Senior Spotlight: The Marching Red Devils Drum Majors- Abigail Davidson and Lauren Sherman

ABIGAIL DAVIDSON 

What instruments do you play?

I play the flute and piccolo.

What was your experience as a drum major like? 

I had a great experience as a drum major. It is so awesome to see how the show improves throughout the season and how everyone becomes more confident in their performance. The hardest part of this experience was having such a large portion of the band being almost completely new to the activity since last year was not normal, so there was a lot of catching up to do. The easiest part was working with Lauren. We have a great relationship so it was easy to coordinate our roles. My biggest takeaway from being drum major is that there are so many moving parts to marching band and everyone plays a vital role in making the show come together. When everyone works together and is focused, we can be efficient and put our best show out on the field. 

How long have you been playing in general? How long at Central? What music courses have you taken?

I have been playing the piano since I was in first grade. In fourth grade, I started playing the cello, but I switched to the flute in seventh grade. I joined the Freshman Concert Band at Central and then auditioned for the Wind Symphony my sophomore year on flute. 

What other activities are you involved in at school?

Aside from marching band, I am on the fencing team at Central. I am also a member of the Women in STEM club, Mu Alpha Theta, SNHS, NHS, Tri-M, Spanish Honor Society, Student Athlete Leadership Team, Peer Mediators, and the pit orchestra. I enjoy the mental challenge of fencing. It is like a game of chess where you have to predict your opponent’s next move. I enjoy competing and contributing to an overall win for the team. I have met so many great people through fencing. My coaches and teammates are so supportive and they are great people to be around throughout the fencing season.

What activities do you participate in outside of school?

Outside of school, I volunteer at the Child Development Center at Hunterdon Medical Center. I work with young children who have physical developmental issues or need to strengthen certain muscles to help them with everyday tasks. I enjoy working with young kids and giving back to my community. So many organizations are in need of help right now, especially because of the pandemic, so it is important to contribute however we can. Volunteering at HMC has taught me to embrace everyone’s differences and that we all face different challenges in our life. 

What do you do for fun?

I love to spend time with my friends on the weekends and travel.

What is your favorite thing/thing you will miss most from Central?

I will miss my friends and teachers from Central. I have built such strong relationships over these past four years and I am going to miss everyone so much.

Plans after high school? College? Career?

I plan to go to college to study biology or biochemistry. I plan to go to dental school and ultimately become an orthodontist.

What are you looking forward to after high school?

I am looking forward to being exposed to a new environment and meeting new people. So much is going to change for everyone graduating in the senior class within the next year and I’m excited to see what the future holds!

LAUREN SHERMAN

What instruments do you play?

In the marching band I used to play the trumpet for three years. Oddly enough, I was an orchestra student all my life, playing the double bass, so self teaching myself to play a brass instrument was a daunting task. 

What was your experience as a drum major like?

Being a drum major this year was an honorable and exciting experience. Being the first year back after COVID has been scary, but also exhilarating. Unfortunately our size went down due to the pandemic, so we opted to have two drum majors instead of the usual three. This led to finding new ways to accommodate this change- putting the podiums at different positions- but ultimately allowed Abby Davidson, the other drum major, and I to have a great say in these decisions. When it comes down to it, we were leading 100+ kids on the field with no adults or teachers to help, and to this day is one of my greatest achievements. Playing at MetLife stadium and traveling to DisneyLand and DisneyWorld in California and Florida are some of the priceless privileges we have been given. The marching band has allowed me to grow as a leader and given me experience and responsibilities unlike any other activity. 

How long have you been playing in general? How long at Central? What music courses have you taken?

 I am involved with the Advanced String Orchestra, Pit Orchestra, and the Marching Red Devils. Nevertheless, the double bass is still my primary instrument, which I have been playing for the last 8 years. I have been involved with the regional orchestra, and used my music to volunteer in our community. I had only started playing trumpet in high school so I could be in the marching band and trying to teach myself such an unknown instrument was a great challenge.

What other activities are you involved in at school?

I love to help out and volunteer in our community and within Hunterdon Central as well. I am the President of the Tri-M Music National Honors Society, I am the Corresponding Secretary for the National Honors Society, Public Relations for the Spanish Honors Society, Communications and Social Media Manager for HC’s Student Movement Against Cancer, and the Secretary for the Environmental Society. I enjoy Hunterdon Central’s music program because it allows for all students to learn and communicate through music, creates countless bonds and friendships, and gives me the opportunity to branch out and try things I would’ve never imagined. Although being in marching band is a long time commitment, it has quite literally taught me about commitment. Always showing up, and trying your hardest even when you aren’t feeling your best. Not only this, but giving me time management skills, and teaching me how to plan around and make time for things that are important to me. 

What activities do you participate in outside of school?

Outside of school I participate in my church community. I volunteer over the summer to teach an elementary level Vacation Bible School where we plan crafts, activities, and skits. I also play double bass in my church’s orchestra which has given me chances to also work for other churches and perform there as well. I enjoy being able to use my musical talents for the people around me who appreciate and support me. My church community in particular is one of my favorite audiences due to the pure love and encouragement I get in return. 

What do you do for fun? 

I love hanging out with friends and family, whether it’s going to see a movie or staying at home and just watching tiktoks. Recently I have gotten into cooking and baking which is super fun and new. There are countless options of things to make which are super exciting.

What is your favorite thing/thing you will miss most from Central?

The thing I will miss most from central is the staff and administration. I truly have loved all my teachers and learned a lot from them. Having people who I can be comfortable to not only be myself around but to also ask questions with is such a privilege. 

Name at least one thing you want to do before you graduate?

Before I graduate I would love to branch out to the younger students and create meaningful connections. It would help me stay connected to the school and hopefully encourage and motivate the underclassman to potentially participate in similar activities that I was involved in. 

Plans after high school? College? Career?

My dream school is UVA to study biology and then go to UChicago for medical school to hopefully become a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. 

What are you looking forward to after high school?

After high school I look forward to submerging myself into a completely new surrounding and making tons of new friends! 🙂