By Kristin Johnk

Sophomore Ben Parker has been selected as the 2012-13 AHS marching band drum major after last week’s auditions. Seven band members including Justin Somers, Skylar Ihrke, Ben Parker, Monica Brewer, Breanna Kixmiller, Brecklyn Carey, and Mark Stinn auditioned on Friday morning (April 12) to become the next drum major for the marching band. Parker was selected to represent the Atlantic marching band next year and will join 2012 drum major Preston Hoye.

Band director Jarrod O’Donnell said that the seven members who auditioned learned how to conduct from last year’s drum majors, Matt Iekel and Jake Auerbach. They were given commands and had to conduct three songs during their audition. The three songs included a piece from last years’ performance set, the school song, and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Sophomore Ben Parker was “very excited by the results” and is ready for next year. He wants to “successfully lead the band well [next year], even though we are losing two important drum majors.” The senior drum majors this year were Matt Iekel and Jake Auerbach.

The band learns its marching band set during summer band camp.