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DRUM MAJOR AUDITIONS
DRUM MAJOR INFO.
3/18/19: Mr. Cantrell's clinic focused on the requirements for the Band Student Leadership Application.  Please use the buttons above for the Application and helpful links to help you with your resume and service project.  Additionally, we would like for you to ponder this quote: "When you learn, you teach; when you get, give."  Please read pages 15-20 in the Leadership Team Workbook above.  Be prepared to discuss your goals that serve as the perfect description of your "Dream Group" and "I Went On A Search For A Leader."
What makes a Good Drum Major
LEADERSHIP HIERARCHY AND DUTIES OF BAND STUDENT LEADERSHIP:
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It is important to realize that every student in this program has an influence, positive or negative.  The goal of an officer should be to go beyond that of the average band member. When you accomplish this, you have become a leader. Leadership goes beyond a rehearsal; it is more than a full time job -- it is a lifestyle.

The foundation of genuine leadership is maturity and a good attitude. Successful leadership only results from respecting others and having their respect.  The following is a list of ways to gain the respect of your peers:
  1. Competency -- the ability to do your job
  2. Lead by example and set high standards
  3. Be energetic and enthusiastic -- it's contagious!!
  4. Be responsible and stay informed
  5. Be consistent!!

Furthermore, you must respect other leaders. If the leaders of an organization can not communicate and work together, there is no hope. Commit to being a team player, not a hero.
 
Finally, lead from within the band, not from above the band; you are still a student who has to go to class with these individuals.  As you seek to be an officer of this band, be sure to walk the walk before you talk the talk. If you are not selected as an officer, do not be angry. If you have predetermined that you will quit band if you do not get a position, you are not a leader. As an officer, you will now be in the most important part of the group. When all members are operating under the appropriate authority, the band will improve.

Leadership Hierarchy:
The student officers will include but are not limited to the following positions.  All positions will report directly to the Band Directors.
Executive Leadership:
            Drum Major(s)
            Captains (Brass, Guard, Percussion, Woodwind)
 
Officers:
            Secretary
            Property Sergeant
            Section Leaders
            Guard/Percussion Sergeants
            Property Crew
            Librarians
            Morale Chaplain
            Historian
 
                                        Duties of the Drum Major
                                                                         (duties are not limited to the following)
 
Drum Major
  1. Act as a liaison between all band (winds, percussion, and guard) students and director.
  2. Oversee that all student leaders are doing their jobs; responsible for completing all duties if leaders are absent.
  3. Will be in charge of and run all meetings of the executive leaders and/or student leadership team.
  4. Conduct basic fundamentals at the beginning of each marching rehearsal.
  5. Conduct proper warm-ups.
  6. Direct and assist directors at all marching band rehearsals.
  7. Prepare band for inspection before all performances -- inspect section leaders.
  8. Assist other captains in their absence.
  9. Be responsible for administering discipline (under the guidance of the director).
  10. Keep the uniform room neat and orderly.
  11. Be responsible for inventory of Marching uniforms and Marching Shakos.
  12. Assist the Uniform Committee Parents in distributing and collecting uniforms before and after every performance.
  13. Be the last one to leave after rehearsals and performances.  Make sure that the instrument room, uniform room, and band room proper are clean, lights are turned off and doors are locked. The director will dismiss you.
  14. Receive awards at competitions and festivals as the representative of the students and band.
  15. Assist with officer clinics and auditions.
  16. Lead by example and set high standards for yourself and in all aspects of the band program.
  17. Exhibit and demand self discipline in the band.
  18. Be positive!
 


                                    ATTENTION ALL STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBERS:
You are responsible for doing all duties to the best of your ability. If discipline is a problem in your section, you will be held accountable. If people in your section do not know their music or routines, you will be held accountable. If problems occur, or if the captain feels you are not doing your job, the following progression will become active:

  • First offense: Captain will speak with you individually
  • Second offense: Captain will speak with you and notify director that you were spoken to
  • Third offense: Director will speak with you
 
If you reach the third offense your position will be in danger of suspension. If problems continue, you will be promptly removed as an officer. We do not want to put you in this position. Be positive and the director will do the same. Our goal is a rewarding experience.
 
Rehearsal and Sectional Management
  1. Begin and end rehearsals promptly.
  2. Always be mentally and physically prepared to rehearse.
  3. Address all members as equals, which include you.
  4. Call on every student to answer a question or play at least once during a rehearsal. Return to certain students so that they will not feel relieved of all responsibility after answering or performing just once.
  5. Keep all discussions relevant to the music or what you are trying to accomplish.
  6. Be sure to involve all members, especially those who are not extremely confident or outspoken.
  7. When something is accomplished, react positively. This lets the members know that what they have done is correct (positive reinforcement).
  8. Stay in contact with the director concerning any problems or obstacles that you are facing.
  1. Be yourself, be honest, be fair, act naturally, be firm, and be friendly.
 
Your Role as a Disciplinarian
  1. Keep everyone busy; if you spend a great deal of time talking, they will probably lose interest and this is when discipline problems begin.
  2. Use your eyes to let the section know that you are paying attention.
  1. Be professional: if you get off track it is almost a given that everyone else will follow.
  2. All serious problems should be reported to the Director.
  3. Sarcasm and ridicule only make things worse for you.
  4. Humor can be helpful if used in the correct doses.
  5. Try to reach the root of a problem to fix it.
  6. Discipline must be consistent.
 
LEADERSHIP TEAM GUIDELINES
Please read the entire section on leadership before you consider applying and auditioning.
 
If you are going to quit band if you are not selected for the position you want -- do not try-out!!
 
Officer candidates are expected to:
  • Have been in the marching band the previous marching season.
  • Been enrolled in band class for the entire previous school year.
  • Place band as a top priority.
  • Be positive. You are to serve your section. Not order them around.
  • Be the best examples for other band members:
  • Be the first to arrive and the last to leave.
  • Superior marchers.
  • Superior musicians (first to have their music memorized).
  • Work harder and longer than the regular members.
  • Have highest standards for themselves.