Leadership

The Band Leadership Team (BLT) is governed by both elected and appointed band members.  This group consists of the President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, Field Commanders, Auxiliary Captain, Section Leaders, Squad Leaders, Sophomore Representatives, and Freshmen Representatives. The Director serves as advisor to the Band Leadership Team.

BLT serves as a unified front to serve the Band with proper leadership and expectations.  They are challenged with arranging all Band social functions, the Band Banquet slide show, organizing the Band Dance, keeping attendance records, supporting the other officers, being the first to memorize their music and the first to volunteer.  They are to be the example of what it takes to make this group successful.

President - This student is a senior who is elected by their peers. They are responsible for making agendas and running all BLT meetings. Should a student representative be needed from the band, they will be the director's first call.

Secretary - This student is a junior or senior who is elected by their peers. They are responsible for all correspondence out of the band program as well as keeping accurate, detailed minutes at BLT meetings.

Treasurer - This student is a junior or senior who is elected by their peers. They are responsible for the collection and accounting for of any money to be handed in when the booster treasurer is unavailable. They may also be called to assist the booster treasurer with various tasks. All money handled by the student will be checked by the director and the booster treasurer.

Historian(s) - This student(s) is a sophomore, junior, or senior who is elected by their peers. They are responsible for collection and display of memories each year as well as any room decorating that takes place.

Field Commanders - These should be juniors or seniors and are selected though an audition.  Field Commanders must display strong leadership and motivational qualities and have knowledge of conducting music and teaching drill or marching fundamentals.  They are in charge of the band at all marching functions and are responsible only to the directors.  Appearance and confidence are important.  These positions must have students who are the top students in both musicianship and discipline.

Section Leaders - These students assist in teaching and rehearsing music for all marching band shows.  They must have a thorough knowledge of rehearsal methods.  Section leaders must display a high level of musicianship and have the ability to lead their section while maintaining a positive rapport.  They work under the supervision of the director and should check daily to see that they are prepared for each rehearsal.  In addition, they are responsible for running music section rehearsals when needed, checking off music and inspecting uniforms before performance.

Squad Leaders- Primarily used in the battery to provide concentrated leadership for each sub-section of instruments. Appointed in other sections to help set drill on the field.

Class Representatives - These students are elected by band members from a particular grade level to serve as spokespersons for their class. They present problems and suggestions to the Band Leadership Team. 

Head Majorette -  The Head Majorette is selected by the director and auxiliary advisor after the annual try-outs in the spring. They assume the responsibility of training the majorettes and must be capable of preparing and teaching routines. They must be an excellent leader and an outstanding twirler who can maintain a positive rapport with the majorettes. They are responsible for supervising extra rehearsals and should be a junior or senior.

Color Guard Captain - This individual is selected by the director and auxiliary advisor after the annual try-out in the spring and assumes the responsibility of planning and teaching routines.  The Captain must exhibit strong leadership qualities and demonstrate extensive knowledge of marching fundamentals and equipment handling techniques on flag.  

The Head Majorette and Color Guard Captain are responsible for assisting in designing routines from recordings made by the band.  They are responsible for storage, transportation and maintenance of all equipment and props used by their unit.  In addition, they are directly responsible for the appearance and attitude of their group.

Truckie Coordinators - Two upperclassmen are appointed by the director to assemble and organize the Truckies who are in charge of loading and unloading the equipment vehicle(s).  They are responsible students who can lead by example and positive motivation.

The Best Ways to Lead

• Be an excellent example

• Be the most prepared

• Be positive

• Be active 

• Be friendly

• Turn everything in ON TIME

• Support everyone in this program

*Students who do not live up to the proper leadership standards can be removed from their position.

Chain of Command

Many issues can be resolved very quickly if the Chain of Command is used properly.  If a problem arises, go to the appropriate person FIRST. 

Chain of Command

Band Director

Assistant Band Director

Staff

Field Commanders

Section Leaders

Squad Leaders

Members

Respect must be shown for everyone in the Chain of Command.  Without this respect, we cannot succeed.

Musician Achievement Awards

John Philip Sousa - This award is presented each year to the outstanding senior band member who displays superior musicianship, merit, leadership, dependability, loyalty, cooperation, and other positive qualities of conduct.  This member receives a lapel pin, certificate, and a marble desk piece with medallion.  The student’s name is placed on a plaque permanently displayed in the band room.  The recipient is selected by a vote of the band membership and band leadership team.  If there is a tie, the  final decision rests with the directors.

Distinguished Service Award - This award plaque is given to any band member who has made the unending dedication and service to the band.  This individual is the person who gives extra and expects nothing in return.  The directors are responsible for selecting the best person(s) to receive this award.

Louis Armstrong Award -  This award is presented to the outstanding senior jazz musician who has contributed the most to the program.  The recipient receives a marble desk piece with medallion, a lapel pin, and a certificate.  The student’s name will also be placed on a wall plaque which is permanently displayed in the band room.  Selections are made by jazz band members.

First Year Award

• Chenille Graduation Numbers are given to the student who has completed one year of Marching Band.

Second Year Award

• Chenille Varsity Letter given to students who have completed two years of Marching Band

Third Year Award

• Chenille Instrument given to students who have completed three years of Marching Band

Fourth Year Award

• Chenille Blue Logo given to students who have completed four years of Marching Band