2026-2027 Spaulding Music Student Leadership

DEFINITION OF LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Each leadership position comes with a slate of duties that must be fulfilled. The often-quoted line spoken by Uncle Ben to Peter Parker in Spiderman, "With Great power comes great responsibility" definitely rings true here. A fancy title does not make a great leader. It is what that person does while holding that title that really counts. Leaders are individuals who, through their actions, demonstrate appropriate behavior and rehearsal etiquette on a daily basis. In other words, they lead by example. Additionally they are individuals who take on additional work that is delegated to them in order to make sure things in the Department run smoothly. Leaders are chosen as a result of their maturity, work ethic, and moral compass as well as because of their musical aptitude. We encourage all leaders to embrace the ideals of servant leadership including: 

• Honor Others

• Inspire Vision

• Choose Ethics

• Empower Others

• Balance Focus With Flexibility

• Serve With Humility

positions

DRUM MAJOR

Drum Majors are instrumental to the success of the band and have many responsibilities including; conducting part of the show, leading warm ups and/or rehearsals when directors can not, conducting stand tunes, assisting in teaching visual and marching basics and also serve as a liaison between directors and students when learning drill. Drums Majors are also responsible for helping with set up for rehearsals and at band camp. Students in this position should ALWAYS lead by good example! 

DRUM MAJOR COORDINATOR

In addition to conducting, teaching marching basics, helping with sectionals and leading, this person facilitates and organizes the Drum Major expectations and affairs. They will keep all Drum Majors on track and in the loop about all band goings on. 

ASSOCIATE DRUM MAJOR 

Associate Drum Majors conduct the pre-game show (Final Countdown, The Star Spangled Banner, Victorious). They will also assist with teaching drill, marching basics and visuals when needed. 

CHOIRMASTER

Choirmasters will serve as a liaison between the director and the students. Choirmasters lead the Chorus by good example both during rehearsal and performance and will assist with running large group sectionals and full choral rehearsals as needed, especially if/when the Director is absent, unavailable, or otherwise occupied. Choirmasters will sing within their sections when not leading sectionals or rehearsals.

STUDENT ACCOMPANIST

Student Accompanists will help to demonstrate parts on piano and/or play along during sectional rehearsals. As such, these leaders must have keyboarding skills that they have acquired through piano class, lessons, etc. Though they need not necessarily be true "pianists" or "accompanists" in the typical sense (though that would certainly come in handy) they must be able to read and play sufficiently well as to be able to help and not hinder the rehearsal process.

SECTION LEADER / CAPTAIN

FOR BAND

Percussion Captain 

The Percussion Captains are responsible for keeping the entirety of percussion organized and successful. The percussion Captain may assist in rehearsing sectionals, teaching basics, visuals and drill. They will also provide audible cues for many of the whole band commands. 

Percussion Equipment Manager

CG Captain 

The CG Captain has many responsibilities and is heavily relied upon to assist in teaching flag and rifle choreography, spinning basics, marching basics and any visuals, including dance. The CG captain will do most of the teaching and helping when the CG instructors are not available. 

CG Assistant Captain

The CG Assistant Captain is responsible for maintaining knowledge of all flag and rifle choreography so that they may be of assistance to anyone who might need help. In this role, the Assistant Captain will work closely with small segments and will do pull-out group work as needed. The Assistant Captain should also be prepared to take the place of the Captain should they be absent or unavailable at any time. 

CG Equipment Manager 

The CG Equipment Manager is responsible for all things equipment. Their work includes;  preparing show silks, taping flags, taping rifles, accounting for all equipment for band shows, parades etc. and ensuring that all items needed are packed and accessible for guard members on trips. They will need to have an accurate count of all active equipment (number of silks, regular poles, cody poles) and will need to organize/facilitate the usage of practice flags. This person will also need to communicate with directors about when more tape, stoppers (dubbas), weights and silks are needed or if repairs/maintenance is required. 

High Winds Facilitator - As Needed

The High Winds Facilitator will be called upon to assist in rehearsing all Clarinets, Flutes, Oboes, Alto Saxophones, and trumpets at the same time when a large group rehearsal is needed. When the high wind instruments are rehearsing in their separate sections, the High Winds Facilitator should rehearse with their like section and allow the section leader to lead. If a section leader has a question or needs help/clarification in an area, they may consult a High Winds Facilitator. 

Low Winds Facilitator - As Needed

The Low Winds Facilitator will be called upon to assist in rehearsing all Tubas, Euphoniums, Trombones, Mellophones, Bari Saxophones, Tenor Saxophones, and Bass Clarinets at the same time when a large group rehearsal is needed. When the low wind instruments are rehearsing in their separate sections, the Low Winds Facilitator should rehearse with their like section and allow the section leader to lead. If a section leader has a question or needs help/clarification in an area, they may consult a Low Winds Facilitator. 

Section Leader - Band

The Section Leaders are responsible for many things including: bringing the section together as a whole to bond, rehearsing as a small group, and setting a positive tone for rehearsals and band camp! They are the go to guide for all section mates and should be the first stop for anyone who may have a question. The Section Leaders will also assist in teaching marching basics, visual and drill. They should have a comprehensive understanding of all music, and marching techniques. Section Leaders will need to have good communication skills and ensure that all section mates have their music, dots, drill/coordinate sheets, reeds, valve oil, proper shoes etc. and help to find such things if necessary. If a Section Leader has a question or needs help/clarification in an area, they may consult their High or Low Winds Facilitator or a Drum Major. 

Section Leader - Chorus

Lead the section to which they belong. Section leaders will help to teach vocal techniques and parts, run small group sectionals, and are responsible for the proper functioning of their sections (including, but not limited to upkeep of morale and making sure their members know where they need to be/have what they need in order for every rehearsal and performance to be successful). 

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE

These select positions are reserved for students who are not section leaders or captains that are seeking to serve the department and can offer a lot by way of leadership. EVERYONE is highly encouraged to apply for Member-at-Large, even if also applying for another position!

COMBINED council committees

MEDIA / SOCIAL MEDIA

Members of the Media Committee will be entrusted to take pictures at Department events and post them on various social media apps and outlets. It will be important to get pictures of all aspects of the ensembles, and from all events throughout the year, as this will document our activity and serve as a major means of publicity. At the dirsctors' discretion, members may be asked to curate and organize photos already on social media for public consumption. Members may coordinate with their counterparts in Chorus to do the same for department-wide events.

BAND council committees

SOCIAL

Members of the Social Committee will brainstorm ideas for, and help to plan/execute, social events for band members during band camp (for example they will help drum majors and directors with Band Olympics), but also at other times of the year as well. This will include setup and strike responsibilities as well and coordination with members of the Facilities & Equipment committee will be needed for this aspect. Members will also coordinate with their counterparts in Chorus to do the same for department-wide social events.

FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT

Members of the Facilities & Equipment Committee will have responsibilities coordinating setup and breakdown of rehearsals and events throughout the year. Their job during band camp and marching band season will be particularly important and they will work with the drum majors to set up for each rehearsal and event. Members will be helping with tents, pop ups, podium, yard markers, water jugs, props, tech set up, and coordinating with parents on trailer loading. Members will ensure the facility is cleared at the end of each rehearsal and event and that equipment is stored properly. Members will also be in charge of getting chairs and stands out and put away for any indoor rehearsals and during concert season. Members may coordinate with their counterparts in Chorus to do the same for department-wide events.

chorus council committees

ATTENDANCE

FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT

GREETER

LIBRARY