Maria Vera, a senior in the Visual and Performing Arts Academy, earned the title of drum major for the band this new school year. During the last days of the 2010 school year, Vera and many other potential drum major candidates attended an election meeting. After various meticulous tests, she was ultimately selected by a panel of judges, including band coordinator, Mr. Quintero.
"I felt excited and happy! I couldn’t believe that I was chosen, and [I was very] happy that I was going to lead the band during my senior year," Vera said.
Vera has played the saxophone in band since her freshman year. Now with her new position, she plays a different role in the band.
"When you're a leader leading the band, what people forget is the process. Extra responsibilities come with certain positions," said Mr. Quintero.
As a drum major, Vera is responsible for giving commands through hand gestures to indicate where to march, what to play, and at what time to key. Additionally, she is also responsible for making sure that things are running well during practice.
"She's a good leader. She's able to do things that are asked of her. She's known for being very helpful, supportive and outgoing,” said Robert Galindo, a senior in the Justice and Law Academy, who also plays the saxophone.
Her leadership position demands serious commitment, and Vera is conscious of the responsibility she has accepted.
"Students don't realize everything that is involved: looking over 50-100 people; working on what they have [in order] to get going; preparing for football games, competitions and parades,” Mr. Quintero said.
Regardless of all her responsibilities, Vera has enjoyed her new position and has found many benefits from this experience. "This new experience has made me less shy and more social. The members of the band work with me, and are fun, outgoing, and cool to have around," Vera said.
Some of the things that are worth doing are those that are enjoyed. "[Although] It consumes [a lot of] time,” said Vera, “It’s worth it. I love band…It’s my real passion."
And even though Vera doesn't want to follow music in her studies in college, she will continue playing for fun. She confesses, "I love music… It’s my life, and this is what I spend most of my time on. [Otherwise] I wouldn’t have anything else to do.”
Through Vera’s perseverance, she has demonstrated that she has the potential to obtain many achievements. “I really think they're going to have such a great future. You can see that development [in them]," said Mr. Quintero, who has a lot of confidence in his band kids.
