New Drum Major Andrew Soriano Has High Aspirations
By ERIC MORENO Staff writer of The Lion's Tale Another hot, exhausting afternoon practice has just come to an end and drum major Andrew Soriano heads back to the band hall to contemplate what the band did right and what improvements need to be made. The band took its first steps out onto the field early in the morning at summer band practice. Welcoming old and new members to a the growing program with practice underway, the directors -- Mr. David Zahrndt, Mr. Jesse Showalter, and Mr. Paul Ailey -- began setting the drill for the new show -- Goddess of Fire. Andrew and new junior drum major Cindy Arteaga have taken on the role of great responsibility as the leaders of the band. Last year the band achieved great success at University Interscholastic League competition, receiving straight ones on and off the field. The band is under some pressure to to succeed again. Andrew said, "Yes, there is always a huge amount of pressure to deliver what we accomplished last year, and that is why we must act as a team and not as individuals and take it to the next level." As for the current goals for the band, Andrew said, "With new and old members returning and graduating seniors leaving, our goals are still the same, but our expectations have risen from last year to become the best band in the district." By definition, leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal. "More and more attention to becoming a leader and not an individual is highly emphasized in the field," Andrew said. "The most important quality of being a drum major is to have leadership. One must have a great sense of guidance and direction in order to prosper as a great leader. Also another key factor in being a leader is to place the group in front of you; valuing them is highly important, and no one will follow someone who will treat you with disrespect." Andrew said that music has always been a passion for him. "Ever since I started band in the sixth grade, I knew this was something I was going to enjoy for a long time." Andrew's aspiration for college is to attend the University of Texas at Austin where he would like to pursue a major in music production. "Band is really great for me because the knowledge I have learned will really help me in my career," he said. Many people have strong aspirations to achieve certain goals, but for Andrew those aspirations are high but attainable. "What I'm hoping for this year is to win sweepstakes in marching band and as well for the concert season. As for myself, a high aspiration I've set since sixth grade is to make the all-state band. I'm practicing diligently every day to achieve my goal as well as the band's goals. "Confidence has no meaning if you believe you can get something done. It doesn't matter what your actual available resources. You will still believe that you will be able to accomplish your goals," said the dedicated musician. |