Students may notice during the half-time marching band performance, two boys dressed in white ensembles leading the band. These boys are this year’s drum majors, senior Andrew McGinnis and junior Michael Ploutz. Still, students don’t know the importance of their roles.

“As drum majors, we direct and lead the band,” McGinnis said. “We are held to a higher standard than everyone else.”

Band director Craig Manteuffel chooses the drum majors at the end of the previous year.

“You have to audition in front of Manteuffel,” McGinnis said. “He chooses who he thinks will lead the band the best and has the best understanding of music.”

Ploutz states that not many tried out last year so it was pretty easy to narrow it down to McGinnis and him.

“We had a lot of drummers for this year,” Ploutz said. “So I decided to step up and it’s pretty neat.”

Both boys enjoy the high ranked role.

“My favorite part is not having to learn music or learn a marching formation,” McGinnis said. “It is also nice to be able to boss people around without getting in trouble.”

Ploutz just enjoys yelling at everyone, and doing things his way. He is undecided as to whether or not he will try for the position next year. While McGinnis is in his only year of eligibility.

“I think it has been a lot of fun and a great experience.” said McGinnis.

17mcrees@usd489.com