By Elizabeth Contreras
What began as a middle school requirement quietly grew into the heartbeat of senior drum major Tyler Christensen’s high school years. A musician fluent in both clarinet and alto saxophone, Christensen has distinguished himself as a versatile leader within the Berryhill High School band.
“I had an open mind about it, because my brother had enjoyed band for two years before me,” he shared. “And eventually, I figured that I enjoyed it a ton.”
As a two-year drum major, Christensen has developed a mature sense of leadership, balancing authority, empathy, and the challenge of guiding a band of many distinct voices.
“I hope that while I am here, I can do what I can to give them the advice and skills they need to accomplish their goals and crush their adversities,” Christensen shared.
With 60 musicians, each bringing their own background and personality, Christensen said that the true test of leadership is uniting everyone under a shared vision.
“It be hard to get everyone and their many different backgrounds to come together and push for one common goal,” he added. “But we always find ways to compromise and work together to make a plan that makes the band better.”
Christensen said the band’s chemistry has been exceptional this year, strengthened by a renewed focus on structure and leadership that keeps the ensemble cohesive and organized.
“We have focused on using the hierarchy in our band to make things run smoothly from top to bottom, without creating divides between the upper and lower classman,” Christensen noted.
Though guiding a large group comes with challenges, Christensen said the band is also a place of laughter and shared joy.
“Nobody else has more fun at this school,” Christensen said. “The band gets to do some of the wackiest, silliest stuff at a normal football game. It’s like a bigger version of the student section, but with all your best friends.”
Christensen has gained far more than just musical talent – he has built confidence in his leadership and bonds that will last a lifetime. From leading the band and serving as drum major to excelling in academics and extracurriculars, Christensen attributes teamwork, perseverance, and a genuine love of music for influencing the positive direction in his life.
