West Milford Kathryn Kiel is a busy young woman. As a senior at West Milford High School, she is a member of the National Honor Society and is looking toward her future as a college student with hopes of someday becoming a special education teacher. But Kiel is known to so many from her leadership on the field as the head drum major for the award-winning West Milford Highlander Band. She is a leader, both on the field and off, and has set a high standard of excellence for the band and for all of her peers. What exactly does a drum major do? As head drum major, Kiel spent the fall conducting the band on the field during marching band season. She was also responsible for secretarial duties such as taking attendance and doing anything that the staff needed her to perform. One of her responsibilities was to hold inspection before the band left for a competition or a performance to make sure that everyone was in full uniform. During marching band season it is the three drum majors who present the band on the field and signal to the judges during a competition that the band is ready to perform. The three drum majors and color guard captains accept any trophies and awards at competition. They also have the honor of presenting those trophies at home. At the November West Milford Board of Education meeting, Kathryn, Katie Edwards and Katie Timmony presented the board with the trophy that the band earned winning first place at the USSBA Northern States Championships on Nov. 7 in Allentown, Pa. Job is rewarding and challenging What is Kiel’s favorite part of the job? “I’d have to say the best part about being a drum major is being able to impact those in the organization,” said Kiel. “It’s such a great feeling to be able to help someone who is having trouble with something, and then every time they get it right after that know that you helped them get there. It’s just really rewarding.” Kathryn was responsible for keeping order during rehearsals, as well as setting the example to those around her. She also worked with the trumpet section if members were having trouble learning their music. Being a drum major has both its challenges and rewards. “The large responsibility is definitely the most challenging part,” said Kiel. “As drum major, you not only have a responsibility to the staff to do your job well, but also to the rest of the band and to your audience. I think that sometimes people forget that even though drum majors don’t march the show on the field, we do have a lot of responsibility both on and off the field. It’s definitely challenging, but it’s worth it.” Outside of school, Kiel is a member of the St. Joseph’s Youth Group and is an active member of the Antioch Team. Music is a huge part of her life. In addition to the marching band, Kiel plays trumpet in the orchestra, performs with the Indoor Percussion in the winter and is a member of the Jazz Band. It’s a family trait-her older sister, Lauren, was also a four-year member of the Highlander Marching Band. But now her four years in the marching band are coming to an end and she will certainly miss this band that she loves. “I think I’m going to miss representing such a great organization the most,” Kiel said. “I really love this band, and being able to represent it was such an honor. I will definitely miss that.” Kiel has some sage advice to next year’s drum majors. “Just keep your head up and set a good example to others,” she said. “There’s going to be a lot of pressure, and that pressure doesn’t lift until the season is over. But throughout all that pressure and stress, just stay positive and those around you will follow suit. I’ve found that to be the key to being a successful drum major.”