Artist Q&A with Dover High School drum majors

When die-hard Senators fans head to the football field this season, they’re going to see some serious stepping by brother-and-sister duo Josh Barton, senior, and Nichelle Potter, junior, this year’s drum majors. Dover High Director of Bands Lenny Knight said it’s no wonder the two got the gig. “They both show leadership, they both show the passion and they’re both energetic,” he said.

Q First, how did you get started in music? What instruments do you play?
Josh: I’ve played trombone probably for 10 years. I started playing in Brader Elementary School in Newark.
Nichelle: I played clarinet and percussion in middle school at William Henry.

Q Why did you want to be drum major?
Nichelle: Our uncle was a drum major. I’ve always seen the DHS band and the drum major in front, and I was inspired growing up.
Josh: Band is a passion for me, for both of us, and after seeing the stuff that they played here and the dances I thought I wanted to do it.

Q What do you think sets DHS apart from other marching bands?
Josh: The thing that makes us different is the passion that our director has. And we also have a standard we have to meet, and a style. So the style, the technique, the power and passion and love of a big family.
Nichelle: The style that we have is different that other bands in Delaware, it’s showtime, it makes you stop and watch [genre is traditional showtime or showstop].

Q Josh, what was your first game like as drum major?
Josh: At first, it had rained and I had fell on my back in practice. Then you’re on the field under the lights, your heart beats, and it goes silent, then you land your first band bend and it’s OK.
One of the best things was when this kid, he couldn’t have been more than 10 years old, was wearing a cape and trying to get our attention, and when we looked he said “I want to be you.”

Q Nichelle, what are you looking forward to as drum major?
Nichelle: I’m excited for the half-time show and dancing in the stands.

Q What is it like working with your sibling?
Josh: It’s fun and easier because both of us when we put our minds to it, we’re passionate. We’ll be at home goofing around and can come up with a new routine.
Nichelle: We bring our minds together and become one. We know how far to go.

Q What are some of your favorite songs you’re playing?
Josh: Some of them will have to be “Talkin’ Out the Side of Your Neck,” “Bad Romance” and “Smooth Criminal.”
Nichelle: I like “Throwdown.”

Q What is it like leading a group of your peers and friends?
Josh: The only thing that’s difficult is there’s only certain things you can do. There’s certain rules you have to follow.
Nichelle: The leadership and your friends, you have to know when they can be your friends and your band mates.

Q What did your family say when you told them you were both drum major this year?
Josh: They were really surprised. They were like, “A brother and sister being drum majors together is big.”

Q What will you remember once you’re gone?
Josh: One thing I’ll remember is the fun and the love. And when I came from up north, I learned a lot more; I can read music better since I came here.
Nichelle: I like the fun that we’ve had so far, and the music.