North Hollywood is home to many different musical programs, and as the year ends, the Royal Regiment is electing a new drum major, and preparing for their final concert.

The North Hollywood marching band, known as the “Royal Regiment” is recognized as one of the best marching bands in the district, placing 2nd in the City Championships. Behind such a big musical department, which continues to grow, is a strong leader.

This is where the “drum major” shines, as the heart of the band and leader to all, the drum major is responsible for leading the band, communicating information with all band members, and is essentially the face of the Royal Regiment. 

This year, Mr. Sharp, the band director, has decided to take a different approach to drum major elections. The application process has changed from a simple system to one that is long and arduous since this position is sought after by most band members.

Applicants must first submit a letter describing why they would be fit for the position, then the applicants are interviewed by different sections of the band, such as trumpets, percussion, saxophones, etc. After this, the applicants are then responsible for conducting the band for one day, as well as providing comments and feedback to the band. Finally, the applicants are interviewed by the entirety of the band, and then the final voting is held. 

10th-grade student Daniel French, a member of the clarinet section, mentions the change in the process. 

“Last year there weren’t as many interviews, the drum major just had to write the letter, conduct the band, and then the voting was held. I guess Mr. Sharp wanted to revamp the application process for future members.” 

The notable change in process was the individual section interviews which Mr. Sharp introduced this year. Each band section had the chance to ask the drum major questions, and the drum major was able to pitch to smaller groups of members as well.

On top of this ongoing process, the band is also preparing for their final concert, hosted by Educare to showcase different after-school musical groups. Educare is responsible for most major after-school programs, with a variety of musical programs offered throughout the spring semester. 

These programs include jazz ensemble, woodwind ensemble, brass ensemble, Indoor drumline, and other individual quartet and quintet groups as well. These programs aren’t directly related to band, but every band member has to attend one of the many after-school musical programs offered. 

The concert was held Friday, May 30th, and the indoor drumline closed out a great final concert.  Previous alumni of the school and previous band members were there to show their support for the North Hollywood music department.

Voting for drum major was held Friday, May 24th, and the results will be announced during the annual band banquet the following Friday. Alina Laaly was elected drum major of the 2024-2025 term, with Band members eagerly awaiting to see how she performs.