The Plano Senior Marching Band is one of our school’s oldest traditions. The band has been working hard with band camp and after-school rehearsals to prepare for their highly-anticipated halftime show. The Plano Band would be almost nothing without it’s three strong committed drum majors: Tessa Radke, Nolan Brandeland, and Connor Youngquist.
A drum major can be spotted at most football games standing on platforms conducting the band. They facilitate rehearsal, assist the director, and set up equipment. However, their most important role is to get to know each and every band member by name, which they have successfully accomplished. Senior Tessa Radke is a flute player and one of three drum majors. Radke is excited about the upcoming football games and getting to conduct them.
“It’s real cool getting to know the band as a whole outside of just my section and I like knowing that I can have an impact on other people’s band experience,” Radke said. “My older sister was drum major and I admire everything she does, she’s an awesome person I kind of want to be her when I grow up.”
Radke was a drum major as a sophomore at Clark. She is also a member of Plano Senior orchestra and even earned a spot in the highest orchestra as well as the highest band.
Senior Nolan Brandeland is a clarinet player. Nolan is most excited for our game against rival Plano West.
“I’ve gotten to see the tradition and the character that this position entails and it’s been challenging but incredibly rewarding and I’m very glad I get to serve as drum major, especially alongside Tessa and Connor,” Brandeland said. “My older sister was in Clark and Plano band and I got to watch those drum majors they were larger-than-life figures for me, and I remember hoping I could get there one day,”
Nolan served alongside Tessa as a drum major at Clark. A fun fact about Nolan is that he invited George Bush to his 5th birthday party.
Senior Connor Youngquist is a trumpet player. He is most excited about marching competitions. Youngquist was a member of the Vines band. A fun fact about Connor is that he is left-handed!
“Growing up and even back at Vines I felt kind of ordinary, and I always really looked up to the people above me and the past drum majors. Being able to be that for the younger students now is just what it’s all about for me I think.” Youngquist said. “I remember being in 7th grade and attending my brother’s band banquet and I watched those drum majors give their speeches and it sparked my interest, whenever I got older I realized I could actually serve well and do good in this position”
