By: Kathryn Trogdon

Tram Quach the drum major at Knightdale High School.

Tram Quach was the  Knightdale High School drum major for the 2009 band season. She has been a participant in Knightdale’s marching band for the last four years, and it was during her senior year of high school that she became the drum major. Quach was chosen this year by the band director, Ronzel Bell, to lead the band when she was ready to take on such a huge responsibility.

Quach began being involved in music at a young age. In the second grade, her best friend played the violin, so she decided to pick up the instrument as well. From there her love of music took her to new heights, pushing her to learn to play the piccolo, flute, piano, and keyboard. Quach grew up with a love of music and was entranced in preschool by the “rainbow colored xylophones” as she describes. Quach stated, “That was my playtime.” It was there that her love for music truly began.

The drum major is usually chosen by the student telling Bell that he or she is interested in the position. He or she will be observed for a while before Bell selects the best candidate for the position to lead the band. For Quach, band definitely changed after her shift in position. There is a lot more responsibility that goes along with being a drum major, and sometimes people can even be a little scared or intimidated. However, if the band is lead well they will respect the drum major. Some of the requirements for a drum major are strong leadership skills, intellect, and the ability to handle pressure well. Confidence is important, but not abusing the power they are given is standard. The drum major has to act like the adult even among peers of their same age group.