For the past couple of years, Joplin Kehrer has practiced field commands in the mirror - and for critique by her parents.

 

She’s ready for action. This fall, Kehrer – a Bridgeport High School junior – will serve as drum major for the BHS Marching Band, also known as the “Pride of the Tribe.”

 

“I’m so excited already,” she said. “I know the anticipation will grow even more as the first (football) game approaches, but being able to be up on the podium conducting all my band family is going to be an awesome experience that I cannot wait to be a part of.”

 

In addition to football field shows, Kehrer will lead the band at various parades, competitive events and other appearances.

 

It’s a position she has aspired to someday hold since she was a freshman year at BHS.

 

“I always looked up to the drum major and I wanted to be up there conducting everyone just like them,” she said. “So, for the past three years I’ve already been preparing for this: Watching everything they would do, from conducting to salutes to commands and how they carry themselves.”

Joplin said she would even conduct the “Star Spangled Banner” in the mirror, taking note of how she could do it better the next time. Her parents helped her prepare for tryouts too.

 

“I had them critique my commands and my conducting and go through mock interviews with me so I would be prepared for the interview portion of the selection process,” she said.

 

BHS Band Director Chris Hayslette said Kehrer had the highest score among drum major candidates this year.

 

“Joplin has always been a hard-working and dedicated student,” he said. “I think she is very excited about her new role with the band.”

 

The selection process is multifaceted, Hayslette said.

 

“Each candidate must secure three letters of recommendation, participate in an interview, perform commands and salutes, as well as conduct the band in a performance of the ‘Star Spangled Banner,’” he said. “The students are scored in each area and the band students have the opportunity to vote for the candidate they believe will be the best to lead the band based on their audition.”

Kehrer will be attending a drum major/leadership camp this summer at WVU to help prepare her for the upcoming season, Hayslette said.

 

Kehrer is a stellar student, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average and recognized for her leadership qualities. She recently attended RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) and served as Honorary Secretary of State in Charleston. This summer, she will attend Rhododendron Girls State at Wheeling-Jesuit College. She is also a gifted athlete and until this school year was a member of the BHS softball team. She gave up sports to concentrate more on her studies and her aspirations of becoming a veterinarian someday. But Kehrer said there was no question as to whether to continue her musical pursuits.

 

“For me, sports were a hobby; a fun hobby, of course, but I knew I wasn’t going to continue them after high school,” she said. “Music, however, has been a passion of mine since I was born – banging on drums and playing instruments since I was very little.”

 

Kehrer taught herself to play piano, guitar and ukulele. She began playing trumpet during elementary school when she was old enough to join the band program.

 

“I’ve stuck with music because it’s an incredibly important part of who I am,” she said. “I play music when I’m happy, sad, upset and stressed.”

 

Becoming BHS drum major is another step in Kehrer becoming a better leader and student of music, she said.

 

“And I’m very excited to see how next year goes,” she said.

 

Following her selection in early-May, she has already been fitted for her uniform, giving her a glimpse into her future role as drum major.

 

“I can already imagine the feeling of marching out with the band under the Friday night lights,” she said. “I imagine there will be nothing quite like it.”

 

Editor's Note: Joplin Kehrer is pictured left with mom Stacy, dad Albert and brother Brody. Joplin is also the twin sister of the late Bohn Kehrer.