Band drum major sets example

One person, two hands, three positions in the program—Junior Sarah Wright does it all in the Pride of the East band program.

Her freshman year she played in pit, the percussion on the front of the field, sophomore year she marched piccolo and this year she is one of the Pride’s two drum majors.

“When I was younger I went to every football game and my favorite part was the halftime show watching the band. My dad always asked me where I would be in all of it and I told him I was going to do everything,” Wright said, “I feel lucky to be able to understand how everything works together because I know how hard everyone works out there.”

Wright used to play select soccer and now plays in an orchestra in addition to her normal band requirements.

“She has such an amazing work ethic,” Head band director Glenn Lambert said, “She embodies what we want this band to become.”

Wright spends all her time between school, band and orchestra but she would not have it any other way.

“I definitely plan on majoring in music,” Wright said, “I haven’t decided on a college, my options are still open. In the music field, I plan on either majoring in music therapy or working at a CPS helping children calm down and a side job playing in an orchestra or becoming a band director.”

This is the first year the Pride of the East has had two drum majors.

“It’s fantastic, it’s nice to have someone by my side,” senior drum major Zach Diaz said, “[Sarah is] a kind, caring and independent young woman.”

With such a busy schedule, inspiration is always a necessity.

“The directors have a huge impact on the reasons why I love music so much. They are always willing to help out and explain things and are all about making us better musicians,” Wright said, “They definitely want us to be the best person we can be and they make me want to help others and show them the kind of people they can be.”

At any rate, Wright has made a difference in the band program and has helped lead The Pride of the East through success.

“It’s definitely a lot of hard work. Everyone counts on you to know what you’re conducting because they have to watch you for the tempo,” Wright said, “I love getting the chance to help everyone out and hopefully get them to love music as much as I do. I would also like them to want our band program at Wylie East to be the best that it can be.”