They've been together since their days at Lake Highlands Elementary.

Rama Hagos and Sarah Pickett were classmates in Kindergarten. Emily Gray came on the scene as a seasoned third grader.

And it all started with what's known as Beginner Band in 6th grade.

The rest is Lake Highlands history.

Together Hagos, Pickett and Gray form the talented trio serving as our 2010-'11 Lake Highlands Wildcat Band drum majors.

The Friday night lights shine most brightly on these three during halftime at the LHHS football games, but their leadership skills certainly come in handy the other six days of the week.

Jeff Bradford, Fine Arts Coordinator and Director of Bands for Lake Highlands, knows a lot about the talented team.

"Each of them have gifts," he says. "They're all very different, but they work together really well."

"The majors are well-respected by their peers. They're outgoing, driven and focused."

And every one of those traits is necessary when in comes to ensuring all 200 members of the band are accounted for and on time, complete with instruments, uniforms and music.

Coming up through the ranks, holding past leadership positions and "using every single second of the day," as Bradford puts it, is what makes these drum majors successful.

Of course having a good sense of humor and enjoying what you do certainly helps, too.

"I actually wasn't that great my first year," says Rama as she recounts her freshman year of marching.

"I'm naturally shy, but I've gained a lot of confidence in the process. I function mainly on no sleep, caffeine and lot of smiles."

In addition to their leadership and organizational skills, the drum majors offer important perspective from the students' point of view.

"Conducting at halftime is really 1% of the job," says Emily. "Our other jobs include tutor, parent, medic, mentor and friend."

"I always looked up to the drum majors," adds Sarah. "It's an important role to play. People encouraged me to pursue it, and I want to do it well."

So far Bradford is pleased with what he's seeing.

"These three are the best of the best," he says simply.

When you see them in action, it's certainly hard to argue with him.

And after meeting them in person, there's just no denying it.

Both on and off the field, this team of three exemplifies the hard work, dedication and professionalism we've come to expect from our Lake Highlands students.

Your next chance to catch them in action is this Thursday night, September 23rd as the Wildcats take on the Spartans of Samuell High School.

October 1st will find the band back at home performing during the Homecoming game against W.T. White. Either way, you're in for a great halftime show.

---

For more information about the Lake Highlands Wildcat Band, visit the LH Area Band Club website here.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Varsity Revue 2010, featuring the band partying like it's 1999.

This year's performances are scheduled for Thursday, September 30th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 1st at 6:00 p.m.

View the event flyer here for more details.

Photos courtesy of the LHABC and Dawn Gray.