Student Leadership

Drum Major

Cooper Johnson

Over the last two years of my high school experience, I have had the honor and privilege to live in the unique and professional culture of the Warhawk Band Program. Choosing to Participate in the Warhawk Marching Band my freshmen year was the best decision I have ever made, it led me to discover numerous new ideas regarding leadership, social skills, and overall playing. In the time I’ve spent in the program, I have discovered a love for not just the music I’ve made in Wind Ensemble, Jazz bands, and many more choirs, but the people in the program. The opportunities given to every member is truly unmatched and I am exceptionally grateful to have had the opportunity regarding travel throughout the state, Competition at the National Level with BOA Regionals, and Education from some of the most talented educators in the country with our personal music staff and brilliant clinicians at Wind ensemble festivals and Festival of Winds. Having served previously as a Quartermaster last year it will be a challenge trying to leap into such a distinguished position as Drum Major, However with a love for the program, and a drive to Maintain Seminoles tradition of excellence, I am more than excited to work with such a talented and dedicated group of individuals.

Field Commander

Jo'el Rivera

Hi, I’m Jo’el Rivera and I’m part of the Seminole Warhawk trumpet line. It’s an honor being one of the two Field Commanders and during my senior year too. It’s amazing how I get to set a great example for everyone in the band. I play the trumpet, which is the most amazing high brass instrument. I’ve been playing for 8 years and still staying strong with it. We try and accomplish to be the most respected program of our school. I’ve been through high and low with emotions from not getting to compete at FMBC my sophomore year to winning it a year later. I hope we can strive to be a great band every year, even when I’m gone. I always think of my favorite quote “it’s not goodbye, it’s just see you later”, and that’s the quote I will always use when I come back to see the next generation of Marchers at Seminole high school.

Drum Captain

Alex Huyhn

Hey! My name is Alex Huynh. It's an honor to be a part of the band leadership, an even better honor to lead the percussion section of Seminole high school. This band has opened my eyes as it has taught me to improve myself in ways outside of band and has had me grow as a person. Being able to perform with a second family outside of home is fantastic and it's a huge honor to be a part of it.

Front Ensemble Captain

Chloe Popke

Hello! My name is Chloe Popke, I’m the front ensemble co-section leader and I’m heading into my Junior year. I joined band in sixth grade and stuck with it all through middle school. My freshman year, “Beetlejuice” I played xylophone and glockenspiel. Sophomore year, “Dia de los Muertos”, I played Marimba. And now, in my Junior year, I’m center marimba. Which I must say, is an amazing honor. My parents, grandma, and Mr. Madrinan convinced me to do this, and I'm so glad they did. The support of our outstanding staff has motivated me and kept me going in times I believed I couldn’t do it. I can never thank them enough for all they have done for us. I have participated in the symphonic band, Wind Ensemble and Percussion Choir, for the past two years. My sophomore year, I was elected as Front ensemble co-section leader with Linette Badillo. I’m so lucky to have had her by my side on the journey of last year’s season. And I’m glad I get to work alongside her one last time. I plan to push myself to be the best leader and musician I can be. I also want to push the front to be the best they can be. This group has so much potential to accomplish amazing things and I want everyone else to see it. For me, getting first place isn’t what motivates me to do better. I strive to be an inspiration for others and to push myself beyond my limit. I only have 2 years left, so I want to graduate knowing I put my all into every rehearsal and performance I do.

Guard Captain

Gracie Evans

Going into my 3rd year in the program i’m Honored to be one of the Guard Captains for the 2023-2024 season! I started doing Color Guard back in 3rd grade with our Little Hawks program, From there I joined Seminole middle schools Guard team in 2018 as a Dancer for the show “More than words”, I continued with Guard through 6th and 7th grade Eventually becoming captain in 8th grade, During that season I experienced my first marching Band season with the show “into the unknown” and although it was a small 16 set show it made me decide I wanted to Join marching band my freshman year! I’m so excited to experience everything The Wild Ride with Little Red will bring us!

Clarinet Section Leader

Ana Koukoumtzis

I always knew I was going to do something with music after being introduced to the recorder in 3rd grade. Progressing my love for music, I moved to Clarinet which is now the instrument that I've been playing for about 6 ½ years. After moving to Florida I was a little unsure if I was 100 percent going to join marching band or not, but after talking to Mr. Madrinan a few times I eventually said yes, and I am so happy I did. Getting to go to my first icebreaker and meeting some of the people who I would later make some of the best memories I have with. I am now not only in Marching Band but I’m in Clarinet Choir, Wind Ensemble, and sometimes even help with Symphonic Band and the middle school. This program has honestly made such an impact on my life. From the people you meet to the things we get to do; every day is something new. I'm grateful I have the chance to be this year's clarinet section leader. And I'm excited for this season and what it has to offer us.

Saxophone Section Leader

Dylan Madrinan

My name is Dylan Madrinan. I’m a junior and yes, I am related to the band director. I am one of two saxophone Section Leaders and I am more than excited for this year. Going into high school I didn’t think I wanted to do band and I tried to find something else but with everyone in my family being Seminole band alumni I kinda didn’t have a choice, and I am so happy for everyone pushing me to join because the past two years have been the best times of my life. I’ve made so many friends and I’ve definitely had my ups and downs but I wouldn’t change a thing that’s happened since I joined

Mellophone Section Leader

Symphony Knight

I never wanted to join band at first, but after my mom made me join band I chose trumpet in 5th grade. I stayed on trumpet, and even marched at a different school my freshman year. I liked band, but I was never passionate about it until I moved to Florida and joined Seminole my sophomore year, switching to mellophone and French horn. Playing a different instrument, in marching band and wind ensemble, changed how I viewed my importance in an ensemble. Since then, I've grown more comfortable in marching and playing and I'm happy and proud to be part of this band. I'm honored to be the mellophone section leader for my final year at Seminole High. I love my section and I can't wait for us to move forward into this season.

Tuba Section Leader

Dillon Harris

When I was in 8th grade, I was debating joining Marching Band. I decided to join because of the influence of my brother and what I heard about Marching Band and the reputation it had. This will be my third year marching tuba. When I decided to join, thinking back now, I’m happy I did! I have made such good friends and have so many things to share about with new friends and family. I’m heading into 11th grade and I don't know what I would be like if I hadn’t joined Marching Band. It has made me more mature and helped me with the ability of understanding that what I say can cause many positive, or negative, outcomes to happen. Marching band has changed a very important time in my life in such a good way. I just want people to see that and join and experience it with all of us.

Historian

Lauren Basara