Fort Worth ISD News

Norah Sasser’s love is music, and fostering that love in others is her passion. This makes her the perfect drum major for Arlington Heights High School.

Senior Norah plays the trumpet and is in her second year as drum major. She started playing the trumpet in sixth grade, and she had no intentions of becoming a drum major one day. It was the encouragement of her directors and a desire to improve leadership styles in the program that led to her trying out.

Since then, Norah focused on seeing and encouraging students who are excited and passionate about band. Norah felt that during her freshman year, the atmosphere in band was more that it was something everyone did to check a box, versus something to be passionate about. Now, she sees the members of the band are more enthusiastic.

She wants to study music education — her current top college choice is the University of Michigan — not only because of her love of music, but because of what she’s learned in the last year. She’s reached a pivotal realization: she’s happy when she isn’t just making music, but when she’s helping others make music too is even better. Music education is a natural next step in her journey.

Music education will come naturally to her. After all, the ensemble Norah leads has never not made state. In the past two years, she’s worked hard to find the balance between maintaining her friendships and being a leader of her peers. 

But through it all, she earned her seat at the table — which is also the band’s performance theme this year.

During upcoming performances, the Arlington Heights band will perform a series of songs with the theme of having a seat at the table, announcing the band’s intention to earn its spot at area finals.

The band will be up against programs with higher rankings, more money, and more established bands in the coming weeks. But through it all, Norah’s leadership will prove the Arlington Heights band deserves the attention and accolades of the marching world.