McDade Marching Band Leadership

Every year the Bulldog Band will conduct auditions for qualified students to hold positions of responsibility and leadership within the band. Being a small organization it is important that these responsibilities be taken seriously and are carried out without the need for much oversight. 

A lot is expected of the leadership for the McDade Bulldog Band. Leaders are expected to lead by word and example. Special consideration will always be given to those who have demonstrated the ability to do the “little” jobs as well. Picking up trash, straightening the band hall, helping carry things to the field, not talking during rehearsal: these are examples of the little things that should be done without being asked.

Please remember that as a leader you will be expected to be at ALL rehearsals and performances. Excuses like work, college visitations, outside clubs, family events and tutoring are not acceptable among our leaders; you are expected to make sacrifices. if you do not understand the necessity for this, or think this is an unfair policy, you are not ready to be in leadership, please do not apply. If you understand the above and are willing to abide, we welcome and invite your application.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements for Band Leadership

• Consistently passing ALL classes

• Consistently on-time for class and extracurricular activities

• Does not miss practice

• Has proven to have good communication skills

• Has upheld the highest possible standards for the band

• Uniform Manager/Loading Crew Captain: Participation in the Bulldog Marching Band for at least 1 year

• Color Guard Captain: Participation as a performing Color Guard Member for a minimum of 2 years

• Color Guard Co/Captain: Participation as a performing Color Guard Member for a minimum of 1 year.

• Section Leader: Participation in the Bulldog Marching Band for at least 1 year

• Drum Major: Participation in Bulldog Marching Band for at least 2 years.
  
  

Roles and Responsibilities of: 

Uniform Manager

• All students have their uniform hanging in good condition on the racks

• Before a performance the uniforms are set out and available for students 

• After a performance ALL of the uniforms are hung correctly, hats stored safely and all shoes are off the floor (in a cubby or at home)

• All students are wearing their uniform correctly before a performance

• During travel, uniforms are not on the ground or being mis-handled

• If the uniforms are traveling in the trailer this person is responsible for getting the uniforms on and off the trailer.

Loading Crew Captain

• Ensuring that all instruments are on the trailer or bus, especially for students are are not present that day (ex Football player’s instruments, Volleyball players, all percussion equip, etc)

• Ensuring that all items on the trailer are secure and will not move during transit

• Loading and unloading the trailer quickly and safely

• Recruiting, organizing and motivating a loading crew of their choice

Color Guard Capatin and Co-Captain

• Communicate expectations, practice times, and show changes to the team and director as needed.

• Teach the team new routines or changes that they were not present for

• Leading warm-ups

• Ensure all equipment is ready for the Loading Crew Captain

• All aspects of the CG costume (including make up) are ready before a game

• Taking attendance at practices and games

Section Leader

• Be able to play your music and march your spot for the show

• Demonstrate exemplary behavior both on and off-campus

• Instruct (teach) their section how to prepare for performances: music or marching

• Ensure that section members comply with all field and performance instructions

• Temporarily take on some Drum Major responsibilities if one is unavailable

• Music copying/distribution to band and/or section

• Assist with instrument or uniform check-out and return

• Assist in coordinating football, competition and other off-campus activities
  
  

Drum Major

• All roles and responsibilities of a Section Leader apply

• Moving the band on and off the field for performances

• Conducting the band in the stands, pep rallies, parades, and on-field performances

• Communicate and coordinate with Section Leaders and student musicians the expectations, instructions, etc, both on and off the field 

• The Drum Majors will take responsibility for any and all events that occur once the band has been placed under their control. The majority of this will occur during half times, marching parades, and pep rally performances

• The Drum Major is basically an Assistant Band Director. There is a lot of responsibility that this position will carry and should not be taken lightly

Application Process

All students interested in a leadership position will need to complete the google form sent to all music students in late March or Early April.  All applications need to have completed all the essay questions and have it turned in on-time in order to be considered for the position. Students will also need to sign and turn in the Leadership Statement of Expectations (Below)

Section Leader, Color Guard Captain, Color Guard Co-Captain and Drum Major candidates need to complete 3 teacher recommendation forms and have them turned in on-time before the audition. 

Drum Major Candidates will also need two letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, etc.They cannot be written by the music director or an immediate family member. Letters must state some qualities that these individuals see in the candidate that 

All materials need to be submitted by the due date given that year. Any materials turned in late will not be taken into consideration. 

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Application Checklist:

All Positions Google Form/Essay answers + Statement of Expectations

Student Leaders 3 Teacher Recommendation Forms + Google Form + SoE

Drum Majors 2 Letters of Recommendation + Google Form + Teacher Recommendation +SoE

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Uniform Manager/Loading Crew Captain Interview

Interviews will be given for these positions. The candidate must show a pattern of responsibility and follow-though. They must be trustworthy, able to work with others and learn how to motivate others until the job is done.

Color Guard Captain/Co-Captain Audition

• Auditions will encompass performing basic flag skills, choreography, and teaching flag technique. 

• Specifics of the audition will be left to the discretion of the Color Guard Sponsor/Instructor

Section Leader Audition 

• Vocal Commands - Band Ten-Hut; Forward March; Reverse March; Band Halt; Slide Left; Slide Right; Mark Time; Horns Up; Horns Down

• Marching Fundamentals - Perform marching fundamentals 

• Teach basic marching fundamentals to a new marcher

• Basic Conducting - A Stands Tune, Star Spangled Banner, and an excerpt from the Marching Show to a small group of students

Drum Major Audition

• Section Leader Audition - Plus:

• Teach marching fundamentals to 3 new marchers at the same time

• Conduct the High School Band through a Stands Tune, Star Spangled Banner and an entire Movement of the Marching Show
  
  

Leadership Workshops for Auditions

All Section Leader and Drum Major candidates will need to attend the leadership workshops before taking the auditions. In the workshops we will cover:

• Basic conducting

• Teaching techniques for music and marching

• Communication techniques for leadership roles

It will be the candidates responsibility to organize any outside practice with other students. The band hall will be made available as much as possible for these practices as long as they do not interrupt the normal class schedule. 

Selected individuals will be required to attend Leadership camps that are provided by the program.