For the past two years, FHS percussion has earned superior scores in competition under the leadership of former captains Matthew Hartung and Silvia Woods. Now, new captains Kolaya Wilmer and Madi Goebel take on their roles and prepare to follow in their footsteps.
Kolaya Wilmer, the 2024 drumline captain, has mixed emotions going into this season.
“I feel super excited, yet super nervous and focused,” Wilmer said.
Being a first-year captain is a lot to handle for Wilmer.
“I feel very honored to be in a captain position. It has been my dream since I was in eighth grade to be on percussion leadership!” she said. “I think a lot about how I am the one leading this section that will soon go to competitions and get judged on their marching and playing that I had a big part in teaching them,” Wilmer added.
Previously, Matthew Hartung was the drumline captain for several years before he graduated in spring 2024. Hartung was known for his dedication, accuracy and focus as captain. Wilmer takes inspiration from his leadership and reflects on how to fill his previous position successfully.
“I take inspiration in how he was always willing to help anybody with any problem… he let us have fun and bond, and I have learned that when you allow your section to have fun together, things become successful very quickly!” Wilmer said.
Moving into competition makes for hard and serious work. The FHS drumline is learning how to balance fun and focus. Wilmer has lots to say regarding her section and her plans for this upcoming competition season.
“I love their (drumline’s) high energy and funny personalities. I’m able to hang out with them outside of school as well because we are friends,” Wilmer said about her section.
When it comes time to work, “I focus on working hard on music and dots. I mainly focus on knowing when we have holds,” Wilmer said.
Drumline is half of the FHS percussion section. While they march on the field with their captain Kolaya Wilmer, at the front of the field, Captain Madi Goebel leads the frontline through the show.
Madi Goebel is also a first-year captain. Frontline is a whole different ballgame when it comes to marching band. As a first-year captain, Goebel handles heavy equipment, oversees trailer loading and manages half of the percussion section.
“I feel honored to be chosen for pit captain. I’m glad I can be trusted to lead a section,” Goebel said.
Moving into competition season, Goebel has lots to focus on. Frontline is proving to work well under Goebel’s leadership.
“Our section cares about each other and helps each other out when needed. I’m beyond proud of them. The show music this year is pretty difficult, but they are working so hard, and I couldn’t be happier,” Goebel said.
Previously, frontline was led by Captain Silvia Woods before she decided to leave the FHS band department. Woods was known for her dedication, problem-solving and skill as captain. Goebel takes inspiration from working with Woods and applies it to her leadership skills.
“Silvia was a big inspiration in how I lead my section. I always go to her when I need help with something, and she helps me. Her dedication to frontline was definitely something I was inspired by and have been using for my leadership,” Goebel said.
In competition, percussion is scored separately from the entire band. This includes both frontline and drumline. Working together is key to success when it comes to competition.
“Kolaya and I are working hard to make percussion amazing this year, and I know we can do it,” Goebel said.
With plans to demolish the competition, percussion captains Kolaya Wilmer and Madi Goebel are excited to continue working with percussion through the end of the marching season and the school year.
FHS Band will continue performing around the metro until late October 2024, when the season ends. Fremont percussion can be seen at upcoming home football, basketball and volleyball games. They are also competing in upcoming marching competitions through October. Visit the Fremont High School activities calendar for more information on upcoming band and percussion events.
