I'm looking to try out for drum major of my high school marching band. Does anyone have any tips on conducting

Question

I would like to know how to put my hands specifically, just small technique tips like that.

Answer 1

One tip that really helped me was practicing the "snap-back"--that bit of bounce in the hands after each beat. It's the visual representation of an upbeat.

Pretend you're hitting your hand against a piece of very bouncy rubber. Notice how your hand goes toward the rubber (for the downbeat) but then it almost instantly snaps back in the direction it came.

When we're following a conductor, we're actually following the bounce rather than the impact of the beat. (Watch those classical conductors on PBS if you need proof!) It took practice, but the snap-back made me a much better director.

Be sure you practice all kinds of time signatures--3/4 and 4/4 and 2 and all that.

And--have fun! Drum majors rock.

Answer 2

The best thing to do would be to follow protocol of the previous Drum Majors or Drum Majorettes. Then, consult with your Band Teacher for instruction on how to conduct time patterns. This is crucial to being an effective Drum Major! You are the "metronome" for the band as they march. The drum line cannot hear what the wind section is doing and the low brass cannot hear what the high brass is doing. The Drum Major is the one that keeps time for everyone and each should follow your lead.
As far as competition, you are sure to achieve a high score with crisp, sharp movements; keeping your hands straight and elbows bent or locked when necessary; following precise cueing techniques of formal conducting; and, as stated before, keeping accurate time. Achieving all of this will take training and talent, which I am sure you can achieve and obtain! Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Keep your fingers close together. Make sure your patterns are large and out away from your body (your arm should be about level with your chest your elbow right at the front of it).

Practice infront of a mirror with a metronome. If you are having problems reading your pattern, the everyone else will too.

Remember also, that most schools send their new drum majors to camp.

Answer 4

Have a strong right arm. There is often a baton or something of the sort that you must carry and hold up and down. Have a loud, clear voice. You must be able to conduct.