Ask anyone who has ever been involved with high school band and they will most likely reminisce about it with a smile, likening it to a second family with whom they shared memories like no other. This has been the case for Bridgeport High School upcoming senior Abby Morrison who has been in band since fifth grade.

 

“I started out playing the alto saxophone, then I played the bass drum in the BHS drumline this year, and I am currently playing tenor saxophone," Morrison said. "I also joined BHS Jazz Band during my sophomore year."

 

To Morrison, the highest honor one could achieve in high school band was to be selected as Drum Major. In April, she decided to try out for the position, albeit in a non-traditional way.

 

“This year, the process was very different for Drum Major auditions,” she said. “It was all virtual components, with me submitting videos of me conducting, performing vocal demands, demonstrating marching basics, performing a salute that I created, and participating in an interview.  Paislee Adlington, this year’s Drum Major, helped me prepare for the entire process.”

 

Those preparations paid off as Morrison was selected as the new Bridgeport High School Drum Major, prompting a celebration with her family at home and a group Facetime celebration with her friends.

 

For Morrison, BHS band has been her favorite part of high school, especially Friday night football games. She has loved doing cheers and playing in the drumline and traveling to Nashville and Orlando with the band.

 

“Marching through the Magic Kingdom was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience I will never forget and I plan to continue making memories with the other members throughout my senior year,” said Morrison.

 

With so many uncertainties about how the year will unfold, Morrison plans to work with her band directors to create a program worthy of BHS. 

 

“I plan to take this position very seriously and to find ways to enhance the band experience for upcoming and current members,” she said. “I am honored to be the new Drum Major and can’t wait to see how this year unfolds.”