As the 2024 Drum Major for the Westbrook High School Marching Band, Jaslyn Alcide—known to us all as Jazzy—leads her peers with a blend of passion, dedication, and vision. A multi-talented musician, Jazzy's musical journey spans beyond the podium. From playing flute in the Wind Ensemble to exploring instruments like trombone, guitar, and banjo in various ensembles, she’s deeply embedded in the Westbrook music community. Her aspirations of becoming a band director and composer fuel her leadership style, and she carries a deep personal connection to this year’s show, "Legacy," which honors the late Jeff Smith.
In this exclusive interview, Jazzy opens up about her role as Drum Major, her reflections on this season, and what it takes to lead a marching band that strives for greatness. Let’s dive into her insights!
Can you tell us a little about yourself? What are your future career aspirations?
I want to be a band director of a school with a marching band and to be a composer.
What instrument do you currently play? What musical activities are you a part of?
I’m a flute player. I’m in Jazz Ensemble where I get to play trombone, Wind Ensemble where I play flute and sometimes piccolo, marching band where I’m the drum major but I also marched flute for 2 years and piccolo for 2 years, I’m in Winter Guard where I’ve spun flag and rifle, and I’m in PATH’s where I get to play a different array of instruments like guitar, piano/synth, banjo, and tenor sax.
Can you tell us what it's like to be the Drum Major for the Westbrook High School Marching Band?
Being the Drum Major at Westbrook can be both nerve-wracking and reassuring, on one side you know that your band can be great but it’s knowing how to pull that greatness out of the kids.
This year’s show, Legacy, holds a special meaning for the band. What does it mean to you personally?
The show Legacy personally means a lot to me. I was taught by Jeff for 4 years and I feel honored that I get to conduct the show that is in honor of him. Jeff was able to make a huge impact on my life as he did on many others. Jeff was truly able to make the Marching Band here at Westbrook something special. I will never be able to forget how Jeff helped me find a place where I truly belong.
What’s the most rewarding part of working with the rest of the band as their leader?
The most rewarding part of being the leader of the band is being able to connect with kids I would’ve normally interacted with if I hadn’t done marching band and being able to make them feel welcome.
What are your goals for the band as you prepare for the US Bands National Championships?
As we prepare for US Bands my goal for the marching band is to really become like a close family, that everyone is giving as much energy as they personally can into performing the show, and that no one can look back and wish they had done more while they were still doing this show.
What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in becoming a Drum Major in the future?
The advice I would give someone who’s interested in becoming a Drum Major in the future is to make sure you try to connect with each section of the band. If you’re able to connect with every section, even in the smallest way, you’re able to have a deeper understanding of each section and work.
If you could sum up this marching band season in one word, what would it be and why?
I would sum up this marching season with the word “Strength” because it takes a lot of strength for the vets to be able to adapt to marching band without Jeff and just go with it. It takes the rookies a lot of strength to come in and have to be able to keep up with marching like a vet and learning their music and memorizing it in this setting.
Watch Jazzy lead the band at the MBDA competition at Marshwood High School on October 19th!
