With six years as french horn player and one as a drum major, junior Jia Kanar has played a big role in the bands performances. The step to drum major has been a big responsibility for Kanar, but has ultimately helped her grow in and out of band.
Jia Kanar
Future Job: Music Education
Currently in: Wind Ensemble (Band)
Years of French Horn and as a Drum Major: French horn for 6 years, drum major for 1 year.
Future College: Undecided: considering schools with good music programs
Wingspan: How did you realize being a drum major is something you wanted to do?
Kanar: “I realized I wanted to be drum major my freshman year. Seeing the way the drum majors cared about everyone and what they did for the band program inspired me to do the same.“
Wingspan: How did you prepare for the responsibilities of being a drum major?
Kanar: “The summer before I was drum major – July 2019, the other drum majors and I attended the Drum Major Academy where we learned how to conduct, vocal commands, and we also received lessons on leadership. This experience was a lot of fun and it helped the other drum majors and I prepare for the upcoming marching season.“
Wingspan: How does this impact your daily schedule and how do you work with it?
Kanar: “Being drum major is an important time commitment however it is very rewarding in so many different ways! A lot of the time spent is on conducting, and learning the show on a deeper level which includes knowing what instruments play at what time and how this affects the music’s tempo. Also, being drum major includes doing lots of logistic things such as making copies, attendance, and so much more. During marching season my daily schedule includes practicing my conducting skills and my French horn from an individual standpoint in the morning, conducting during class and working on timing from a group standpoint with the other drum majors, taking attendance during rehearsal, going through the warm up with the wind players, conducting with the entire band – percussion, winds, and guard, gathering all the AV equipment, and cleaning up and organizing the band hall so it’s ready for the next day. This does get overwhelming at times, but it is such an amazing experience. This experience has allowed me to become closer with every individual in the band program and I love doing what I do with the people I love.“
Wingspan: Is being a drum major something you want to be again next year?
Kanar: “I would love to be drum major again next year. Being drum major this year has helped me learn more about myself, music, and the wonderful people in our band program and I would love to continue this journey next year.“
Wingspan: What do you wish you knew before auditioning to become a drum major?
Kanar: “I wish I knew how much of a roller coaster the drum major experience would be. It is filled with amazing moments and stressful moments which not everyone sees. Being drum major puts a lot of pressure on setting a good example, and there were times where I felt that I wasn’t strong enough to do it. However remembering that I earned this position for a reason and that I have grown so much and that I am continuing to grow has helped me get through the negative thoughts“
Wingspan: How do your friends and family support your position?
Kanar: “My friends and family have been extremely supportive of me being drum major. When I first told my friends and family they were so excited and proud of me, and I am so grateful to be surrounded by such supportive people.“
Wingspan: How has being in band and being a drum major impacted you as a person?
Kanar: “Being drum major has helped me become a more assertive and empathetic person. This has also helped me become a better leader and I am so grateful for this experience.“
Wingspan: Is pursuing a career in what you do something you would consider?
Kanar: “I am considering a career in music and I would love to be a high school band director some day.“