Feeling the crisp fall breeze hit their faces the student bleachers erupt in a roar as Drum Major, Megan Johnston, leads the band onto the Turf Football Field. From on top of the band’s podium to in the classroom, Junior, Johnston’s life is certainly jam-packed and exciting.
Johnston is the Lead Drum Major for the Hazelwood West Marching Wildcats and has a lot of responsibilities to make things run smoothly. Some of these responsibilities include assisting the band director, Mr. Aaron Jackson, organizing music, making sure fellow band members are properly fitted for uniforms, checking technology functioning, and most importantly, conducting the band.
While having so much responsibility Johnston still has the pressure of being the ‘Face of the Band.’ Johnston feels a lot of pressure when everyone is watching her and feels as tho she needs to be a good role model for any new people in the band.
“Even though I may be the leader and the face of the band it is also okay to make mistakes and just because you’re in a leadership position it does not mean you have to be perfect and the best all the time,” Johnston said.
Johnston comes from a family of musicians and remembers in 6th grade when her band director made them march in the West Homecoming parade. Since then, she has fallen in love with music and the Marching Band following in the footsteps of many family members.
Music has changed her life for the better, Marching Band has allowed her to meet new people and also make new friends that she would have otherwise never talked to before and go to completely new places.
“YouTube became my best friend for preparing for my Drum Major audition. I would watch YouTube videos on how to conduct for hours and try to copy nearly exactly how a good conductor would be to be the best for the band.” Johnston said.
Johnston is taking some of the hardest courses that she can take in her junior year, such as AP Pre-Calc, AP Lang, and more. Since Johnston stays after regular school hours almost every single day she has to be more creative when balancing her work and personal life.
“I try to use my AP integrated seminar as much as I can,” Johnston said. “The hour and a half really gives me time to finish all the work that I may need to work on for all my classes. I even try to work on some assignments after practice or in my free time so I don’t fall behind.”
From on the field to in the classroom Megan Johnston is an amazing student and leader. She has proven herself time and time again on how she has worked her way to the position of Drum Major.
“Try new things! Don’t be afraid to do things that you would be scared to do, You will end up making amazing friends and having some of the best times of your life!”