Music has always been a big part of drum major Mattie Kleespies’ life, ever since she started playing piano at 3 years old. Joining the band in eighth grade was pretty much a no-brainer for her.
“Obviously drum majors conduct the band on game day, but we have other roles too,” Mattie says. “I am heavily involved in the prop crew, and the biggest thing that goes unnoticed is that we are the liaison between the students and the instructors.”
Since the band didn’t get to travel last year, Mattie says she’s excited they got the green light for the upcoming season.
“My favorite memory was definitely when we went to St. Louis,” Mattie says. “During that trip, a bunch of us from the prop crew hung our hammocks up in the trailer and had the best time hanging out.”
Mattie has been a Dragon since kindergarten and is thankful for all the opportunities Carroll has given her. Aside from band she is also a Green Jacket and is a part of the equestrian program.
While Mattie doesn’t know what she wants to do after college, she does know she wants to work with people in a leadership capacity.