This year, two juniors, Anjo Solis and Ji Won Kim, have been chosen as the Cal High band drum majors.

A drum major is someone who acts as a conductor for the band and leads students during the events they perform.

The process for becoming a major is as follows: an audition in front of the class, an interview with the band teacher Kent Johnson, and a class vote.

Though it is partially up to the class to decide the majors, Johnson said he has certain qualities in mind when he imagines who the drum major will be.

“They practice a lot,” said Johnson. “They follow good directions, and they are good musicians.”

The two new drum majors, Solis and Kim, have much experience working together. They have been in the same band since the sixth grade at Iron Horse Middle School.

“He brings his positive attitude and compassion and understanding to the band,” Kim said of Solis, who was equally complementary of Kim.

“She’s a great partner,” Solis said.

Many members of the band said they voted for Kim because of her calm, mature, and intelligent personality. They said they voted for Solis because he’s likable, patient and encouraging.

“They’re both really passionate about band,” said freshman alto saxophone player Kaitlin Leong. “They’re team players.”

Kim and Solis’ skills were on full display on Oct. 10 when the band won the grand sweepstakes in music and showmanship at its first competition at Elk Grove High.

In addition to the band winning the competition’s top award,  Kim and Solis won first place for drum majors.

Solis said he likes to be a combination of the cheerleader and the big brother of the group and is open to other people’s ideas.

Kim said she likes to challenge herself and others. She loves it when the band plays together and sounds like a “real band” with great flow.

“The biggest job,” said Solis, “is to try to keep everyone together with my hands and just stay confident.”

Though the two drum majors said they would not be majoring in music in college, both will still be playing in one way or another.

Solis, who plays alto saxophone, said music will always be with him and Kim said that one day she would like to join a band as a clarinet player.

“I think the two of them are a good match,” said junior drummer Phillip Latiolais. “It’s mostly patience and a positive attitude on both their parts.”