I’ve been away for a few days here, I’m going to get back into things tomorrow. Gene…stay tuned.

HGB… Congrats!

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I admire you wanting to become a drum major, but think you may be going about it the wrong way. You hit on some really important items in your email… It’s hard to win over somebody that knows more about you anything because they’ve taken the time to learn the subject… This is something that you need to do… I teach conducting at a College and I can tell you it’s not something that you can learn or do well in three weeks. There are so many things involved.

Baton conducting is almost universal among wind based instrumental groups… it’s rare to see the baton not used in anything but marching bands. That being said they same basic principles apply to conducting regardless regardless of whether or not you use the baton as a techincal instrument.

My advice would be to approach your directors or assistant directors and let them know you are interested in trying-out and seek their advice and help.

I am not aware of any internet sites that can help you with marching band conducting techniques. Maybe one of the readers can point you to a site that I don’t know.

Best wishes!

I was drum major my senior year of high school and another great idea is sending your drum majors to a camp specifically for drum majors. I attended George Parks Drum Major Academy and found the information I learned there so important not only for being DM but for teaching in general. Sending your DM’s to camp also gives them time to really solidify their styles, teaching techniques, and relationships so that come band camp time you have DM’s who are on the same page and with the same goals.
Pont 4 (respect of the directors) is, I feel, one of the most important as well. Too often I have seen directors publicly criticizing their drum majors. When band members see that the respect is diminished and the drum major has lost a bit of their authority. If corrections need to be made pull them aside and yell and scream and criticize as needed, but never do this in front of the band.
Once again, thanks for this post, it should be helpful to many directors and drum major hopefuls!

Thanks for your kind words! Please feel free to stop “by” anytime!

J. Pisano

I no longer teach high school, so I don’t have the opportunity to watch the wonderful things that happen from the start of summer band camp until the end of a competitive season. I miss it a great deal. Good luck to everyone who is gearing up for the 2007-08 season. Joe, keep up the great work!

It is great to hear your take on Drum Majors. I mm looking forward to my marching band next year because of the 3 young people who will serve our organization in that captacity.

In regards to points 1 & 2 - it does fall on the Director to outline expectations for their student conductors. Musically - what are they responsible for? How should they conduct? I have seen plenty of fancy student conductors in 12 years in front of a band that does not play with clarity. Clear and accurate downbeats must take priority over any clever tricks designed to garner points from judges. Drum Major and Field Commander positions are also great ways to develop students who aspire to a career in music education. The important part for the director is to develop ways in which they are involved with teaching music and drill, handling small administrative tasks, and serving the band in the best way possible.

Respect is a tough rung on the ladder for student leaders. I constantly tell mine to lead by example - not words. Be the first there, the last to leave. Know the drill for every squad or person. Speak from experience, and do not take anything personally. It is a student conductor with a disciplined mind, who cares only for the good of the organization and the quality of their performance that can best serve. Furthermore, they must have a quality about them that helps them rebound from any setback. There is an old adage I remind my student leaders - “No pressure, no diamonds.”

Our drum majors and field commanders - for lack of a better way to say it - must be the stud around which we build this band house. In them we should see everything that we want the rest of our band to aspire, and they should inspire every senior down to every member in their first year in the organization. The message that these leaders can send to younger members when they go about their duties in a professional, diligent, and timely manner is so powerful.

Director’s can not go it alone. Football coaches have the Quarterback, Basketball Coaches have the point guard, and Band Directors have Drum Majors. Drum Majors are not part of the show. They help the show succeed. Drum Majors are not more important than other band members, they have been saddled with more responsibility. So to all you future drum majors, quit conducting in the mirror all the time and learn how to serve your band too!

T. Weller

Hey! Thanks for being the first to write! I wish you well with you essay. If you get (or anyone) get a chance, let us know what some of the reasons are for you wanting to be a drum major!

J. Pisano