Leandro Alcantara

By Hana Rudolph

The upcoming school year is still two months away, but many of the performing arts groups have already chosen their leaders for the 09-10 year. Marching band is one of them, and their new drum major, Leandro Alcantara, is ready for duty.
For those unfamiliar with marching band terminology, the ‘drum major’ is the marching band ‘captain’: he is the conductor and representative figure, as well as the leader. His responsibilities include taking care of everyone, being a head figure, and, most of all, being a “motivational, inspirational force” within the group. When it comes down to parades and field competitions, a lot of the stress and responsibility goes to Leandro: the beginning lies entirely on the drum major’s shoulders, because “he’s the guy that the judges initially look at, because he has to signal the start of the routine.” And these signals tend to be elaborate.
Leandro is no stranger to the pressure of marching band activities, though. Ever since his initial interest back in elementary school, Leandro has been an active figure in band, and his transition into marching band in middle school, as well as his constant dedication since, has only been a “natural progression.” When questioned about his high school marching band experience, “It’s taught me a lot of life skills,” said Leandro. “Like discipline, responsibility… in freshman year, it’s kind of crazy because you have all this stuff to learn and it’s really stressful…” but Leandro soon goes on to say how that despite the harsh rigor of the activity, the fun comradery and exhilarating competitions are worth it.
Perhaps that was why becoming drum major too, seemed only natural to him; not only will Leandro be drum major next year, he has previously served as drum major for his middle school marching band in 8th grade. His experience and talent, though, did not come without diligence and perseverance: Leandro trained at a specialized camp, which taught him spinning techniques and leadership skills necessary for the position of drum major. But even still, competition for the position was fierce—there were two other competitors besides Leandro that engaged in a solo competition to determine this year’s drum major.
When asked about his inspiration, Leandro replied that he was originally interested in becoming drum major because of his wish to “lead others to success” and help uplift others. As for his goals, Leandro stated that his ambition is to retain the high score that this past year’s marching band received: a 199/200. While a smaller band size may make this difficult, Leandro is confident, determined, and overall excited for the upcoming year.

haha- if we're putting this in, can I change a couple things?

The upcoming school year has only just begun, but many of the performing arts groups have chosen their leaders for the '09-'10 year way back in June. Marching band is one of them, and their new drum major, Leandro Alcantara, is ready for duty.
For those unfamiliar with marching band terminology, the ‘drum major’ is like the marching band ‘captain’: he is the conductor and representative figure, as well as the leader. His responsibilities include taking care of everyone, being a head figure, and, most of all, being a “motivational, inspirational force” within the group. When it comes down to parades and field competitions, a lot of the stress and responsibility goes to Leandro: the beginning lies entirely on the drum major’s shoulders, because “he’s the guy that the judges initially look at, because he has to signal the start of the routine.” And these signals tend to be elaborate.
Leandro is no stranger to the pressure of marching band activities, though. Ever since his initial interest back in elementary school, Leandro has been an active figure in band, and his transition into marching band in middle school, as well as his constant dedication since, has only been a “natural progression.” When questioned about his high school marching band experience, “It’s taught me a lot of life skills,” said Leandro. “Like discipline, responsibility… in freshman year, it’s kind of crazy because you have all this stuff to learn and it’s really stressful…” but Leandro soon goes on to say how that despite the harsh rigor of the activity, the fun comradery and exhilarating competitions are worth it.
Perhaps that was why becoming drum major too, seemed only natural to him; not only will Leandro be drum major next year, he has previously served as drum major for his middle school marching band in 8th grade. His experience and talent, though, did not come without diligence and perseverance: Leandro trained at a specialized camp, which taught him the spinning techniques and leadership skills necessary for the position of drum major. But even still, competition for the position was fierce—there were two other competitors besides Leandro that engaged in a solo competition to determine this year’s drum major.
When asked about his inspiration, Leandro replied that he was originally interested in becoming drum major because of his wish to “lead others to success” and help uplift others. As for his goals, Leandro stated that his ambition is to retain the high score that this past year’s marching band received: a 199/200. While a smaller band size may make this difficult, Leandro is confident, determined, and overall excited for the upcoming year.

Oh-- i added some information that Leandro sent me after the article was due in the summer. I thought I might as well put it in, cuz it's really impressive.

The upcoming school year has only just begun, but many of the performing arts groups have chosen their leaders for the '09-'10 year way back in June. Marching band is one of them, and their new drum major, Leandro Alcantara, is ready for duty.
For those unfamiliar with marching band terminology, the ‘drum major’ is like the marching band ‘captain’: he is the conductor and representative figure, as well as the leader. His responsibilities include taking care of everyone, being a head figure, and, most of all, being a “motivational, inspirational force” within the group. When it comes down to parades and field competitions, a lot of the stress and responsibility goes to Leandro: the beginning lies entirely on the drum major’s shoulders, because “he’s the guy that the judges initially look at, because he has to signal the start of the routine.” And these signals tend to be elaborate.
Leandro is no stranger to the pressure of marching band activities, though. Ever since his initial interest back in elementary school, Leandro has been an active figure in band, and his transition into marching band in middle school, as well as his constant dedication since, has only been a “natural progression.” When questioned about his high school marching band experience, “It’s taught me a lot of life skills,” said Leandro. “Like discipline, responsibility… in freshman year, it’s kind of crazy because you have all this stuff to learn and it’s really stressful…” but Leandro soon goes on to say how that despite the harsh rigor of the activity, the fun comradery and exhilarating competitions are worth it.
Perhaps that was why becoming drum major too, seemed only natural to him; not only will Leandro be drum major next year, he has previously served as drum major for his middle school marching band in 8th grade. His experience and talent, though, did not come without diligence and perseverance: Leandro trained at a specialized camp, which taught him the spinning techniques and leadership skills necessary for the position of drum major. But even still, competition for the position was fierce—there were two other competitors besides Leandro that engaged in a solo competition to determine this year’s drum major.
And no one can say that Leandro does not justly deserve his new position. He has also competed within the Military Masters Division of the California State Championships, which is "the highest division in the competition circuit [for drum majors]": and not surprisingly, he was victorious. Leandro is not only the proud drum major of Arcadia High School's marching band; he has also earned the title of 2009 California State Drum Major Champion in the Military Masters Division, a high honor for himself, the marching band, and for Arcadia High.
When asked about his inspiration, Leandro replied that he was originally interested in becoming drum major because of his wish to “lead others to success” and help uplift others. As for his goals, Leandro stated that his ambition is to retain the high score that this past year’s marching band received: a 199/200. While a smaller band size may make this difficult, Leandro is confident, determined, and overall excited for the upcoming year.

EDIT 1

The upcoming school year has only just begun, but many of the performing arts groups have chosen their leaders for the '09-'10 year way back in June [change to 'had already chosen their leaders for the '09-'10 year in June']. Marching band is one of them, and their new drum major, Leandro Alcantara, is ready for duty.
For those unfamiliar with marching band terminology, the ‘drum major’ is like the marching band ‘captain’: he is the conductor and representative figure, as well as the leader. His responsibilities include taking care of everyone, being a head figure, and, most of all, being a “motivational, inspirational force” within the group. When it comes down to parades and field competitions, a lot of the stress and responsibility goes to Leandro: the beginning [insert 'of any parade'] lies entirely on the drum major’s shoulders, because “he’s the guy that the judges initially look at, because he has to signal the start of the routine.” And these signals tend to be elaborate.
Leandro is no stranger to the pressure of marching band activities, though. Ever since his initial interest back in elementary school, Leandro has been an active figure in band, and his transition into marching band in middle school, as well as his constant dedication since, has only been a “natural progression.” When questioned about his high school marching band experience, “It’s taught me a lot of life skills,” said Leandro. “Like discipline, responsibility… in freshman year, it’s kind of crazy because you have all this stuff to learn and it’s really stressful…” but Leandro soon goes on to say how that [change to 'say how,'] despite the harsh rigor of the activity, the fun comradery and exhilarating competitions are worth it.
Perhaps that was why becoming drum major too, seemed only natural to him; not only will Leandro be drum major next year, he has previously served as drum major for his middle school marching band in 8th grade. His experience and talent, though, did not come without diligence and perseverance: Leandro trained at a specialized camp, which taught him the spinning techniques and leadership skills necessary for the position of drum major. But even still [change to 'Even still,'] competition for the position was fierce—there were two other competitors besides Leandro that engaged in a solo competition to determine this year’s drum major.
And no one can say that Leandro does not justly deserve his new position. He has also competed within the Military Masters Division of the California State Championships, which is "the highest division in the competition circuit [for drum majors]": and not surprisingly, he was victorious. Leandro is not only the proud drum major of Arcadia High School's marching band; he has also earned the title of 2009 California State Drum Major Champion in the Military Masters Division, a high honor for himself, the marching band, and for Arcadia High.
When asked about his inspiration, Leandro replied that he was originally interested in becoming drum major because of his wish to “lead others to success” and help uplift others. As for his goals, Leandro stated that his ambition is to retain the high score that this past year’s marching band received: a 199/200. While a smaller band size may make this difficult, Leandro is confident, determined, and overall excited for the upcoming year.

The upcoming school year has only just begun, but many of the performing arts groups had already chosen their leaders for the '09-'10 year in June. Marching band is one of them, and their new drum major, Leandro Alcantara, is ready for duty.
For those unfamiliar with marching band terminology, the ‘drum major’ is like the marching band ‘captain’: he is the conductor and representative figure, as well as the leader. His responsibilities include taking care of everyone, being a head figure, and, most of all, being a “motivational, inspirational force” within the group. When it comes down to parades and field competitions, a lot of the stress and responsibility goes to Leandro: the beginning of any parade lies entirely on the drum major’s shoulders, because “he’s the guy that the judges initially look at, because he has to signal the start of the routine.” And these signals tend to be elaborate.
Leandro is no stranger to the pressure of marching band activities, though. Ever since his initial interest back in elementary school, Leandro has been an active figure in band, and his transition into marching band in middle school, as well as his constant dedication since, has only been a “natural progression.” When questioned about his high school marching band experience, “It’s taught me a lot of life skills,” said Leandro. “Like discipline, responsibility… in freshman year, it’s kind of crazy because you have all this stuff to learn and it’s really stressful…” but Leandro soon goes on to say how despite the harsh rigor of the activity, the fun comradery and exhilarating competitions are worth it.
Perhaps that was why becoming drum major too, seemed only natural to him; not only will Leandro be drum major next year, he has previously served as drum major for his middle school marching band in 8th grade. His experience and talent, though, did not come without diligence and perseverance: Leandro trained at a specialized camp, which taught him the spinning techniques and leadership skills necessary for the position of drum major. Even still, competition for the position was fierce—there were two other competitors besides Leandro that engaged in a solo competition to determine this year’s drum major.
And no one can say that Leandro does not justly deserve his new position. He has also competed within the Military Masters Division of the California State Championships, which is "the highest division in the competition circuit [for drum majors]": and not surprisingly, he was victorious. Leandro is not only the proud drum major of Arcadia High School's marching band; he has also earned the title of 2009 California State Drum Major Champion in the Military Masters Division, a high honor for himself, the marching band, and for Arcadia High.
When asked about his inspiration, Leandro replied that he was originally interested in becoming drum major because of his wish to “lead others to success” and help uplift others. As for his goals, Leandro stated that his ambition is to retain the high score that this past year’s marching band received: a 199/200. While a smaller band size may make this difficult, Leandro is confident, determined, and overall excited for the upcoming year.

The upcoming school year has only just begun, but many of the performing arts groups had already chosen their leaders for the '09-'10 year in June. Marching band is one of them, and their new drum major, Leandro Alcantara, is ready for duty.
For those unfamiliar with marching band terminology, the ‘drum major’ is like the marching band ‘captain’: he is the conductor and representative figure, as well as the leader. His responsibilities include taking care of everyone, being a head figure, and, most of all, being a “motivational, inspirational force” within the group. When it comes down [delete] to parades and field competitions, a lot of the stress and responsibility goes to Leandro: the beginning of any parade lies entirely on the drum major’s shoulders, because “he’s the guy that the judges initially look at, because he has to signal the start of the routine.” And these signals tend to be elaborate.
Leandro is no stranger to the pressure of marching band activities, though. Ever since his initial interest back in elementary school, Leandro has been an active figure in band, and his transition into marching band in middle school, as well as his constant dedication since, has only been a “natural progression.” When questioned about his high school marching band experience, “It’s taught me a lot of life skills,” said Leandro. “Like discipline, responsibility… in freshman year, it’s kind of crazy because you have all this stuff to learn and it’s really stressful…” but Leandro soon goes on to say how despite the harsh rigor of the activity, the fun comradery and exhilarating competitions are worth it.
Perhaps that was why becoming drum major too, seemed only natural to him; not only will Leandro be drum major next year, he has previously served as drum major for his middle school marching band in 8th grade. His experience and talent, though, did not come without diligence and perseverance: Leandro trained at a specialized camp, which taught him the spinning techniques and leadership skills necessary for the position of drum major. Even still, competition for the position was fierce—there were two other competitors besides Leandro that engaged in a solo competition to determine this year’s drum major.
And no one can say that Leandro does not justly deserve his new position. He has also competed within the Military Masters Division of the California State Championships, which is "the highest division in the competition circuit [for drum majors]": and not surprisingly, he was victorious. Leandro is not only the proud drum major of Arcadia High School's marching band; he has also earned the title of 2009 California State Drum Major Champion in the Military Masters Division, a high honor for himself, the marching band, and for Arcadia High.
When asked about his inspiration, Leandro replied that he was originally interested in becoming drum major because of his wish to “lead others to success” and help uplift others. As for his goals, Leandro stated that his ambition is to retain the high score that this past year’s marching band received: a 199/200. While a smaller band size may make this difficult, Leandro is confident, determined, and overall excited [reword] for the upcoming year.

The upcoming school year has only just begun, but many of the performing arts groups had already chosen their leaders for the ‘09-’10 year in June. Marching Band is one of them, and their new drum major, Leandro Alcantara, is ready for duty.
For those unfamiliar with marching band terminology, the ‘drum major’ is like the marching band ‘captain.’ He is the conductor and representative figure, as well as the leader. His responsibilities include taking care of everyone, being a head figure, and, most of all, being a “motivational, inspirational force” within the group. When it comes down to parades and field competitions, a lot of the stress and responsibility goes to Leandro; the beginning of any parade lies entirely on the drum major’s shoulders because “he’s the guy that the judges initially look at, because he has to signal the start of the routine.” And these signals tend to be elaborate.
Leandro is no stranger to the pressure of marching band activities though. Ever since his initial interest back in elementary school, Leandro has been an active figure in band. His transition into marching band in middle school as well as his constant dedication since has only been a “natural progression.” When questioned about his high school marching band experience, Leandro said, “It’s taught me a lot of life skills. Like discipline, responsibility… in freshman year, it’s kind of crazy because you have all this stuff to learn and it’s really stressful…” But, Leandro soon goes on to say how despite the harsh rigor of the activity, the fun comradery and exhilarating competitions are worth it.
Leandro has previously served as drum major for his middle school marching band in 8th grade. Perhaps that was why becoming drum major this year seemed so natural to him . His experience and talent though, did not come without diligence and perseverance; Leandro trained at a specialized camp where he learned the spinning techniques and leadership skills necessary for the position of drum major. Even still, competition for the position was fierce—there were two other competitors besides Leandro that engaged in a solo competition to determine this year’s drum major.
And no one can say that Leandro does not justly deserve his new position. He has also competed within the Military Masters Division of the California State Championships, which is “the highest division in the competition circuit [for drum majors],” and not surprisingly, he was victorious. Leandro is not only the drum major of the AHS Marching Band, but he has also earned the title of 2009 California State Drum Major Champion in the Military Masters Division, a high honor for himself, the marching band, and for AHS.
When asked about his inspiration, Leandro replied that he was originally interested in becoming drum major because of his wish to “lead others to success” and help uplift others. As for his goals, Leandro stated that his ambition is to retain the high score that this past year’s marching band received: a 199/200. While a smaller band size may make this difficult, Leandro is confident, determined, and overall excited for the upcoming year.