Kelci McGinnis: You Geaux Girl

 What’s the role of a drum major?

Being a drum major is being a leader. I help the band director warm up the band and also help the band teachers direct the students where they need to stand during a performance. Another big role is telling the band when to start and stop a song.

Drum majors tend to be male. What’s it like being a female drum major?

I feel somewhat accepted, but it is kind of hard because of the negative comments I’ve gotten from people. All of the jokes being made can get to you sometimes, but you still have to tell yourself that it doesn’t matter. I have heard jokes and comments from students in the band and people outside of the band. They thought that I can’t do certain things, but I don’t let it get to me. I just make sure to get the job done.

Do you think you bring something to the table that male drum majors may not?

I feel like I have the same qualities as a male drum major. I am one of the most disciplined students in the band, which helps as a leader. My knowledge of music and how the band should be is one of my key strengths too. As a female, I am not worried about my looks and how cute I am at practice because it’s not about that. It’s about being the best musician and member of the band at all times.

What are the most important lessons you have learned about being a leader so far?

Being a leader comes with a lot of responsibilities. It’s not about just having a drum major mace and marching around with it; it’s more than what you think. As a leader, I am held to higher standards than other people. You are expected to be able to deal with and solve problems at any given moment.

What has been your coolest experience as a drum major yet?

It’s probably the looks on people’s faces when they find out what I am. They look completely shocked when I tell them because they would’ve never thought that I would become a drum major. They are used to seeing me play my clarinet all the time, and now I walk around with the drum major mace. Maybe it’s also because I’m a girl and everybody usually sees male drum majors. People are also shocked because I’m usually always quiet.

Any words of encouragement or advice for girls who want to do things that may be outside of what people expect of them?

Just because you’re a girl doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything a boy does. You are strong. Forget about what other people have to say. Even if they think what you want to do might not be a good fit for you, it doesn’t matter.