Colin Johansen began his marching band journey in 2022 as a freshman, now he is the captain. His first marching band position was “Bass 4”, but after being motivated to take control he received a promotion to center snare in only his second season, while also winning an award for his level of improvement. He became the captain through dedication, bravery, and holding his subsection throughout the years.
Being a senior, Colin is now the official drum line captain. “It’s a big responsibility making sure everyone is caught up with music and on the right page.” One of his duties being the captain is mentoring the newer members and setting them up for success in their later years. “I am the link between staff and student” explained Colin during our brief conversation. “Without me as a captain, the drum line would not maintain as serious of a setting, while also maintaining its aspect of fun.”
In late August, when the band season became the most rigorous, Colin went to band camp. A musical extravaganza involving four days of intense 12 hour music playing rehearsals. The day begins at 9 in the morning with a warm up period lasting 3 hours. After lunch, the marching drills begin, involving learning the correct marching patterns on fields. During the evening segment, the marching and the music join as one and Colin gets to play his drums. The day ends at 9 in the afternoon and Colin finally gets to go home and rest. “It seems like a long stressful haul, but it goes by in a flash.” he explained to me as he recounted his times at the camp.
Colin has enjoyed his drumming journey so far, and he is planning on continuing his marching activities into college. Colin also has some advice to all the aspiring drummers of the world. He says “Practice until you no longer need to worry about what you are practicing about”. If this is too hard for you, you could also follow his mantra, “Nobody cares, work harder”. His goal for his final year in the high school is to win best percussion for the season. “We will not have a shot at achieving best percussion unless we all excel at our own parts” Colin tells his team.