The Bubble Lounge (Highland Park & University Park Texas)
The Bubble Lounge Podcast is the only weekly podcast show for families living in Highland Park and University Park Texas. With over 290 episodes and 160,000+ listeners, we are the go-to source for all things in the neighborhood.
Hosted by Martha Jackson, the Bubble Lounge Podcast is a weekly show that covers a wide range of topics, from philanthropy, lifestyle, and fashion to health and wellness, relationships, and also current events.
The podcast is unique in that it provides a local focus, catering specifically to the women of Highland Park, Texas. The host brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the show, with Jackson being a marketing and public relations expert who has a deep love of her community.
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The Bubble Lounge (Highland Park & University Park Texas)
Keeping the Beat: Meet the Highland Park Drum Majors
This week on The Bubble Lounge, we’re putting the spotlight on the leaders of the Highlander Band—the drum majors! Kaden Rice, Ian Hyde, and Mitch Dauphinais aren’t just waving batons and keeping time; they’re carrying on a tradition of excellence, school spirit, and dedication that makes Friday nights under the lights so unforgettable. From the first whistle at practice to that final note at halftime, their leadership keeps the entire band moving in perfect sync.
In this episode, you’ll hear what it takes to earn the role of drum major, the behind-the-scenes responsibilities that most fans never see, and the passion that drives them to lead with both precision and heart. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a proud band parent, or just someone who loves the energy of a Scots game day, you won’t want to miss this inside look at the students who set the tempo for our community’s biggest stage.
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Welcome to the Bubble Lounge. I'm Martha Jackson and I'm so excited for today's episode because we have three of the most visible leaders at Highland Park High School in the studio with me today. Our drum majors front and center on Friday nights, but today we're going behind the scenes to hear their stories, what leadership looks like through their eyes, and maybe even a few funny band moments we don't get to see from the stands. Guys, welcome to the show. Well, let's start by going around the table and saying your name and what instrument you play and why you chose that instrument.
Speaker 2:So my name is Mitch Dauphiné and I play the trombone, and the reason I chose it is in fifth grade, when we had to choose the instruments in our big kind of ceremony, I guess, my band director, mr Emsley, told me that I should really try out for trombone. So I tested it and all the people who watched me play it said that I look like a trombone player and they could see doing but being really good at it. So that's why I chose it. Yeah.
Speaker 3:I'm Caden Rice and I play the flute. And I chose to play the flute because I really loved the music and I really loved the sound of it and I just thought it was really cool instrument. So I also chose it in fifth grade and stuck with it ever since nice hi, my name is Ian Hyde and I play clarinet.
Speaker 4:I remember first wanting to choose clarinet was when I was visiting family in New Orleans and we'd always walk around like the French Quarter, and my personal musical hero, doreen Ketchins, was a street performer in the French Quarter and she plays clarinet and ever since then I've always wanted to play it. So fifth grade is when I started.
Speaker 1:Okay, all of those are really good stories. I love hearing the background. So why do they call you guys drum majors when you don't actually play the drums?
Speaker 3:Well, it's actually an old military term Back when the military bands used to be led and kept time by the drums, and so whoever's in charge of that, they were called the drum major. And then it evolved and they stopped using the drums so much to signal and get everybody started, and then they started using people to do that job and they just kept the term drum major and it's stuck ever since.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's interesting. That's a fun fact.
Speaker 4:Yeah, I mean that's why it stuck, because marching band has a very deep military history.
Speaker 1:Well, so tell us about when you found out that you were chosen as the drum majors. I always like to hear the process with the captains and all the leaders of the groups and just kind of what went into getting where you are today.
Speaker 2:So at the start of spring we started our BLT or band leadership training application. So for everyone that wanted to be part of the band leadership, we had to submit a resume, do an interview, do something called the dazzle project to really showcase our creativity. And for the people that wanted to be drum major, we had to do a special drum major camp. So that was two days at the high school where basically our director taught us how to conduct, how to be a drum major and all the things associated with that. So us three and seven other people tried out for the role on top of everything else, and so they watched us conduct. They watched us, they watched our leadership skills. They really evaluated us to see who could be the best drum major. And I think right around when school got out they posted the list of all the BLT for that year and me, caden and Ian were named drum majors.
Speaker 2:They obviously had drum major.
Speaker 1:Yeah, well, that's quite the process. That sounds pretty intense and very exciting. Wait, well, that's quite the process. That sounds pretty intense and very exciting. Wait, congratulations, by the way, everybody. So what does it mean to you to be a drum major, both on and off the field?
Speaker 4:Well, I think being a drum major. There's a lot that people see, but there's also a lot of behind the scenes that goes into being a drum major. Obviously you're a big leader and being a good role model for a lot of the band, but I think, more than that, behind the scenes you're like a mini director and where you're making sure that rehearsals and performances and everything are running smoothly, whether that's fixing technological problems or scheduling or just trying to get everyone where they need to be. It's more than just conducting and being a good leader.
Speaker 1:Well, tell me about what it's like when you're getting up on that podium and you're in front of all the fans out there and in front of the band. Are you nervous? What's going through your head? How does that feel?
Speaker 3:I think the first time we started conducting on our big podiums, of course we were a little bit nervous, but it really just feels like you know, this is where we're supposed to be and it really just feels incredible to be up there and be able to help lead the band and get them all started and start the show. Like that first moment when there's a big impact is just incredible. And you're not playing anymore, you're listening to it and it just feels incredible to be a part of that and listen to it and help everyone get there, right, right.
Speaker 1:I could imagine that's a really great feeling. Well, you guys have all been in the band for quite some time now, and anytime you're in a big organization like this, there's always funny behind the scenes things that happen. What is one of your most favorite funny moments that's happened on the field?
Speaker 4:I remember I don't remember which contest it was, but I remember we were performing our show for the season and we were marching, obviously, and the person in front of me, his name, was Ashton Fam Davis, and his shoe came off in the middle of our performance. And so there's just this rogue tennis shoe on the field and people would have to like march around it. And in that specific set I remember we were all marching backwards so no one could actually see where we were going. So as we were doing it, people were like tripping and like having to jump over his shoe.
Speaker 1:oh, my gosh, I bet that was quite the spectacle it was.
Speaker 2:It all worked out so I also forgot what competition it was, but it was one of the earlier competitions and the unique thing about the trombone is it's really long slide, which can be an asset, but in this case it was a detriment. So we were having to do, um march 90 degrees to the left and all the trombones were in a row and one of the trombones to the right of me, um they, uh, their upper body wasn't fully 90 degrees, so while they were marching, the slide started to drift left and left until it smacked me in the head in the middle of the contest. So I had to march and do all that stuff while also getting whacked with a trombone slide. It ended up being okay. It was just a little unexpected.
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Speaker 2:So Monday we wake up regular time and get to school by 8.10. And usually I think what we're doing this year is we're going to review film and basically look at our previous week's marching and see what needs to be improved, what needs to be done, what can we make better. And then we play a little bit and we do normal classes. So go to calculus, go to APGov, and then after school is our three hour block, from four to seven. So we're in the stadium in the very hot texas weather. Um, basically just three hours of rehearsal, working on anything that needs to be worked on learning sets, cleaning sets, cleaning music, adding choreography, all that stuff. Um, and then tuesday through thursday we have our early mornings, so it starts at 630. I personally wake up at 545 to make sure I'm there on time. I think y'all wake up at earlier times.
Speaker 3:I wake up at 530. Usually Get up and at them.
Speaker 4:Yeah, I usually do the same thing. Another group that helps out a lot is the field crew, and they always have to get there very early. I remember when I was in field crew and they always have to get there very early. I remember when I was in field crew I'd always have to wake up at like 4.30 just to help get the field set up.
Speaker 1:Wow, so it's always a process. Well, that is some serious dedication. That's a lot of hours.
Speaker 2:Yep. So then, and obviously we play in class, so we're having like an hour 15 before school and then another hour in first period. Um, and then Fridays is where it gets a little interesting. So we wake up morning at you know, normal early time, uh, and we get there, but instead it's a football game. So we're doing our show runs, we're doing like big chunks, we're making sure we're playing some pep tunes, we're making sure that everything is ready for the football game.
Speaker 2:So then we do class, we play in a pep rally. So we all have to, at 830, line up and march all the way down to the pep rally and have to participate in that before running to our second period. And after school we either, if it's an away game, immediately line up, get on the bus and travel an hour away to wherever the away game is and participate in that until late at night, or, if it's a home game, we get an hour break before we line up and then march all the way to the football game and do all the pep tunes, do all halftime, all that stuff. So all in all you're looking at, you know, six in the morning to 11 at night, just straight. You know music, school activities.
Speaker 1:You must really love being in the band, because that is some kind of time commitment right there.
Speaker 3:It really is, but it's so worth it and it's so much fun especially like the pep rallies and the football games just being with your friends and getting to experience all that is so much fun.
Speaker 1:Sure, well, what is something that the average fan in the stands wouldn't guess? That goes on with being a drum major besides all these hours you put in?
Speaker 2:So a lot of people think that being a drum major is really just waving your hands and it's actually not that important. A little bit more than that. It is indeed a little bit more than that. As Ian said, being a drum major basically means that you're a mini conductor. So a lot of people don't know the real leadership that it takes being a drum major and how all eyes are on you basically at every moment and you have to be a really good leader and really have to know what you're doing. And it's way more than just waving your hands.
Speaker 1:Right, right. Well, just tying in with leadership, like what you were talking about, it's such a big part of this role as a drum major. What kind of traits do you feel like you have developed over the years and how will you take those going forward in life?
Speaker 3:I think over the years we've all developed a lot of time management and definitely problem solving, as we've gotten to be in these leadership roles. Whenever somebody from your section needs anything, there's an issue on field, you know you can step out and help, try to solve it. Really, you're there for anybody who you know may have a problem and it's really rewarding. And I think we've all gotten better at communication skills and just having a really positive mindset, I guess, for going throughout the season and having a good time.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Well, those are all great things to take with you for the rest of the life and definitely will be huge benefits for you. Well, so the Highlander Band is packed with traditions, as everything is at Highland Park. What are some of the traditions that you really love the most?
Speaker 4:One of my favorite traditions is, before our area contest, we all the entire band sits in the band hall, we all sit on the floor and the band president and drum majors tape a giant like one made out of paper onto the wall.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 4:And so by doing this, we try and manifest um like winning.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 4:And so we tear up the paper, one that is on the wall, and we distribute it to everyone in the band, and at the same time, we all have to eat it. So we all become, we all become, have the one inside of us. Oh, okay, all right.
Speaker 1:Is there any others?
Speaker 3:Yeah, sure, like before any of our competitions, all of our sections huddle up and we all you know, get ready and we run through in our heads together and we give each other little pep talks before we go and we all each section has their own little chant that they do to get everybody hyped before we go out. Gets everybody really locked in and ready for the competition.
Speaker 2:I at least know for trombones, one of the traditions that we do is called trombone head chops. It's a little activity we do at football games, third or fourth period, where we line up in a line and, to a drum cadence, we move our slides over each other's heads while we duck, and it's a whole little cadence that you have to learn and get good at and it's just a really cool spectacle to do and it really impresses a lot of people, but it's a little dangerous okay, I want to watch that sometime.
Speaker 1:I'm gonna have to come by for that sometime. That sounds interesting. I mean you have to really be on top of the timing there, I would assume we've had many experiences where someone has gotten out of rhythm and smacks someone in the head with a slide, and it's never good, so you have to be really, really on top of it.
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Speaker 4:Well, I do a few things. I'm a part of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, so that had a whole application process, and it's with a bunch of other really talented musicians from the Dallas area, so that's always fun. But I also play a lot of jazz and I go and play at different jazz venues in town and I typically just sit in with gigs of either teachers or friends and, you know, just kind of jam.
Speaker 1:That's awesome. I love that. Well, Mitch and you, you stay awfully busy. You founded the archery club at Highland Park, which I think is really cool.
Speaker 2:Yes, so it wasn't just me, it was the. It was me and it was a couple other people. That was all in my grade. But in middle school we were part of the raider hour archery you know club, and our coach, coach brock blair, wanted to kind of make it an official thing at the high school. So we were kind of the inaugural class that helped um create it and establish it and so far we've been to nationals three times and have actually done pretty well. So it's been. It's been a real journey, kind of building it from the ground up and starting with quite literally absolutely nothing and making nationals multiple times. So it's been really fun being part of that and watching it grow.
Speaker 1:Oh my gosh, that is so impressive. And then, Caden, I am so fascinated that you are getting your private pilot's license. Tell us about that.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I started taking lessons a couple months ago after I first took my first flight. I just loved it and it's truly my passion. It's just so much fun and a couple weeks ago I passed my private pilot's license test and I'm officially a pilot and it's really exciting and definitely the coolest thing I've one of the coolest things I've ever been a part of oh wow, I love that.
Speaker 1:You guys are so impressive and, like I said, I mean we just barely scratched the surface. If you could see their bios, they have done a whole lot more, like so many impressive accolades. Well, so you guys are all seniors and everyone always likes to ask what your future plans are. Do you know where you're going to go to school and what you want to do next?
Speaker 2:um. So currently I really want to become a lawyer. So my plan is to go to um some big college university of georgia, uh, university of texas, university of michigan and major in, uh, political science and then eventually go to grad school and, you know, pass the bar and become a lawyer. So I really want to kind of do that and maybe along the way, um, continue to do band.
Speaker 3:I'm not entirely sure, but yeah, nice, I really want to become a commercial pilot in the future, um, go to college and to get all of my flight hours down, all my flight ratings and, um, through that experience, you know, continue to play the flute and continue with that before I move on to being a commercial pilot, and I'm really excited for that, for that big change in the future.
Speaker 4:Yeah, I plan on continuing my music and jazz experience later in life. I want to go to music school. I was planning on studying jazz. I was wanting to go to either like the New School, which is a music conservatory in New York, and then the Berklee College of Music is in Boston. But I also plan on doing jazz and then double majoring in business too.
Speaker 1:Wow, you guys are going to be busy, aren't you? So there's probably a lot of parents out there listening that have kids that are interested in joining the Highland Park Band.
Speaker 3:What advice would you have for those parents? I would say, let them do it. It's such a good experience, even if you know you just want to try it out. It could end up turning into something you do all of high school and beyond and it really just has so many benefits and you get to be a part of the community in Friday Night Lights in a way that you know might not be on the field, but it's still really cool and super valuable.
Speaker 2:I'd say it's a big time commitment and learning a instrument takes a lot of time and practice, but it's definitely worth it. That band provides is something unlike anything else, and you get to do so many different experiences and meet so many amazing friends, and it's honestly something that is completely unique to anything else that Howlin' Park has to offer.
Speaker 4:Yeah, I think. More than anything, I know that the band community is a very strong community and just the people that are in it are always super driven and always work very hard academically, and so I know that it's a lot of good people and you can find your place.
Speaker 1:So it's my understanding that you guys have almost 100 members in the band and I am sure that there is a lot of people. It takes a lot to make this such a great group of kids and makes Friday night so special. Who else besides yourselves would you like to give some shout outs to?
Speaker 2:So, first off, some of the members in our band achieved the Allstate band. So what that means is, in the fall we auditioned for what's called All Region. So we compete against other people in our region and if we're good enough at our instrument then we advance to all region. So then we from all origin, we apply to all area, so obviously people in the area, and then finally you compete against people in the state to make all state. And we have a couple members in our band that has made all state and are the best of the best. So one person I'd like to shout out is cars Critcher. So he made first chair Allstate. So he is, for 5A schools, the best tuba player in the state of Texas and he is wickedly talented in the tuba and he's overall, like musically, just a very impressive person.
Speaker 1:Oh wow, I'm going to have to watch out for him.
Speaker 3:A couple of our other really great musicians are Sam Stobot, emily Liu and Rami Siegel and they have just really shown so much improvement on their instruments between the bassoon and the flute and the French horn. They're just truly so talented and are so committed to the band and put in so much work and effort.
Speaker 4:I also wanted to give a shout out to Sam Stobach one, because he's also an All-Stater and amazing bassoon player. But also for this upcoming season are all of our soloists in our show Ryan Ryan Kahn, emily Liu, sam Stobach and Carson Critcher all have solos, so it's going to be a good year.
Speaker 1:Wow, I know, I'm so excited to see you guys out there. Well, let's move on to some rapid fire questions. Kaden, what's scarier First football game on the podium or your first solo flight?
Speaker 3:I would have to go with my first solo flight. It's probably scarier.
Speaker 1:So, ian, what is your favorite spot to play jazz in Dallas?
Speaker 4:Oh, okay, In Dallas I definitely say it's the Balcony Club in Lakewood.
Speaker 1:Oh, I haven't been there in years, but that's a really neat place. And, Mitch, what is tougher conducting halftime or chairing the state affairs forum?
Speaker 2:Definitely conducting halftime.
Speaker 1:So if you guys could describe the band in one word, what would it be?
Speaker 3:I would have to say commitment.
Speaker 2:I would have to say dedicated.
Speaker 4:Yeah, I'd say pride, I would have to say dedicated. Yeah.
Speaker 1:I'd say pride. I love it. That's great. Well, guys, I can't thank you enough for being here today. This has been so fun. Like I said before, we've talked to the band in the stands plenty of times, but we've never had you in the studio, so we're making history today and I can't thank you enough for being here. Yeah, thank you so much. Thank you so much. Go Scots. That's been another episode of the Bubble Lounge. I'm Martha Jackson and I'll see you next time.
