For Warrenton senior Olivia Tittel, leadership and responsibility have become part of the daily routine. Tittel is entering her fourth year in the Warrenton High School Marching Band and second year as a drum major, a mentor and role model for students she sees as her extended family.
During performances, drum majors conduct the band from the front of the field. But behind the scenes, drum majors work with each band member to help them improve and learn from their seniors’ experience. It’s a role that Tittel said extends into the rest of the school day.
“I’ve learned that I need to put others before myself. I can do whatever I want outside of school, but when I’m in school, I need to show everybody how to act the right way,” Tittel said. “Some people don’t get that at home. For some people, this is their family, and they look up to us. We have to show them the right thing to do.”
Q: What do you enjoy about band?
“Marching band is the family atmosphere that I like. We are all family here. Nobody is discouraged, nobody is left out. ... Anybody from all shapes, sizes, colors can come here and be accepted on the first day.”
Q: Have you looked forward to coming back to band this year?
“I don’t accept change very well, so the fact that band was almost not going to happen was weird. ... Schedules are good for me, and this is a good schedule.
Q: Is being a drum major a big responsibility?
“You have to be organized. A lot of weight is on your shoulders. This whole entire band depends on you. If you’re off, they’re off. They look up to you for questions that need to be answered, they look to you for guidance if they’re having a hard time.”
Q: Does that responsibility make you nervous?
“Sometimes. But most of the time, I’m pretty confident.”
Q: Are you involved with any other clubs or activities?
“I was the president of the French Club, and I’m a part of a leadership club called the TUF Program. We go to the elementary schools and teach about bullying.”
Q: Has anyone been a big inspiration for you?
“(Band director) Mr. Speers. In sixth grade, I really considered dropping out of band, and he was like, ‘No, you’re not quitting, I’m not going to let you quit.’ And he still holds that to me to this day.
“He teaches us so much. ... Like our show this year, ‘Still Making Memories.’ With everything going on, he’s showing us we’re going to hold onto these memories. Even though competitions are canceled, we’re still going to perform, whether it’s a Walmart parking lot or a park.”
Q: What are your plans after high school?
“I’m going to college to be a kindergarten teacher. I want to continue studying French ... and I want to continue band.”
Favorite movie: Mama Mia.
Favorite song: Mama Mia (the original).
Favorite food: Chinese.
Favorite destination: Next summer, the band is going to Disney World. That is probably going to be my favorite.
