Some musicians are set on perfecting their craft while others aspire to have the group play in flawless harmony. The Forest Scout’s 2026 selection for Musician of the Year, senior Alejandro Leahy, values neither of those goals. Instead, he strives to foster a supportive community for those he leads as the band’s drum major.

“I see the role of a conductor as getting people to blend well with each other rather than leading others,” said Leahy. “It’s about getting them to listen to one another and feel some sort of musical undertone that makes us better as a group.”

Years before he became the band’s drum major, Leahy fell in love with music in elementary school. After picking up the saxophone and deciding it was “easy to learn,” he kept playing throughout elementary and middle school. 

“I could pick it up and immediately make a sound–that’s why I picked it. It wasn’t difficult at all at the start,” said Leahy.

Once he arrived at LFHS, Leahy immediately noticed the tight-knit nature of the band community–something he would continue to help cultivate throughout his four years in the band. 

“[Band is] a lot more universal in middle school and elementary school. In high school, it’s really people that are very, very passionate about music and their instruments,” said Leahy. “You’re also taking a step up in skill level, and there’s a lot more community involvement, which I think is great.”

Most of Leahy’s cherished memories in band have consisted of the opportunities when he could share music with others, such as performing at events for sporting games, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day. His freshman year trip to Europe, though, is easily his favorite experience.

“With being new to LFHS, seeing the sense of community right away and getting to go on a trip with all these new people and getting to know them was really, really amazing,” said Leahy. “The fact that we were able to travel and perform in cathedrals and local audiences was a taste of what it’s like to be a touring musician. It’s a unique thing to experience in high school.”

While Leahy planned to be a devoted band member all four years, he had no intentions of auditioning for drum major at the end of his sophomore year. 

According to Band Director Mrs. Janene Kessler, the band’s drum majors–consisting of one junior and one senior–are given many responsibilities, ranging from conducting the band to picking out the songs the band will perform. Given the intense obligations for the two-year position, the audition process is lengthy. 

“I honestly did not think I could do the job,” said Leahy. 

It was LFHS alumna and former drum major Meghan Pierce who encouraged Leahy to audition for the position. 

“A good drum major is the equivalent of a good leader,” said Pierce. “Alejandro is the type of person with quiet leadership–someone [who exhibits] kindness in every action and sincerity in every conversation with his peers. He’s a great listener which causes him to be a very effective communicator.”

With Leahy possessing these qualities, Pierce knew he’d be a good fit for drum major.

“Oftentimes, I found myself encouraging him to try out for the position, whether it was during extracurriculars or in the band locker room after school,” said Pierce. “I could tell he wasn’t quite sure in the beginning. That humility solidified his potential as a great drum major in my mind.”

Leahy is appreciative towards Pierce for motivating him to try out for the job. 

“I really wasn’t sure if I was able to do it, but she’s someone that encouraged me and really motivated me to work hard and want to get better,” said Leahy.

After attending a series of after school classes to learn about conducting, Leahy had to create his own show and pitch to Mrs. Kessler along with conducting the band through the National Anthem and LFHS fight song. When he earned the position, he was overjoyed.

“I felt so incredibly fortunate to get the opportunity to lead the band as drum major. More than anything I was excited for the years to come and all the fun activities I would get to help plan,” said Leahy. 

Since then, Leahy has continued to foster the collaborative and welcoming environment he noticed walking into the band room as a freshman.

“What he’s really contributed is just a sense of fun and camaraderie and making everybody feel valued and included in that process,” said Mrs. Kessler. “In the last couple of years, [the band has] really leaned into doing fun little competitions and challenges. He makes them fun and he makes stuff that everybody wants to do.” 

Along with improving the rapport in the band room, Leahy is a calming presence that the band can rely on for support–something they particularly admire about his leadership. 

“Alejandro is someone that a lot of people look up to in band because of his kindness, good sense of humor, and his humbleness,” said band drum line co-section leader Fleury Robbins. “I think that he always exemplifies a sense of calmness which is so important for things like football games and concerts that can sometimes be stressful.”

Mrs. Kessler attests that Leahy is respected by his fellow band members. He consistently empowers others to play to the best of their abilities as musicians which simultaneously improves his own musical skills. 

“He’s probably one of the kindest students–always has had a smile on his face and that’s been true from freshman year to his senior year,” said Mrs. Kessler. “One of the reasons I think everybody respects his leadership so much is that he really cares deeply and he is very sincere about everything he does…He’s grown in confidence and musicianship through his leadership.”

Next year, Leahy will be studying business and international studies at the University of Pennsylvania through the Huntsman Program–a program only around 50 students are admitted to each year. While he’s not majoring in music, Leahy plans to continue playing throughout college in his free time.

“I think [music is] such a unique skill that is undervalued in the world. It’s something that I truly, truly enjoy,” said Leahy. “I am definitely gonna continue playing all sorts of instruments in college: whether it be in an orchestra or musical ensemble. It’s non-negotiable.”

Many musicians are admired for their musical talent–something Leahy certainly possesses–but what makes Leahy The Forest Scout’s 2026 Musician of the Year is his ability to command a room. Leahy’s commitment to strengthening the bonds within the band community and his ability to lead through moments of chaos not only reflect the reason he loves music but define the legacy he will leave behind. 

“It’s something that I think you can only see in music–that type of collaboration–where everybody is silently helping one another and working toward a common goal,” said Leahy. “It is so enjoyable when you’re working together with an entire band: listening to people and figuring out how you can contribute your part to make the whole sound a little better.”