Courtesy of Isa Gec

On May 16 and 17, MBCG revealed its new theme for the 2025-26 season, “The Thread Between Us,” at the annual kickoff.

On May 8, months of work and anticipation came to fruition for two new drum majors who will help lead the Marching Band and Color Guard (MBCG) program next fall. 

Selected for the role by music teachers Jason Shiuan, Michael Boitz, Sean Clark and Chavadith Tantavirojn from among six candidates were sophomore Ethan C. Lee (who has the same first and last name as the writer of this story but is a different person) and junior Jet Tsang; they will fill the shoes of graduating seniors Aiden Chen and Nathan Lee. Juniors Matthew Liu and Anthony Luo, who started in the position this school year, will continue filling the role for the upcoming season. 

Four directors, Shiuan, Boitz, Clark and Tantavirojn lead the program and work with students to help put the show together each year. Shiuan and Clark primarily design the music, and Shiuan directs the wind instruments while Clark and Tantavirojn primarily work with percussion.

Each year during the fall semester, roughly 200 members of the MBCG  a themed show that combines music, movement, dance and choreography. The ensemble performs at all home football games and attends competitions throughout the state. At a recent kickoff event, “The Thread Between Us” was announced as the group’s theme.

The four drum majors stand atop tall platforms and conduct to keep the band and color guard on time. Off the field, they provide support for the entirety of the program by checking upon members and helping them improve in their instruments.

Inspired by former drum majors, Lee and Tsang step up to give back

Lee said he was inspired to apply as a drum major by watching the former drum majors lead and set an example for other members.

“They set an example of what drum majors are supposed to act like, and they shaped the overall environment of the program, which has personally affected me,” Lee said. “Now, I want to give back and also be that person who can inspire people to grow.”

For his part, Tsang decided to apply to be a drum major because he believes that he gained many positive life experiences during his three seasons in marching band. He wants to give that same experience to others.

“I owe a lot to the music program, especially in terms of shaping my own confidence and respect while introducing to me new relationships between grade levels,” Tsang said.

To be a drum major,  applicants must go through an intense application process lasting for about four months. First, applicants must submit an application with a service project proposal for a creative idea or solution to benefit any organization they’re involved in. Next, applicants submit written responses alongside three peer evaluation forms. 

Afterwards, applicants are interviewed by the program directors and complete a conducting audition in front of other leadership applicants.  They conduct and rehearse an in-person sectional. 

Out of the complex elements in the application process, Lee found adjusting to the nervousness of being in front of a large crowd during the conducting audition process to be the most challenging.

“Being a drum major includes having to stand in front of about 200 people on a regular basis,” Lee said. “Working with [the leadership applicants] and getting over that nervousness was very challenging.” 

Tsang thinks his friendly personality and getting to know people beyond a superficial relationship may have stood out in the application process as collaboration with other leaders and members is crucial to success.

Lee thinks directors took note of his hard-work and dedication to the program.

With strong bonds and shared experience, Lee and Tsang look to lead with heart

Since Liu and Luo will continue their roles as drum major, both Lee and Tsang believe that they will learn a lot due to their experience in collaborating and already close relationships with the veteran drum majors.

The upcoming season will be Lee’s third season and Tsang’s fourth season in marching band, and they’re eager to pass on their passion for it to younger members. 

“The [marching band] program has a lot of joy, and I want to be able to multiply that so that everybody feels the same way,” Lee said. “Marching band, apart from the actual activity, is a social experience. You meet people from all kinds of backgrounds and cultures, and you can learn something from almost everybody, creating lifelong relationships.”