Drum major or section leader?

Question

Ok, so I can't decide between drum major or section leader. Try outs are in May, but only 3 ppl signed up, and I'm the only rising senior, and i went to drum major camp last year, so I've got a really good shot. But I'm also 1st chair trumpet, and I would be brass section leader. I'm on the fence on whether or not I want to do it, and I was wondering if you guys could help me out.

We only have section leaders during fall semester, after then, whatever position you hold during the fall gone.

Answer 1

First of all you need to look at the needs of the band and whether you are a giver or a taker. Some students only see the glamour of the position when in fact the position of field commander has both added priviledge and added responsibility. You wont make a good drum major unless you can handle both of these well around your peers who will generally only see the perks you get.

The demands of the position depend on what type of program your school has. And your ability to lose the daily rehearsal playing will be significant if you arent self motivated to routinely keep working on technique and other skills on your own at home so that you are ready for concert season.

Both field commander/drum major and section leader (especially for the trumpet line) are very important to the band's success. Sometimes the section leader has more impact on the band's success than the person up front. Especially in the section which drives the melody on the field and usually has large numbers.

Are you willing to spend part of your summer getting ready helping the marching staff wherever and however you can?
Do you generally have the respect of the majority of band members?
Are you willing to be the first one at rehearsals and the last one to leave afterwards?
Can you keep comments to yourself that might undermine your staff and your fellow classmates (leadership is a delicate position of compromise and tact)? Remember when things get hard, you are the glue that holds the unit together.
Can you motivate people to be their best?
Do you have the time and understanding to be totally comitted to the music??
Do you have conflicts that would prohibit you from doing a complete job from the beginning of the season until the end?

These questions apply to BOTH positions !! You can be the band director's best asset or his biggest problem, but I think you will be great if your motivation is doing it "for the band."

I think the biggest difference is that when the band is performing and tempos err or the band begins to tear apart, do you have the poise to pull them back together 'on the fly'?? There are no time-outs during the band's show. The person up front sometimes gets the blame or credit - it goes with the job. Can you handle that?
Good luck and set your goals high !

Answer 2

If Drum Major is only during marching season (Fall) and you can still be the brass section leader during concert season (Spring), then try out for Drum Major. It will be really good leadership experience for you that can help you in the future when you go to college. It will also help you with whatever career path you choose, since there will always be the need for people who have a knack for dealing with a wide variety of personalities and getting them to work well together as a team.

Answer 3

I think you should try out for drum major. You can lead the trumpet section for the rest of the year when you have symphonic band. Plus, drum major looks like so much more fun. Do you have to twirl a baton? Definitely drum major. It seems like an opportunity that would come along less often than brass section leader.

Answer 4

The only thing I would throw in this discussion is that drum Majoring can SOMETIMES detract from your playing. It takes alot of time. Are you planning on state solo contest? Do you have time to prepare? Being section leader is all-year and gives one the chance to simply focus on playing. Also, having to sometimes teach playing technique really makes you a better player.

Answer 5

So this is for football season? I would so go for drum major. Most high schools do tryouts again for concert season and you should be able to keep your chair for concert. I say go for it. My best friend in high school was drum major our last two years and was first chair flute during concert. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Answer 6

Drum Major looks better on your resume!

And, at least in my high school, drum majors got lots of perks too!
good luck with whichever you decide!