Five Minutes with Julianna Thomas, Northwestern's Drum Major

's marching band has spent the fall competing and performing at football games.

Although Band Director Anthony Townes does choose the music and plans the band's performances, Senior Julianna Thomas is who the band looks to during competitions to stay on track.

Thomas, the drum major, leads the band and keeps the rhythm during performances.

So Patch talked to her about her experience as drum major:

Riverdale Park-University Park Patch: How long have you been in band?

Julianna Thomas: I started four years, but it's my first year as the drum major.

Patch: What instruments do you play?

Thomas: For concert band I play the french horn and in marching band the melaphone – it's like a trumpet. Last year, though, I did flags.

Patch: What do you like about being drum major?

Thomas: I know what I expect and I have control over it and I get what I need  to done. It's a leadership position – it's a responsibility. It helped me grow up and because people look to you you have to be calm and focused.

Patch: What's the most rewarding part of the job?

Thomas: Receiving awards in honor of the band even when if we don't win.

Patch: What are your plans for college?

Thomas: I'm going to University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) and I hope to either do something with criminal justice or special education.