Marching Band Podium

Zane Trace grad is example of maturity, adaptability

There were two other submitted nominations for Zane Trace High School students, including:

» Michele Schambs, who according to the nominator "has exhibited qualities of great character throughout her many experiences at home, school, church and community." She became the first female golfer to make the All-SVC team and the first female golfer in Ross County to make first team All-Ohio and place third in the state tournament. She is vice president of the school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Her grade-point average puts her in the top 10 in her class of 130, and she plays violin in weekly rehearsals and several concerts with the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra. She also sings with the praise team from Kingston United Methodist Church and volunteers with Chillicothe Jaycees special events and with church functions.

» Trey Moats, who the nominator submitted based on his involvement with the National Honor Society, naming to the All-Ohio Academic football team and his two All-SVC selections and an honorable mention All-District in football. He will be joining his best friend since sixth grade, Michael Moore, to play football for the College of Wooster.

» 125 graduates

» Valedictorians (academic): Theresa Lewis, Jason McCoy, Megan Roll and Tyler VanBuskirk

» Valedictorian (vocational): Brittany Siroin

» Salutatorian (academic): Seth Otten

» Salutatorian (vocational): Jacob Gay

» Motto: "Special times and special places, special friends together; the moments pass so quickly, but memories last forever."

» Flower: Alstroemaria

KINGSTON -- Ever since Zane Trace High School senior Kaleb Wolfe was in the fifth grade, marching band has been the focal point of his school experience.

"It's his niche, definitely," said John Neff, Wolfe's band director for the past three years.

Playing trumpet in the band pushed Wolfe, a reticent kid, out of his comfort zone. His senior year was no exception.

"For the first two years he was very shy, but each year you could see his confidence building," Neff said. "Then, this year, man, he just took off, being a leader and taking control."

Wolfe rushes to get music sheets out and yells at other band members to get in line, which he never would have done before, Neff said.

Wolfe also has stepped up his playing. This year, for the first time, he performed a solo.

MARCHING.COM: All About Accessories - Getting on Top of Podiums

Having the right marching band podium can make rehearsals and performances much easier for conductors and field members alike. Get tips about selecting the right podium from a former drum major, now an instructor, who has climbed to the top hundreds of times.

By Stephanie Lee
Posted August 24, 2010

Selecting the right drum major podium can be a mundane yet very important task with safety concerns, ease of transport and setup, and size as interrelated factors. As you have many other pressing issues on your plate leading into the heat of marching season, you need to pick the right podium to fit your program's needs quickly. The following suggestions are meant to make your quest for the perfect podium quick and painless, so you can get back to what you love—the marching arts!

Safety and Stability

Safety first!!

Standing up to 6 feet high off the ground can be intimidating and scary, but having a safe and sturdy podium will give you greater peace of mind. The most durable and sturdy podiums to date are generally made of aluminum or a similar metallic material. By selecting a podium of great durability, you will have not only a safer podium but also one that will last longer.

To ensure stability, all podiums more than 5 feet tall should include some type of safety bar, which students and instructors may hold on to when stepping onto the platform of the podium from the ladder. Whoever assembles your podium should always make sure that this safety bar is securely attached to the podium if it is removed during transport or storage. Additionally, taller podiums (4 to 6 feet) that have smaller platforms and are more "ladder-like" often include stabilizing bars at the base.

Ease of transport/Setup

Setting up your podium should not be a chore! It should be a relatively quick, simple process. After all, the less time that drum major(s) spend setting up the podium and hauling it around, the more time they can spend on the important thing—practicing conducting, helping band members and being a proactive member of the leadership team. While the size of your podium will likely determine the model that you choose, you should be aware that there are three basic styles of podiums, which are all set up in a different manner.

1. Large Platform with Side Ladder (5 to 6 feet tall): Most schools and drum corps use this style as their front or center podium.

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