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Monday, May 6th. - 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Drum Major Auditions
DRUM MAJOR REQUIREMENTS:

Role of the Drum Major
The drum major is the most visible position in the marching band. The drum major exemplifies the spirit and dignity of the entire band.

Duties of the drum major include but are not limited to:
  • Consults with the director before each rehearsal for instructions concerning the rehearsal plan
  • Leads the band through warm up routine
  • Assists in the teaching of marching technique
  • Assists individual band members when the need arises
  • Demonstrates as an example difficult maneuvers and proper posture
  • Assists in maintaining discipline and positive morale in the band at all times
  • Assists with general inspection of the band in uniform
  • Responsible for making sure the band is assembled in the proper formation at the proper place and at the proper time for all performances
  • Responsible for moving the band from one area to another in an orderly fashion at performances
  • Be the example at all times in punctuality, dress, leadership, alertness, marching, attitude, and morale
Desirable Qualities of a Drum Major
  • The drum major must have a strong dedication to the band program
  • The drum major must have a high level of musical ability
  • The drum major must be intelligent and have the capability to think quickly under pressure
  • The drum major must possess outstanding leadership qualities
  • The drum major must be personable and get along well with others
  • The drum major must be very dependable and have a great attendance record
  • The drum major must be able to accept constructive criticism
  • The drum major must be enthusiastic in his/her dealings with the band
  • The drum major must exhibit a good attitude and must encourage good morale within the band
The drum major is held to a higher standard than other positions in the band. If you submit the application materials you are showing that you understand what will be required of you, should you be selected for the position of drum major. Submit your application materials only after you fully understand the responsibility and requirements of the drum major position.

Read THIS. What makes a good drum major?
Watch these 10 short lessons on conducting. HERE

Drum Major Tryout Requirements:

1. Vocal commands. Remember, many of the members will be 75-100 feet away when you give these commands so, you will need to project your voice!
  • Attention
  • Parade Rest
  • Attention
  • Dress Right
  • Ready Front
  • Horns Up
  • Mark Time Mark
  • Forward March
  • Left Slide
  • Forward March
  • Right Slide March
  • Band Halt
  • Horns Down
2. Demonstrate conducting patterns with a metronome at quarter = 98. (4 measures of each time signature. 1st 2 measures of each marcato style and 2nd 2 measures of each legato style) Stop conducting at the end of the last 3/4 pattern by giving a fermata on count 1, hold for 2 measures and do a cut off on count one of the next measure. 
  • ​4/4 time
  • 5/4 time
  • 2/4 time
  • 3/4 time
  • Fermata for 6 counts with a cut off on count 1 of next measure
3. Conduct the Star Spangled Banner while signing from the beginning to the end.
  • It is in 3/4 time. Begin by giving 2 preparatory beats (beat 1 & beat 2) start singing on count 3. You can sing with the words or just say DAH throughout using correct rhythms.
4. Create a salute that you might use before the show starts.
5. Conduct the following piece. 
​Song of the Blacksmith
  • Practice with the recording and score
  • Video yourself conducting along to the recording
6. Leadership Interview Discussion Questions:
  • Identify the characteristics and actions of an effective drum major.
  • List your musical accomplishments or qualifications; List your other volunteer/leadership experiences or qualifications.
  • Identify the personal strengths that you can contribute as a drum major candidate.
  • Identify any personal obstacles or areas of improvement you would need to overcome to be an effective drum major candidate.
  • Concerning the whole band, identify aspects of the last season that you thought were successful.
  • Concerning the whole band, list specific goals for future improvement. Include solutions for achieving those goals.
  • Identify another member(s) of the marching band in which you see leadership potential and your reason for choosing them.
  • Identify your personal goals for the 2022 marching band season.
  • Name three leaders that you look up to and the traits of their leadership style that you hope to emulate. (could be teachers, coaches, church, or community members)

Additional Tryout Requirements
  • Your attire for the audition needs to be semi professional, jeans or shorts are fine, a comfortable t-shirt, and tennis shoes.
  • Please be sure your hair is out of your face.
  • Make sure that you have time to audition. Arriving late and leaving early are disqualifiers. 

Drum Major Audition Information Extras