Leader of the Band

When the Seahawk Marching Band gets ready to play, more than 100 pairs of eyes are on senior Blair Brake.

They have to be. Brake, 17, is in her second year as drum major. Accompanied by senior Will Cochrane, who is new to the position, Brake literally is the leader of the band. She calls the group to attention and, from her place on a podium, conducts the group, turning dozens of individuals into one harmonious unit.

She's the one who knows when a tuba is playing too slow or the drummer is out of step.

"I am pretty much listening to everything going on," says Brake.

Brake has been playing the oboe since she was at Her twin sister, Alex, opted for the viola and now plays in South Lakes' orchestra.

After two years in the high school marching band, Brake applied for the drum major position. The application includes an audition, an interview and as essay on what leadership means.

"I said 'I am passionate about band and I want to help us reach our highest potential,' " she said.

So what does it take to be an effective drum major?

"It takes a lot of positive energy," says Brake. "You have to lift everyone up. You have to have good listening skills. You have to hear people out and see what they are having problems with and help them out."

You also have to work well with the co-drum major, she says. Brake worked well alongside Ian Anderson, a South Lakes senior last year who is now enrolled at William & Mary. She thinks she will work well with Cochrane, too.

"If things are not cohesive with the two of you, the whole thing can fall apart," she said.

Playing in the band is a lot different than leading it, so South Lakes drum majors spend a week at  the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy at West Chester University, where they spend three hours a day concentrating on conducting, says Brake.

Brake says she plans to continue to play music in college, even if she decides not to major in it. Leading 120 musicians has given her a good foundation for organization and leadership no matter what field she chooses.

"I have learned that you have to give 100 percent every time you do something," said Brake. "Otherwise, what are you doing it for?"

Catch the Seahwak Marching Band debut its 2011-12 program at the first home football game Friday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m. against Westfield.