Henrichs finishes career as Mahomet-Seymour drum major at Fiesta Bowl Parade

BY DANI TIETZ
dani@mahometnews.com

Her last march as drum major will be one she will remember forever.

As Mahomet-Seymour senior Annie Henrichs led the Bulldogs — alongside her dear friend, William Larson — through the streets of downtown Phoenix on Saturday, she knew the opportunity was rare.

“It was amazing,” she said. “A lot of bands don’t get this opportunity. It’s really exciting to get to show off our talent in the parade and just to be together as a band, and make memories, too.”

Henrichs became a drum major as a sophomore. For the last three years, she’s tried to encourage and help the band grow. 

From their first performance of “Balance of Power” at Eastern Illinois University at the beginning of October, Henrichs knew that her 200-member squad had potential.

Henrichs said that over the summer months of 2019, the squad struggled with listening to one another. 

“With practice, we grew out of those habits and learned to work together as a whole,” she said.

That was evident to Henrichs as she stood at her post, directing the band members at Eastern Illinois University in early October.

“I would say that was one of the best, if not the best performance of the season,” Henrichs said. “The band really kicked it into gear and was more focused than ever. I walked off the field feeling proud to be a Marching Bulldog.”

The drum majors, which also include Gwen Tee and Alexis Young, took first place at Eastern. Overall, the band placed first, then went on to place second at both Illinois Wesleyan University and the University of Illinois. 

Being beside Larson has meant a lot to Henrichs.

“We’ve become really close,” she said. “We’ve helped each other encourage each other along the way.”

The duo has two more days in Phoenix with their bandmates before they head back to Mahomet on Dec. 30.

Henrichs said that she is looking forward to seeing the mountains in a Jeep, just like she enjoyed seeing them on horseback.

Entering into the final semester of her senior year, Henrichs will continue to perform with the band, just not directing the group. She will pick up her oboe.

But the impact that the Mahomet-Seymour band program has had on her will influence her throughout her lifetime. 

“I’ve made many memories through marching band and I will miss it dearly,” she said. 

“The support system within the band is very strong. Marching band is made up of some of the kindest people and it feels like one big family. Mr. (Michael) Stevens and Mr. (Phil) Meyer have played a huge role in creating a welcoming and loving environment.”