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Leadership in the band program is a challenging opportunity for students interested in giving back to the organization while gaining worthwhile, practical experience in leadership. Leadership in our organization equals service; students in leadership roles are entrusted with a tremendous amount of responsibility and are required to be very dedicated in their service. The success of the UDAMB truly lies in the hands of its leaders. They should set the standard for the rest of the band members. Being a leader is a privilege, and it is achieved only by reaching high standards.
All leadership positions in the organization are open to high school members with at least one year of participation in the group, with the understanding that seniority is not necessarily the best measure of proficiency and maturity. Each year leadership selections are made in an effort to provide the best possible experience for the total group! An outstanding academic and disciplinary record and recommendations from your current and former teachers will be weighed heavily with demonstrated musical ability during the student's entire time in the band program.
Do These Statements Describe You?
I am a respected member and potential leader of the UDAMB.
I am a competent and respected performer on my instrument / in the guard.
I am a positive, active, and dedicated member of the UDAMB.
My actions, both in marching band and in my "normal life," are exemplary.
I am committed to performing at a high level, so I am able to assist others in doing the same.
If the Answer is Yes...
A variety of leadership roles are available. Job descriptions are posted below.
Note that individual section membership and leadership needs vary from year to year; the total number of drum majors, captains, section leaders, etc., will vary based on the needs of the band as a whole and the number of qualified candidates seeking leadership positions.
Program Requirements / Attendance Policy
Because of the nature of a leadership position within the organization, student leaders must conduct themselves with maturity and professionalism at all times, in accordance with the UDAMB Handbook (available on the UDAMB homepage). This is important to both the development of the full group and the individual leader.
Be it understood, student leaders will be dealt with if the rules of the organization are broken, ignored, or receive "personal" interpretations. The band staff reserves the right to dismiss anyone from the student leadership team at any time who does not fulfill the requirements for attendance or behavior through the established policies and procedures in the Handbook.
Selection Process
The band staff will identify qualified candidates using both information contained in the application and gathered during the audition/interview process. Past history as a follower within the band, previously demonstrated or potential leadership success (both within the UDAMB and in other organizations) and personal proficiency in the area for which said person has applied are strongly considered when making leadership selections.
Application
Personal essays, typed.
Two recommendations from adults that are able to comment on your leadership skills.
Interview with the Band Staff
President, Vice President, Drum Major, Guard Captain, Section Leader only
Drum Major only
General Student Staff Responsibilities
Timeliness and Commitment:
Absences, late arrivals, and/or early departures are frowned upon. Arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time and stay until you are sure your duties have been fulfilled. Be sure to make all necessary arrangements ahead of time so that you are always able to fulfill the duties of your position.
Guide and hasten the members as necessary so things happen on time.
Rehearsals:
Help rehearsals run smoothly and productively, positively motivating members to stay on task.
Ensure that members are aware of the report times and places when assembling after break, etc.
Performances:
Be the first ready in uniform and in position.
Be excited! Pump up the band and encourage excellence.
Other Expectations & Helpful Tips:
Be a part of your group as much as possible.
Be careful not to be bossy. Don't carry on as though you are above them or apart from them.
Remember: A good leader is selfless. Take the blame; give the credit away.
It is not necessary to be "best friends" with everyone in the band; however, you must be able to maintain a respectful working relationship. Leave your personal feelings outside of band practices and performances.
If you do not agree with the adult staff on any particular matter, bring concerns directly to us. Do not spread your view to the rest of the group. Remember, your job is to help promote unity.
Drum Major
Show Music and Drill:
Have I memorized all of the time signatures?
Do I know every tempo memorized and can I recall that tempo at any time?
Do I know who is playing every phrase in the show? Can I sing everyone's parts?
Where is the pulse coming from on the field?
What are the drums playing? Do I understand their rhythmic responsibilities?
What are the challenging sections in the show from an ensemble standpoint?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the band?
Am I clearly and confidently showing entrances?
Am I breathing with the sections?
Am I clearly and confidently showing releases?
Do I know when all of the horn moves are?
Do I have all of the drill moves/phrases memorized (counts)?
Where does the drill line up with the rehearsal marks?
What is the drill doing?
How am I showing the musicality through my conducting?
Rehearsals:
Convey all of the above things through your leadership on the podium.
Work with the adult staff to identify and fix any problems that arise in the drill/music.
Assist in teaching marching technique to other members of the band.
Outside of Rehearsals:
Listen to all the judges' tapes following competitions.
Consult with the adult staff so you can help set goals for rehearsals.
Guard Captain
General Responsibilities:
See that all guard equipment is put in its proper place after each rehearsal and kept in an orderly manner.
See that the makeup counter is kept clean and tidy.
Show Routine and Drill:
What are the challenging sections in the show from an ensemble standpoint?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the band?
Do I have all of the drill moves/phrases memorized (counts)?
What is the drill doing?
How does the guard work relate to the music?
What work/equipment goes with each drill move?
Is everyone in the section handling the equipment the same way?
What is the expression on our faces for each section of the music?
Outside of Rehearsals:
Listen to all the judges' tapes following competitions.
Consult with the adult staff so you can help set goals for rehearsals.
Section Leader
General Responsibilities:
Help the director and drum majors to maintain proper rehearsal discipline.
Coordinate all sectional rehearsals.
Train the section in the content and execution of the marching fundamentals.
Train the section in the content and execution of overall musicianship.
Accuracy of rhythm.
Accuracy of pitches.
A section sound with a matched tone and pitch.
Proper interpretation and style of all music.
Consistency and uniformity of playing style.
Ensure each member is following a regular routine of practice that will lead to improving performance throughout the season.
Positively encourage each member of their section to work to their highest level of achievement.
Listen to all the judges' tapes following competitions.
Consult with the adult staff so you can help set goals for rehearsals.
Maintain "esprit de corps" in the section.
Serve as spokesperson for the entire section.
President
General Responsibilities:
Act as liaison between the students and the directors.
Work to problem solve to ensure a good direction of the program.
Preside over all meetings of the Officer's Council, keep the meetings on track, and bring up topics of discussion.
Ensure that all council members are performing their assigned duties to a satisfactory level by assisting them in the performance of their duties as needed.
At Rehearsals:
Assist and delegate field set up. Make sure the podium(s), yard markers, and loudspeaker are out on the field, ready to go.
Assist and delegate field clean up.
Performances:
Assist with the general inspection of uniforms - snaps, hooks, are hats straight?
Vice President
Travelling:
Work with the loading crew to ensure effective loading and movement of band equipment for travel.
Make sure all members load an instrument and all pieces of their uniform (check for black socks!).
Double check the uniform and storage rooms before departure.
Make sure the first aid kit and (for games) stand tune binder have been loaded.
Football Games:
Serve as the "in the stands" coordinator.
Choose the stand tunes.
Watch the game and tell the drum major when to play.
(In other words, you MUST understand football.)
Secretary
General Responsibilities:
Take minutes during all band council meetings and post minutes after each meeting.
Manage and take daily attendance during rehearsals, on the bus, and at all performances.
Treasurer
General Responsibilities:
Student signature on any band activity account withdrawl slips.
Sell reeds/valve oil and keep track of the money for these items.
Help the directors sell competition tickets.
Help distribute fundraising information.
Coordinate/encourage student participation in band fundraisers.
Historian
General Responsibilities:
Official student photographer and collector of UDAMB photos and videos.
Responsible for taking photos of the entire band, not just friends or fellow section members.
Plan and assist with the slideshow for the banquet.
Librarian
General Responsibilities:
Oversee the distribution of music to all band members.
Pull and make copies of all music to be distributed to students, including new member stand tune packets and any replacement parts.
Prepare music packets for Alumni Night festivities.
Keep the music library organized by returning all music to original score order and properly filing on the shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why have we made these changes to the process?
A: A wider leadership base makes for a stronger foundation for the whole group. Plus, it shows us who is going to be invested in being a leader - someone who wants this just for name only probably isn't going to want to take the time to write essays.
Q: Can I hold more than one position at a time?
A: Ideally, no. We will probably consider doubling section leader with one other position, but will definitely not combine, for example, both president and drum major.
Q: Can I apply for more than one job?
A: Yes. On your application, please mark all jobs that interest you in order of preference. However, a person that knows their own strengths is something else we look for. Consider carefully the jobs you apply for, don't just write them all down.
Q: Why don't historian, librarian, secretary, and treasurer candidates need to interview?
A: Those jobs are less involved and don't really put you in a power position over your peers, so we feel we can go with our gut, because at this point (at least in terms of those job descriptions), we know you pretty well and have a good idea of your strengths.
Q: Is it going to be hard to hold the same leadership position for multiple years?
A: No, not really. This process just ensures that you continue to earn the privilege of leadership. If you're a good leader, you (most likely) have nothing to worry about.
Q: Will I be able to apply for a different job next year?
A: Of course! We don't plan on sticking you in a role and keeping you there until you graduate. We want to see you learn and grow and become more confident and competent in your leadership abilities.
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