Leading the four consecutive state marching band champions is a daring task to accept.  For Haley Emerson, she will be taking on this challenge as a junior.

Emerson will be one of the three drum majors next year in the marching band show entitled “Immortal.”

“A drum major is the highest student position in the band that there is,” Emerson said. “They’re the ones that lead the students, help each student individually to improve, and motivate them with a positive attitude.”

Along with 18 other students, Emerson prepared weeks in advance for the audition process.

“First, Mr. Burk taught us how to conduct as a group and in private sessions,” Emerson said. “Then, we got a recording of the third part, and I took it home and played it over and over and conducted to it in the mirror.”

The auditioning staff looked at students’ past dedication to the program and the leadership they have displayed over the years.  For the auditions, outside judges were also used to help find the greatest candidates.

“Outside judges were used because it is extremely important to have an impartial view and sometimes they see things that we don’t see,” High School Associate Director Michael Lemish said.

While Emerson is not the first Argyle junior to serve as drum major, this is not a common occurrence.

“This is definitely a change for us to have a junior drum major,” Lemish said, “but one thing as a staff that we have all agreed upon is we want to keep each year open where we can make the best decision. We are going to pick what we feel is going to be best for the program in the long run. In this case, having Haley as drum major this year was what was best for the program.”

Wearing white on the marching field, drum majors not only stick out to the audience but also to members of the band.

“Ever since I’ve gotten in the band world, I’ve always looked up to the drum majors as an authority figure and a leader,” Emerson said. “I thought that I’d be a good drum major, and that’s what I’ve wanted to be since I was a freshman.”

Taking on the task as a junior is an obstacle that Emerson is not afraid to tackle.

“I think with being a leader your age doesn’t really matter just as long you lead by example and you help others around you to improve,” Emerson said. “I think that they will respect me as a leader, and if they don’t, then I’ll just lead the band and provide help and just do everything I can to win their respect.”

The junior’s motivation has not only come from herself, but also from her greatest mentor.

“Mrs. Johnson has definitely been the one who has inspired me to be drum major because she is like the mother of the band and is the one I strive to impress,” Emerson said. “She’s the one that has motivated me to be the best player and best leader that I can be throughout the years.”

Overseeing band members from middle school up to now, the Director of Bands Kathy Johnson has had the opportunity to witness Emerson’s progression.

“Haley is a very good musician and a very good conductor,” Director of Bands Kathy Johnson said. “I think her personality is one that is not intimidating and is one that everyone is comfortable around.”

Having a junior as drum major offers many opportunities to benefit the band program.

“Haley will have a year’s worth of experience when she comes back to audition her senior year,” Johnson said. “That leadership she develops next year will carry over to her senior year, and she will probably be more comfortable in that role but also be able to help guide the other drum majors.”

Although the 2015-2016 year is a non-state year, Emerson expresses her desire to help push the band program forward.

“It’s an honor to be drum major next year,” Emerson said. “I’m really excited and confident that I can do a great job, and I’m just really blessed for the opportunity to lead the Argyle marching band.”