Leading the marchers, directing them what to play, when to play, volume of playing, and time to keep. This is the role of senior Talayah Martin, the drum major at Tunstall high school. Talayah Martin has been in the band for seven years, and she has played the flute throughout most of her time as a member.

This year is Martin’s senior year and first year as drum major. She explained that practice is very different for her now because “I am conducting instead of marching.” 

“In my eyes, [the job of a drum major is] to make sure that everyone is doing good and helping whenever needed and to put less pressure on Mr. T, the new band director,” Martin said. She takes her job seriously, but she also wants to make sure everyone is having a good time in the process. Martin wants to leave a positive impact on the rest of her bandmates by “making the band more memorable and honorable for everyone.” 

When asked why she wanted to join the band, Martin replied, “Music has been with me throughout all of my life. My dad plays the orchid at my church and my mom sings in the choir. My brother, Tyler, plays the drums and trumpet,” said Martin. “I am so glad that I decided to join the band because it has really helped me throughout school and given me so many friends,” Martin added. Even though she is no longer marching with her peers, she is able to take on a new role that provides her with a brand new perspective. “I miss marching, but it’s fun to have the opportunity to lead others in a different way. I like seeing everyone that I’ve been with since the beginning and how they’ve grown throughout our years together. I really just love conducting,” Martin explained.

Martin is a respectable leader and a great drum major because she works hard to make sure that everyone feels included and knows their role on the Trojan Vanguard.