One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.

These are the numbers permanently embedded into senior Marissa Milone’s head. On and off the field marching band is a huge priority in her life. She’s been in love with music for quite a few years. This year, she is one of three drum majors of the entire marching band. Milone’s job consists of leading the band in all of the performances that they do and making sure that all the rules are being followed as well as making sure that everyone is having a good time.

It started with learning the instrument. Milone was drawn to playing music instantly. Learning to play music is not easy; it takes years of practice to master the skill because of the large number of different types of notes needed to master them.

Right before Milone entered high school, she got to witness a marching band performance for the first time and the experience was life changing.

“It really mesmerized me, as well impressed me that these individual people were able to bring instructions and music, originally written in black and white, to life with such vivid dynamic and explosions of color,” Milone said.

After that night Milone knew that she would join marching band when she got to high school.

After learning to play the instrument, it was time for her to learn how to march. It seemed simple at first: just walk in the right direction and the rest will follow. However, it is not actually that simple. Milone and every other marcher had to learn to get the perfect roll-step in order to make sure that the band is in sync. Milone’s position as a drum major plays a big part in this because she has to create the timing that everyone marches to.

Fellow junior marcher Marcella Rivera also understands the importance of a role such as this one because overtime she has gotten to know Milone and her dedication to this program.

“She’s a good friend, but also knows when to get down to business,” Rivera said. “She tries her hardest and does everything she can to help the band.”

Once Milone learned to play the instrument and actually march, it was time for her to put the two together. Once the marchers have memorized music, memorized the step counts, memorized the shapes they have to put it all together at the same time. This is where Milone plays a huge role in helping out the band.

Clarinet section leader Samantha Salmi knows that a good drum major also means a good performance. Milone has shown her that being a good leader can and will change the dynamic of the entire band itself.

“She has the qualities of a great leader,” Salmi said. “She is creative and comes up with new and productive ways to help improve the band.”

It takes talent to be in marching band and even more talent to lead it and Milone has shown her fellow students and marchers that she has what it takes to be great.