The Iowa Central Community College Triton Marching Band is proud to announce drum majors for the 2020 season: Michaela Henry, MacKenzie Sharpe and Kirsten Wendell.
Michaela joined the Triton Marching Band in the fall of 2018 in the mellophone section. From Dubuque, IA, she marched in the Hempstead (HS) Mustang Band, also spending six summers marching drum corps. Following completing her A.A. degree, taking music and business classes at Iowa Central, Michaela plans to continue to a four-year school. Commenting on being a part of the Triton Marching Band, "It means so much for me and I'm so glad to be back for a third year. We have so much fun as a team and I can't wait to be back with the group!"
Referencing being a part of the new leadership team, Henry said, "It means a lot because when I came in my first year, I was nervous. I remember walking into the band room so nervous, but I remember the someone from the leadership team coming right up and being so welcoming to me when I came in. I hope to be that person for a first year (member) this upcoming year."
When asked what it means to be a member of the band and leadership team, MacKenzie Sharpe shared, "Being a member of the Triton Marching Band means being part of a family, knowing that no matter what, they will always have your back. Being a part of the leadership team is an honor because I was so scared that I would not fit in when I arrived at band camp, but I remember the leadership team welcoming me to the band. I can't wait to be there for the new members, show them what the Triton Marching Band is all about and how we become a family!" She also shared that if she had not gone to her sister's band concert, she would have never joined band, and she's so glad she did!
Sharpe is entering her second year in the alto saxophone section with the band. Currently an Elementary Education major, she was a member of the FDSH AllAmerican Dodger Marching Band from Fort Dodge, IA during her high school career.
Kirsten Wendell is entering her second season with the band, joining the mellophone section during the 2019 fall season. From Badger, IA and also having performed with the FDSH All-American Dodger Marching Band, Kirsten will finish her Associate of Arts degree, currently focusing on Music Education. She loves the 80's and types of music people consider "old", and is the only left handed person in her family dating back to her great grandparents.
"To me (being a member of the band) means I am a member of a team, a family other than my biological one. I get to participate in something that is relatively demanding of time, skill, and focus, and I get to enjoy making music and social connections while doing it. This (being a part of the leadership team) means I get to take on a higher responsibility in the band. I have the opportunity to set a good example for the rest of the members and I get to help people, answer questions, and take charge. I'm also really looking forward to directing and supporting people throughout the season."
Henry and Wendell will also serve as brass captains while Sharpe will assist with woodwinds.
Rehearsals for the 2020 Triton Marching Band begin in August, with a first performance date of August 29 as the Tritons open their home fall football season at Dodger Stadium against ICCAC conference foe Ellsworth. In addition to traditional gameday music from the band and drum line, listen for many recent radio hits, a few favorites from past decades, some from movies and television, and much more this fall.