THE ECHO

Meet junior Katie Kasten, one of the Avon Marching Black & Gold’s newest drum majors

By Alaina Moon // Reporter

How did you get started in the marching band?

I got started when I was going into my freshman year.
I was already in the band program. I played flute at North, and a lot of my friends were going out so I figured I might as well just check it out and see what’s going on.

Were you instantly super good, or was everything a lot to get used to?

Yeah, no, it took a lot to get used to. I didn’t get good marching technique down until like halfway through the season.

Have there been any big group achievements in the band that you have witnessed?

Freshman year we won state and nationals, which was the first time we had won the national title since 2010. Mondriesque last year was when we won state again, and then we won nationals, and then all of the titles that year, which as like, I think the first time that ever happened.

Have there been any big personal achievements for you?

Definitely making drum major. The competition was really tough this year. There were a lot of good people that went out for it. So I mean, the fact that I made the position was a big achievement.

How is this year going so far for you? Have you faced any big challenges?

So far, the season’s been going pretty good. It’s been fun to see how everything’s been unraveling so far since we have the first part of the show already on the field. Big challenges, honestly, is probably running the metronome because you always have to be listening and locked in 24/7, so you don’t miss anything.

Who are some special peers that have positively influenced you this year?

Definitely Makayla Poland. She’s just been super helpful helping me settle into the new position because we were new together. I was unsure at first, but anytime I’m having a bad day, she’s always there to make me feel better and help me out with whatever I’m going through.

What do you think has gotten you to this point? What is your motivation?

The biggest impact would be my connections and community. If it wasn’t for, like the awesome staff that we have, or my awesome peers, then I definitely would not still be here.

How does marching band assist you in achieving your goals for the future?

In careers and stuff, there’s obviously going to be a lot of tough competition there. So being in marching band has taught me the importance of hard work and dedication. I can use those skills, especially the skill of how to interact with others who are different from you, and I can use those skills to work with people in my future life.

Are you in any other clubs, organizations, or teams?
I am currently a part of the ASCAP Club. That’s the ambassador program. I am also a member of the Eco Club.

What do you like to do outside of band?

I like to hang out with my friends. Sometimes we’ll go get food or we’ll meet up at someone’s house and hang out. I also like playing videogames. When I have any downtime, it’s a lot of fun and it’s good to unwind.

What is your favorite class?

My favorite class so far has to be Business Law. The teacher is great. I love the way she runs class. It’s not a hard class, which is what I like, and it’s very interactive. There’s a lot of useful stuff that we’re being taught in that class.

What were you up to over summer?

I was doing a YMCA summer camp. It’s called Flat Rock. I did the counselor-in-training program there, and it was so much fun. It was two weeks long in St. Paul, Indiana. Then I also did CIY. It’s like a Christian camp, and I went there with some of the other kids who were in the marching band. And then, I also went to DMI. It was a drum major camp and I went there with the other drum majors. It was fun to meet people from other schools.

What is your definition of a perfect day?

Traffic is light, no homework, classes are easy. Go home, have a lot of time to relax, and then come back to practice because I like coming to practice. Everything’s going smoothly, super easy day, everyone’s in a good mood.