Section Leader Audition Packet

Sarah Oesterling

Drumline: Battery Snare Line

Written Interview:
1. The role of a section leader is to provide student leadership for others to
follow and connect with on a deeper level than of adult instructors. A
section leader should be committed to the band, placing not only his/her
music and drill as a priority, but also acknowledging the primacy of being
a leader towards all other individuals within the section. A section leader
takes initiative and puts in extra hours to help those who are struggling,
weather if it is mentally (ex. a student who does not understand a
rhythm), physically (ex. a student having trouble with marching), or
emotionally (ex. a student who needs support and encouragement). The
section leader is a role-model and should strive for excellence, but should
also recognize his/her mistakes and learn from them. Friendly and easilyapproachable, section leaders are also a friend to every person both
within and outside of their sections, and should be interested and mindful
of what each individual has to say.
2. I feel that I would make a good section leader for every reason stated in
#1. I am very active and involved with band; I practice at home, get to
practices early to help out, and give it my best in rehearsal. I understand
the responsibility of both the center snare and section leader, and that I
will always be committed to my team. I am willing to put as much time
into band as I need given for me or to help another member. I am ready
to perform any extra tasks the instructors need, such as set up the
metronome before practice starts. I am excited to hold sectionals and to
get the rookies hyped about marching band. One of my strengths is
enthusiasm, and I am very eager to create a bond with all students,
which the drumline has already started. By some close friends in
drumline, I have even been called Mom, as I care for everyones
wellbeing. Though I am not at all perfect, I will always put on my best
attitude, as I truly believe that positivity in the long-run is the answer to
success. It is in my belief that the rookies already feel welcome, and can
talk to me, along with Hannah Stangis, with whatever they need.
3. I earn respect by presenting myself in such a way where I constantly say
and do what I think is right. As a senior marcher, many people, especially
8th grade rookies, will look up to me and see me as an example weather
it is a good one or bad one. By one of my own role models, I have been

4.

5.

6.

7.

told that the moment I walk into the band room -before, during, and after
practice- I have a microphone to which everyone is listening in. With what
I say and how I act, I am creating an image of myself that other people
see and base their opinions off of. I consider myself caring and kind,
compassionate, and considerate, for I truly value every opinion within the
section, and I do try to make it known that everyones feelings and ideas
are important. I will and already have started to gain respect from all
others, just as I give my own full respect.
I dont have any specific, new ideas as a section leader, however I do
plan to hold extra sectionals when needed to help strengthen our musical
and marching skills (mine included), host a drumline party to have
everyone both pit and battery- bond further together, and ensure that
everyone in the drumline feels that they are a part of this family. I hope
that through this position, I am encouraging, motivating, and inspiring
others to work hard and try their best at everything they do.
As mentioned in #3, a section leader should always maintain a respectful
behavior. It is important that they are professional and serious about
band, but also expressive and fun when the time calls for it. Section
leaders should only display appropriate behavior, and encourage others
to follow their lead.
The qualities of a section-leader should not change weather or not the
student is at band or someplace else. The title of Section Leader should
not define how the individual acts; rather, how an individual acts should
define weather or not they are of the title, Section Leader. The
behavior should match that mentioned in #3 and #5.
I believe the marching band program is already very strong, as, in my
opinion, there is little left to improve upon. The show reveal is wellorganized, the rookies are well-informed to when the practices start,
most rehearsals run smoothly, both marching and music assets
throughout the year are well focused on, band camp is incredibly
productive, and all competitions are taken seriously, yet instilled with a
friendly atmosphere.
i. If anything though, one major issue the drumline has always
experienced is lack of students interested. My freshman year
we only marched three bass; sophomore year, no quads;
junior year, only two snares; and now this year, a very small
pit. We could try to gain more members by advertising more,
such as by actually visiting the middle school band classes
one day to inform everyone about Boards and get them
excited for marching band.
ii. Sometimes, rookies miss band because they have too much
homework. Whereas marching band as a whole recognizes
the importance of academics, it is not okay to simply miss

rehearsal with this reason. I believe we could limit this by

outright stating that band is a commitment, and everyone
must commit (it is a team activity after all).
iii. Generally, AHSMB finishes State Finals often in the middle of
our class every year. If all members were committed and
interested in improve our scores, I believe more practice
would really beneficiate us. Adding another practice day,
such as on Friday and/or Saturday, would produce great
results; practice makes perfect.

Past Experience:
Band-Related Activities

Weekly Piano Lessons from a young age to 4th grade

Percussionist in Band Class 5th Grade to 8th Grade
Percussion Ensemble(under the direction of Mr. Xydas) - 7th and 8th grade
Jazz Band Drum set Player (under the direction of Mr. Xydas) 8th grade
Private Drum Lessons 4th grade to 9th grade
Percussionist in Concert Band Class (9th grade) and Symphonic
Band Class (10th grade)
Took apart of Symphonic Orchestra 10th grade
Weekly Private Snare lessons (with Greg Cole, the previous
AHSMB percussion caption head) 10th grade to current
Spirit/Pep-Band Snare 11th grade
Marched Bass Drum (9th) and Snare Drum (10th, 11th , and now
12th grade)
Attend the weekly Athens Boards Program all 4 years (which
are the drumline classes before marching band officially starts
up)
Announced as the Center Snare and Section Leader of Battery for
AHSMBs upcoming 2016-17 year (in March at Boards by Joe
Kuerzi, the current drumline caption head)
4 Consecutive years of Winterguard (AKA in 8th grade, AA (JV) in 9th,
and SA (Varsity) in 10th and 11th, expecting to continue with my 5th
year into 12th grade)
Private Contemporary/Modern Dance Lessons (with Sara Curran, one of
the Winterguard instructors)

Athens Activities and Academics Outside of Band

Athens JV Tennis Team Player

National Honors Society Member

Athens Diversity Club Treasurer
Athens Literary Magazine Club Editor
Taken part in 5 AP classes and 6 AP Tests
Weighted GPA currently 4.0

Other Opportunities

First Dan Blackbelt (after 7 years of Tang Soo Do Training)

Have hosted two different High school Japanese Exchange Students for a
full school year
Traveled to and experienced the culture of Japan (through the Athens
Japanese Class), Europe, North Africa, and Central America
Multiple volunteer experiences through Faith Lutheran Church
Baby-sitting experience

I will attend all of Band Camp, including Mini-Camp and the DCI show inbetween. As of now, I also have no schedule conflicts for any future rehearsals,
football games, or competitions. Though I am taking Summer School, it will not
conflict with band, as I am planning on taking only session 1 online.
If I need to set up an appointment for the Marching and Playing Test,
please email me at sarah.oesterling@gmail.com. If needed for future reference,
my cell-phone number is 248-808-4755.
Thank you.