When Coppell High School senior Siddharth Bellam steps onto the podium, a wave of pride and focus takes over. The hum of the crowd fades, replaced by the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as the band looks to him for guidance. 

“It’s like being at the center of something bigger than yourself,” Bellam said. 

There is an electric thrill in shaping the music, in uniting dozens of musicians into one cohesive sound. Yet, within the intensity, he finds calm—a sharp focus on every note, every cue and every movement.

Bellam’s passion for leading the band began in eighth grade at Middle School East, when he first encountered the role of drum major during varsity spring training. Watching then head drum major Wes Booker command the marching band sparked Bellam’s dream of one day conducting from the podium himself.

“I remember seeing how confidently he led the band, and it was inspiring,” Bellam said. “In that moment, I knew I wanted to be in that position someday, guiding the music and the team.”

Determined to pursue this dream, Bellam began taking lessons from Brooker, diving headfirst into the world of conducting and leadership. Each session pushed him to refine his skills and deepen his discipline, fueling his ambition despite the challenges ahead.

“I knew becoming a drum major wouldn’t be easy,” Bellam said. “But every lesson reminded me why I wanted it so much. I wanted to be the kind of leader the band could look up to.”

Yet, in ninth grade, Bellam faced a setback: his audition for drum major was unsuccessful. It was a hard blow, but rather than let it defeat him, Bellam channeled his disappointment into a renewed determination.

“I was crushed at first,” Bellam said. “But I knew I couldn’t just give up. I had to keep pushing. I promised myself I’d come back stronger.”

He returned the next year with a refined focus and determination, putting in countless hours to perfect his craft. In 11th grade, his persistence paid off when he earned the coveted title of Drum Major.

“Getting that position after all the work I put in—it was an unbelievable feeling,” Bellam said. “It was like all the late nights and setbacks finally came together. I felt like I had truly earned it.”

But being in a leadership role came with intense moments testing his composure. 

But becoming head drum major in 12th grade came with its own set of responsibilities and struggles. Leading the entire band, Bellam stepped up as a role model for the drumline and the rest of the musicians, setting the tone both on and off the field. 

“Band itself is hard,” junior percussionist Shrihan Dasari said. “But imagine having a leadership role in it. Siddharth does an incredible job handling all the pressure. He stays composed in the most challenging moments and always finds a way to keep the band on track.”

Leading the band requires more than just conducting—it means earning respect and creating a sense of mutual reliance. 

“In the end, you’re leading them, and they need to respect and respond well to you,” Bellam said. “Building that relationship where they can count on you is crucial to making everything come together.”

Bellam credits much of his success to the mentorship of CHS 2024 graduate Lindsay Won, whose guidance was instrumental in his growth. 

“Throughout that first season of being a drum major, she really mentored me,” Bellam said. “She taught me that you have to maintain your composure for the band and always be more prepared than everyone else.” 

While the demands of being head drum major are intense, Bellam finds the experience incredibly rewarding. It teaches valuable lessons in time management, resilience and leadership. But Bellam cherishes most is the sense of community. 

“Everyone in the band is there to support each other, motivate each other and create a place we can call a second family,” Bellam said.

Bellam’s leadership is a key factor in the band’s success. He knows that a drum major’s role is not just about conducting but about bringing the entire group together.

“Band is not just a collection of musicians. It’s a team where everyone’s role is crucial to our success,” junior percussionist Sudarsh Manderwad said.

For Bellam, fostering this sense of unity is just as important as any musical note played. Leading the band is more than just conducting; it’s about inspiring a group that feels like home and finding joy in the music created together.

“Being a drum major means more than just directing the band,” Bellam said. “It’s about bringing everyone together, building a team where we all support one another. When we’re all in sync, the music feels more like a shared experience than a performance.”

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