As the crowd cheers around him, Junior Mark Christensen swings his baton in a colorful arc while marching to the beat.
Christensen was one of many drum majors who performed in the annual Rome New Year’s Parade. Tens of thousands of citizens gathered in the streets of Rome to watch various military, civic and school marching bands and auxiliary units.
Last summer, Christensen attended a summer drum major program funded by Varsity Spirit, an organization which promotes extracurricular activities.
There, he was selected to be a Varsity All-American, or a distinguished camp member.
All-Americans are eligible to attend the Varsity Spirit Rome Tour, which allowed participants to perform in the parade.
Christensen toured Rome from Dec. 26 to Jan. 2.
“I learned a lot more about drum majors from other areas,” Christensen said. “It was the best trip I’ve ever experienced.”
His trip to Rome was an incredibly busy one, as they visited the Vatican, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and Florence.
Last summer, Christensen became one of the TCHS Marching Band’s drum majors.
He is tasked with watching over the band members during practices, occasionally leading the band during marching practices and conducting the field show.
“Victoria Chavez, who graduated from here, was one of my biggest inspirations,” Christensen said. “She was one of the people I looked up to the most.”
The upcoming Camellia Festival Parade will become the main focus for Christensen and other TCHS drum majors, which will take place on Feb. 23.
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