Whether it’s the loud pounding of the drum or the sound of a song, extracting an emotion from the crowd is the reason to perform.

Sydney Gebers has shared her musical talents and acting skills, but being able to contribute a story that everyone can be a part of brings joy.

“I enjoy theater because it allows you to represent emotions in a different way than just speaking,” Gebers said. “When watching or being in a performance, everyone is living the same story, watching the same scene unfold.

“It’s an amazing experience when everyone’s hearts in the room aches because of a performance.”

The Fort Dodge Senior High School senior just finished her final season of marching band as the section leader for the drumline.

“I carry the title of drumline section leader with pride,” Gebers said. “That’s because I’ve carried it for two years and the position was revived my junior year. My first two years of high school we had separate section leaders for each percussion section with drumline, but Mr. Paulson trusted me enough to take care of all of them.”

While performing this season the Fort Dodge band’s show entailed songs from ABBA, and the Dodger band brought home top honors from its home show.

“Being on drumline is — in my unbiased opinion — the best way to spend a marching season,” Gebers said. “Marching any percussion is a privilege and when everyone is on the same page and marches at an amazing show it just brings everyone together in an amazing way. We also have the rare ability to sing and dance on the field, all without getting in trouble.

“Maddie Stephan — my fellow tenor player — and I made up all the visuals that viewers watched in this past show, such as rowing our boat and doing the wave, and we even sang the songs ‘Row Row Row Your Boat’ and ‘Pina Colada’.”

Along with her musical talents, Gebers also likes to share her voice. Recently the senior was selected to the Iowa All-State chorus, an honor to any high school student.

“After my junior year performance at Onalaska with the Acapella Choir, I knew I wanted to try out for All-State,” Gebers said. “Everyone who auditions has a passion for music, an eagerness to sit down and listen to the professionals, and a desire to be the best.

“That environment is where I thrive. I spent multiple months practicing my All-State music, and went to the Wartburg camp to make sure I was thoroughly prepared. This accomplishment is important to me because it shows people I take this activity seriously.”

Being herself behind the drums and belting her voice is just one of many talents for Gebers. She also enjoys putting on a show.

“My sophomore and junior year I was the backstage props manager,” Gebers said. “I decided to be on stage for my senior year because of past performing experiences during my junior year and during the summer.

“I got the chance to perform in a retelling of the Gospel twice this past summer, and a love for performing was revived.”

When a chance came up her freshman year to be on stage, Gebers jumped on it.

“My freshman year, Grace Casciato called me while I was on the bus and asked if I’d be willing to fill in a spot for the One Act play, I said yes, and I was on a varsity spot for speech,” Gebers said. “After that season was over, I figured I’d keep up with the new friends I had made and that was through Performers Club. Now, being the president, I strive to make the welcoming environment that I had my first year.

“My favorite thing about performing is the emotions that it inspires. When I was in the mime, everyone in the room was moved by the performance. Being able to inspire the beauty of moving someone to tears is unlike anything else.

“Anyone can do it all, being involved was the best choice I made and I will never regret it.”

There is much more on Gebers’ schedule as she is also involved in volleyball, tennis, National Honor Society, Student Ambassadors, Dodger Senate, Youth Group, TRIO, Performers Club, Large Group & Individual Speech, Jazz Band, All-State Choir, Feed My Starving Children/Meals from the Heartland, fall play and musical.

Though there have been many memories made, now in her final season, the list of lasts are starting to be checked off.

“I recently had my last volleyball game and last marching band experience,” Gebers said. “Both of these were very difficult for me because I’ve had a passion for volleyball since I was seven and watching the marching band since I was nine. The next most difficult senior goodbye I am guessing will be either the spring musical, or choir Senior Night.

“My passion for performing music has only grown over the years, and it’s heartbreaking thinking ahead to something that’s not promised.”

Growing up, Gebers enjoyed being involved and it carried over.

“I think when I was younger I just assumed I would do it all,” Gebers said. “My mom had me try lots of things when I was younger, and a lot of it stuck for multiple years — like softball, which stuck for eight years.

“As my high school experience has flown by, my love has only grown and I have made sure to take advantage of the chance to do it all while in high school.”

With a busy schedule and little free time, having a support staff behind her has been a guiding force for Gebers.

“My mom and my sister are my biggest influences,” Gebers said. “My mom is the definition of inspiring and has overcome so many hardships, she always meets me with compassion in all of my high school drama and she always encourages me to do it all.

“My sister is a big inspiration in the way she carries herself and takes pride in who she is.”

Through her four years, Gebers has created multiple memories that will last a lifetime.

“My freshman year I remember getting into wind ensemble, even though my sister said there was no way. This was a big deal for me, because I was the only one in my grade who auditioned and got it,” Gebers said. “My sophomore year I made it to All-State for large group speech musical theater. We performed songs from ‘The Secret Garden.’ I had never been to anything like the all state festival, then I was lucky enough to go the next year as well.

“My junior year the ‘Les Miserables’ performance was the most cherished. I almost chose not to partake in the performance, but Brayden Schmieder convinced me to try out, and boy am I glad I did. ‘Les Miserables’ introduced me to the art of emotion in theater.

“My senior year, as of now, I am most proud of getting into All-State. This is a massive accomplishment and I get to spend it with some of my best pals.”

After high school Gebers will attend the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. She plans to major in sociology, minor in Spanish and get the Youth Work in Religious Settings certificate.

Vacation destination: Argentina.

People I would like to have dinner with: The Lord.

It would surprise people that: I volunteered my entire summer at Riverside Bible Camp as a Cabin Leader this past summer.

Performers that inspires me: Aaron Amhof has taught me a lot about performing and I wouldn’t be the musician I am without him.

My everyday role model: Renae Gebers.

I can’t go a day without: hugging my mom.

Where do I see myself in 10 years? graduated from UNI, living in Colorado and hiking with a dog.

Dream piece or show: “The Lightniing Thief” by Percy Jackson.

A show you binge watch: Bluey.

Favorites…

Song: Reason to Praise by Bethel Music & Sparrows and Lilies by Pat Barret.

Book: “Dividing Eden” by Joelle Charbonneau.

Movie: “Pitch Perfect”.

Musical: “Les Miserable” (the Fort Dodge version).

Class: Any sociology course.

Musical genre: Christian or Country.

Instrument: marching tenors.

Performance: The Mime —

a retelling of the Gospel.

Instrument: Ukulele.

Phone App: TikTok or Photos.