The 2024 Galesburg Marching Streaks have begun their season under the leadership of four student drum majors: Andy Kennedy, Ava Headley, Jorgi Donald, and Emma Dechow.
“These four have made great progress since the end of last year,” said Dena Baity, Director of Bands. “They are excited, dedicated, responsible, and have great ideas to help the band have a successful season.”
Marching band traces its history (and the role of drum major) back to early military times. Military bands (formally called fife and drum corps) used to be for duty calls and battle signals primarily. Directed by the drum major, the corps would use short pieces to communicate to field units.
Today, drum majors are responsible for providing commands to the ensemble, leading them while marching, and directing them: what to play, when to play, how loud to play, and at what speed. The commands may be given verbally, through hand gestures, or using a whistle.
In addition, the drum majors serve as the liaison between the band director and the band. Essentially, the drum majors are the highest form of student leadership in the marching band. Galesburg’s drum majors participate in an audition process: they submit an essay on leadership, learn to conduct and give commands, and must conduct their peers as part of the audition. Their selection is made by all four Galesburg #205 band directors.
“We are incredibly excited for the community to see their year’s Marching Streaks,” Baity added. The 2024 field show is titled “Broken Time”. The Marching Streaks will compete in five competitions, perform at home football games, and the Labor Day and Veteran’s Day parades this fall. For more information, visit the band’s website: http://galesburgbands.weebly.com