Dancing drum major raises spirits at Central Catholic
Even in schools with more traditional marching band programs, students are finding ways to express themselves. Take Louis Jezerc, the “dancing drum major” at Central Catholic High School in Oakland.
When the band plays on the sideline during games, Louis stands in front of it and launches into a free-form dance routine, throwing in anything from Russian kicks to The Carlton.
“Everything I do is just improvised and impromptu from stuff I have in my repertoire,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun, and people seem
to like it.”
Louis, 17, of McCandless, has been the drum major at Central Catholic for two years. This year, as a senior, the dancing really took off. “All I needed was a beat, which comes from the band, and a platform, which comes from being the drum major.”
Joe Wilson, Central Catholic director of performing arts, has never really seen a dancing drum major and certainly not one like Louis. But he’s embracing it.
“It’s just kind of a spirit thing,” he said. “To be honest, I’m not really sure where it came from, but I like the students, when they’re leaders, that they can be themselves as a leader.”
Louis first remembers dancing at 5 or 6 to a CD of an Italian a cappella group. More recently, he’s perfected many of his dance moves through the Just Dance video game or the occasional YouTube video.
And while Louis’s dancing may not be traditional, it seems to lift spirits every bit as much as the school’s Beach Boys-themed halftime show.
“People walk by and notice and just kind of grin,” said Mr. Wilson. “It’s one of those things that brings a smile to their face.”