Senior drum major Astraia Kudela, a graduate of highest distinction with a 4.0 GPA and a student in robotics, led the Mighty Viking Band with dedication. Kudela plays the flute and was the flute section leader in the 2024-2025 and continued to become drum major in the 2025-2026 season. 

“My junior year when I was [taking drum major] classes, that was like the [time] that..I knew I wanted to conduct,” said Kudela. 

She found strong leadership qualities in herself and has displayed that throughout the 25-26 season.

“Some leadership qualities that I see in myself is that I am always open about what is going on, I listen to others and take into account what they are saying well and easily, and I can quickly get the attention of people and I can nicely get them to do what needs to be done.” Said Kudela.

Despite having great qualities for leadership, she still found transitioning from leading a small section to the whole band to be challenging as it is a great change for her and the rest of the mighty vikings, the transition was difficult because she had to get people who didn’t really know her to listen to her unlike when she was leading her section which were people she knew.

“The transition [from leading a section to the entire band] was difficult. It was definitely an adjustment” Kudela said “just going from leading a couple of people to over a hundred.”

Kudela has found inspiration from both band directors and other members of the mighty viking band.

“Ms. Mitchell (THS Band Director) and Piper Chappell (Assistant Drum Major), just seeing all the hard work they do, [it’s inspiring]” said Kudela. “[They] were an inspiration to me because they are such kind and genuine people who will always be there for you no matter what! They have challenged me by pushing me out of my comfort zone”

She will lead the Mighty Viking Band through the 250th memorial day parade in Washington DC during the summer, she finds excitement in leading her favorite people one last time.

“I am beyond excited for DC and the parade! I can’t wait to get one last chance to conduct for my favorite people!” Kudela said. 

Kudela plans to attend North Carolina State majoring in Chemical Engineering, while she leaves music, she will always have an everlasting impact on the Mighty Viking Band despite not being there physically.