insistent that the HTMB achieve one goal– to win. 

“[It’s] to be exceptional in everything we do…become the best version of ourselves in every aspect,” envisions Lee. “My hope is that people will learn how to constantly improve and give their all. I want all of us to come off the field saying, ‘We did everything in our power to have the best show, and we’re proud of our production.’”

“I want the band to win, both in performance and as people,” said Flores. “In my books, winning is about growing into a better version of yourself as well as the product you produce.”