As the marching band takes the field each Friday night during halftime, the leadership of senior drum major Julia Grogan is striking. She leads the band with skill and grace and has been an integral part of Ramapo’s band since her freshman year.
Julia has played the flute and piccolo for Ramapo’s band and marching band since her freshman year, but has been involved with music for eight years. Mr. Sloezen, the director of the Ramapo music program, remarked that Julia stood out as a candidate for drum major from the start because of her strong work ethic, maturity, and musical skills. He shared that even as a sophomore, Julia seemed to feel comfortable in front of the band, communicating instructions and rehearsing them well. Julia was chosen to be Assistant Drum Major for her junior year, a position in which she shadowed the previous drum majors, learning the ins and outs of how to conduct, lead the band, and all of the traditions that have been a part of the marching band for years. Going into her senior year, Julia was chosen as the Head Drum Major for our 2025-2026 season based on her performance as a junior and her leadership skills.
She shared, “ I joined the marching band to learn more about music and further improve my musical skills. […] My favorite part about playing in the band/marching band is meeting new people. Through marching band competitions and other related events tied to the Ramapo Wind Ensemble, I have met many people and made many memories that I certainly will never forget.”
Julia has earned both a Varsity Letter through marching band and the “Instrumentalist Magazine Merit Award” last year. Outside of the Ramapo community, Julia plays the flute at her church and has participated in the New Jersey Wind Symphony’s annual Side by Side concert during her freshman and sophomore years. She plans to participate during her senior year as well. Julia’s passion and commitment to music are indisputable, and were complemented by her co-drum major, junior Natalie Woo.
Natalie Woo, a trombone player for Ramapo’s band and marching band, shared her experience playing with Julia over the years. She commented, “My time with Julia has taught me to speak my mind and listen to myself more. Working with Julia has helped me both improve my leadership skills and my self-confidence because of how great of a person she is. […] Julia is a strong and humble leader and is the most resilient person I know.” Mr. Sloezen continued this sentiment as he shared, “This type of dedication and resilience carries over to whatever Julia sets her mind to, whether it is music-related or not.” Julia plans on majoring in veterinary medicine and becoming a veterinarian. Julia plans on participating in the marching band in college. We wish her luck in college and thank her for her contributions to Ramapo’s music department!
