By Theresa Goffredo
Herald Writer
EVERETT — It’s the first rehearsal, and the game is just 33 hours away. Some of the students look nervous, a bit glassy-eyed. Many of the freshman have never seen these music charts before. Some may be thinking they’ll never learn the notes in time.
Standing before them in the band room of Everett High School’s auditorium is Adam Jackson, sockless in Adidas sandals. The 17-year-old smiles broadly, lifts his arms in a conductor’s pose, and the cacophony seems to subside. He sends out a friendly, "Let’s do it," and somehow through the mayhem the young musicians unleash a confident version of the "Peter Gunn" theme song.
Then one after the other, the students punch out "Gimme Some Lovin’," the fight song and "Land of 1,000 Dances."
Tonight, the Edmonds-Woodway Warriors go head-on against the Seagulls of Everett High School, one of 10 games in Snohomish County kicking off the start of fall’s prep football season. And Everett High School Band director Gary Evans knows it’s his two drum majors, Jackson and Dana Plagmann, helping the Everett band shine on the field tonight.
"I would be dead without these guys," Evans said. "They work hard, but it’s a labor of love."
Drum major is traditionally the leader of a band. Though drum majors don’t play drums, Jackson and Plagmann load equipment, make sure everyone is sitting in their correct spots, select the music and, of course, lead the band with a baton.
And there’s more.
"We’re leaders," said Plagmann, also 17. "It’s more than just organizing, we’re role models.
"It’s really the attitude we give off as drum majors," Plagmann continued. "Mr. Evans’ philosophy is honor, trust and respect, and it’s that kind of feeling we are giving, the role is adopting that kind of attitude."
Jackson agrees, though he adds that the students shouldn’t forget about having fun.
"We try not to take it too seriously," Jackson said. "We want them to be there and play and have a good time."
Jackson and Plagmann have been playing in bands since sixth grade. Both have been there and done that: perform no matter how little time there is between the first day of school and opening of football season.
"We’ve had this before when school starts and then you have a game in the next three days," said the tall, lanky Jackson. "And it is somewhat hectic and chaotic but somehow it comes together."
Plagmann is a dark-haired clarinet player whose goal is to be a music teacher. Jackson plays trumpet and wants to go into the computer field. Both are Running Start students earning college credits at Everett Community College while completing high school.
Both are proud of the role band plays.
"The band being there, that definitely impacts the audience," Plagmann said. "When our team scores a touchdown and we’re playing, it contributes to the whole spirit thing."
Former high school band clarinet and saxophone player Don Parr today owns Whidbey Music Center in Oak Harbor. He uses himself as a perfect example of what high school band programs can do for students looking to find their niche.
"It’s important to get the opportunity to try music in high school, a time where kids are finding out where they are fitting in," Parr said.
"And there are trips the band takes and contests. Band is a lot of fun," said Parr, who currently plays bass guitar with a band. "And what could be better than being in a band?"
You can call Herald Writer Theresa Goffredo at 425-339-3097
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