EL RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL

MARCHING DONS


















DRUMMAJORBIBLE






Instrumental Music Director
Reginald H. Cordero II

INTRODUCTION

The honored position of Drum Major, which has been in existence for centuries, has a history that is
closely linked to the military band movement. The modern drum major must strive to develop four
essential elements: Conducting and Musicianship, Command and Leadership Ability, Individual
Marching Style, and Showmanship. In addition (unlike the average band member whose sole
responsibility is to learn how to perform his/her show), the drum major has a dual responsibility; he or
she must not only become the most polished performer in the band but also function as a competent and
patient teacher who can effectively help the band members learn and prepare for performances. The
position of drum major is a position that has a great heritage. Every student who receives the opportunity
to be drum major must accept the challenge with a dedication to maintain its authority and prestige.

As drum major, you will need to be able to work with the band director on a personal level to discuss
and plan the different traditions and styles that must be established. The head drum major, if one,
should show strengths in musical ability, leadership, teaching, marching, showmanship, the ability to
work with peers and adults alike, but the most important areas for this position are service, dependability
and leadership.

As drum major, never forget, you are a servant leader and servant leadership starts by showing that you
have a desire to lead by being of service to your band and setting the example. Servant leaders must
focus on the wellbeing and individual growth of their fellow band members first, not themselves.
People will not follow a leader until he/she shows genuine interest in them and shows that they want to
lead for the right reasons.



"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become
more, you are a leader."

-- John Quincy Adams

RESPONSABILITIES OF THE DRUM MAJOR

THE MUSIC REHEARSAL
A. Consult with the director prior to each rehearsal and determine which music will be rehearsed. Be prepared to
conduct the music if requested by the director.
B. Lead the band through their preliminary warm-up routine.
C. Tune the band when necessary.
D. Be prepared to take charge of specific groups during sectional rehearsals.
E. Sit in and play the music if there are no other responsibilities. This will help in learning the music faster
and more thoroughly.
F. At the end of each rehearsal, ensure that all instruments and equipments is accounted for and that all rehearsal
areas are cleaner than when we arrived.
G. Keep an eye open for the safety of your entire band & guard members.
H. Communicate all rehearsal goals and directions with Color Guard and Drum Line leaders.

MUSIC AND DRILL REHEARSAL
A. Consult with the director prior to each rehearsal for instructions concerning the day's rehearsal plan.
B. Organize regular meetings with the other student leaders to ensure that they are kept informed.
C. If any sections are holding separate rehearsal, when important announcements are given to the band, see that
they receive those announcements.
D. Make sure that each rehearsal starts on time, even if the director is detained.
E. Lead the band through a pre-planned warm-up routine.
F. Assist the director in the teaching of the drill.
G. Always have a whistle handy. Keep an eye on the director and stop the band quickly if he requests it.
H. Constantly watch for members having difficulty with the performance routine. Provide on-the-spot help
whenever possible and make arrangements to help students outside of scheduled rehearsals if it becomes
necessary.
I. When setting up a drill formation, don't let the band waste time. Inspire them with enthusiasm to move
quickly so the rehearsal can continue.
J . Act as a drill demonstrator for difficult marching maneuvers.
K. Be sure that necessary teaching equipment is transported to and from the rehearsal site. If possible, assign
someone to handle this job, but make certain that they perform these tasks without fail every time.
L. Never spend the band's rehearsal time practicing your own routines, unless instructed to do so by the band
director. Always keep busy helping the band members improve their performance.
M. If the director or other senior instructors begin to speak to the group, make sure that all attention is directed
toward that instructor. Any directions being given by the drum majors or other student leaders should be
stopped and wait until the instructor is finished
N. While the director or other instructors are working with the group, (whether on music or drill rehearsal), walk
around and quietly correct individual band members on posture, instrument carriage, marching style, spacing
and interval.
O. Be attentive during announcements, even if the information doesn't pertain to you. Band members may ask
you to repeat the information for them. They also can be easily distracted if the drum major is talking or
practicing individual routines while the director is talking.
P. Always be prepared to rehearse during uncomfortable weather conditions. The drum major cannot project
discomfort and consequently, must be dressed appropriately if he or she is to function effectively. Keep in
mind that, whenever the band members are likely to be uncomfortable, the drum major must work even harder
to lead by example with enthusiasm and dedication.
Q. Maintain discipline within the unit at all times.


PERFORMANCE: (MISCELLANEOUS)
A. Take responsibility for making sure that the band is assembled in the proper formation at the pre-determined
time and place.
B. Supervise and visually inspect the band members.
C. Take responsibility for moving the band from one place to another in an orderly fashion.
D. Prior to a parade, (IF POSSIBLE) become familiar with the parade route along with the location of the
competition area, the reviewing stands and television cameras.
E. Understand the fundamentals of military etiquette and be prepared to render a salute when necessary. Also,
know when to bring the band and auxiliary units to attention and present arms.
F. Always give commands while you are at attention.
G. Conduct all or part of the musical portion of the field show (at the discretion of the director).
H. Set the perfect example at all times in dress, leadership, punctuality, alertness, precision marching and esprit
de corps.

PERFORMANCE: (FOOTBALL GAMES)
A. In the stands, make sure the band members are seated in the proper formation, and that order and discipline
are maintained.
B. Become familiar with the game of football and watch the game carefully. Be prepared to play a song
whenever it becomes appropriate. For example, the school song should start at the moment the team scores. In
short, the drum major should pay close attention to the game and ensure that the band enthusiastically
supports the team at all times.
C. Start the halftime show as quickly as possible before the audience makes their migration to the snack stands.
D. Ensure that band members are courteous to other bands, particularly during their field show performance.
E. Show respect and class by not playing over or while the other band is playing.
F. Do not play while the opposing team has the ball or you may cause our team a penalty.
G. Call your tunes ahead of time so the band knows what to play next.
H. At the quarters, start counting off the tune as the clock runs down to 0 seconds.

PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST
Before entering a field competition or parade, the drum major should consider many questions in order to
effectively command the unit. A "performance checklist" is provided which outlines many areas that should be
investigated. The answers can usually be obtained form the band director, the festival officials, or the rules and
regulations for the event.

To ensure that the drum major is fully prepared for a particular festival, he should personally read the rules and
regulations and note any areas that apply directly or indirectly to his responsibilities. All too often, bands are
penalized simply because the rules were not read carefully. The drum major owes it to the band members to make
certain that he thoroughly understands what is expected

The new drum major may wish to refer to this list prior to every performance to ensure that nothing has been
overlooked

FIELD SHOW CHECKLIST
1. Find out the layout of the performance site. Can the band warm up before entering the stadium? Where?
Where will the buses park?
2. What time must the band report to the stadium gate in order to enter the performance field? Determine how
long it takes to get from the buses and/or warm-up site to the stadium gate, and make sure the band leaves on
time.
3. Become familiar with the route from the warm-up area to the stadium gate. What kind of formation should be
used? Block band? Pairs? Single File? Are there any obstacles along the way that would necessitate a
formation change? Is the band prepared to make that change in formation while marching in an orderly
fashion?
4. What size gate must the band pass through to get on the field? Can the band's formation accommodate the
size of the gate?
5. According to the rules, how long does the unit have to enter the field? Has the entrance procedure been
rehearsed to ensure that it meets the time requirements?
6. Should the band enter the field using a percussion cadence, or a single snare or bass drum tap? Perhaps they
must enter silently as the preceding unit exits while performing their own full cadence.
7. Will the band warm up on the field before the beginning of the show? Does the planned warm up conflict
with any timing regulations?
8. Are there any salutes?
9. What is the minimum and maximum time limit for the entire field show production? Does the band's show
meet these requirements? Should the drum major attempt to keep the show moving at a fast pace or "stretch it
out" in order to avoid any timing penalties?
10. After the performance is completed, how much time do the rules allow for the band's exit from the field?
Does the band's standard exit procedure meet the timing requirements?
11. What kind of percussion cadence, if any, is allowed when exiting the field?
12. After the exit from the field, should the band "pass in review" in front of the grandstands for one final
ovation, or is this prohibited?
13. Exactly where should the band be taken immediately following the performance? To the buses? Into the
stands to sit as a unit and watch the remainder of the program? Will they be dismissed outside the gate and be
allowed to reenter on their own to watch the remainder of the show?
14. If the band members are dismissed, do they know when and where they must reassemble?
15. Following the competition, does the band reenter the field for an awards ceremony? If so, when and where
does the band report and what is the entrance and exit procedure for this ceremony?
16. Have all unit leaders and assistant drum majors been informed about any of the procedures listed above that
may apply to them or their units?

PARADE CHECKLIST
1. Obtain a map of the parade route. Determine the location of turns, reviewing stands, competition area,
television cameras and where the largest accumulations of people are likely to gather along the parade route.
2. Determine where the buses should drop off the band, when and where the band should warm up, and where
the band will meet the buses following the parade.
3. If performing more than one selection, decide which selections should be performed at which areas. Estimate
exactly when a roll-off should be given to ensure that an exciting segment of the music is being performed as
the band passes the reviewing stand.
4. If the parade is a large, important event, make every effort to walk through or drive through the route prior to
the parade.
5. During the parade, send a scout ahead of the band in order to warn the drum major of approaching reviewing
stands. Walkie-talkies can be very helpful.
6. Before leaving the school make sure the band director has the following items: Music Scores, Health/Trip
Forms, Tuners, Metronome, Maps, Extra Baton, Long Ranger (PA SYSTEM)
7. If there are two drum majors, place yourselves on separate busses to help keep order and discipline and ensure
a smooth trip. Also keep your own student count for your bus.
8. Before returning home, make sure all students are on your bus, if not, immediately notify the band director or
supervising adult.


KNOWLEDGE CHECKLIST

1. If you dont knowASK!!! Dont ever feel not knowing is a weakness, not asking is!
ATTITUDE
Ultimately, one's attitude will be primarily responsible for how an individual develops and utilizes whatever talent
he may posses. When trying to inspire a group of people to believe in themselves and to perform beyond their
potential, the attitude of their leader is everything! Having the skill and knowledge of a competent drum major is
not enough. An optimistic and enthusiastic philosophy must be developed about yourself and the entire
organization if the unit's goals are to be met.

It is easy to develop a positive attitude when dealing with big, powerful organizations that consistently win
competition, but the organizations that need the most encouragement are the smaller, less developed bands. The
leader of such a unit must be willing to start the season by fully accepting the band as it is!!!

Every leader should thoughtfully evaluate his own attitudes and philosophies and determine whether or not he
projects an optimistic personality that he would personally like to follow.

WORKING WITH THE BAND MEMBERS
The question most consistently asked by drum major students is "How do I get respect and cooperation form my
band members?" Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. There are many variables such as the
drum major's talent, knowledge and personality; the size, success and traditions of the band program; and the
overall attitudes of the students involved. There are several recommendations, however, that might prove useful in
dealing with this topic:
1. Prove that you are undoubtedly the best person for the job. Always be prepared for rehearsals and
performances and be sure you can conduct and command any portion of the show adequately. Develop
entertaining showmanship and always display confidence about your abilities as drum major.
2. Become a teacher - Not a screamer! Learn how to give constructive criticism without being abrasive.
Demonstrate through your actions that your first concern is to help the band members improve their band
3. Develop a personality that encourages cooperation, respect, and friendship.
4. Make every effort to personally get to know everyone in the band.
5. Don't allow yourself to select your friends simply on the basis of their popularity. Be willing to share your
friendship with anyone; particularly the students that other band members tend to reject.
6. Make an effort to support other people before they have demonstrated their support for you. It is easy to
support someone who is nice to you; accept the challenge and support someone whose cooperation has been
questionable. The results may surprise both of you!
7. Accept people as they are, not as you want them to be. Realize that once you label someone to be "A J erk", it
is unlikely that you will get their cooperation. Perhaps at that point you no longer deserve it.) Remember:
respect is a two-way street.
8. Whenever possible, avoid public confrontations. If a drum major and a band member begin to argue in front
of the band, neither party will back down because saving face in front of their friends suddenly becomes more
important than the issue that started the argument. Band members should be trained to do as directed during
rehearsal and discuss any disagreement after rehearsal with the drum major or the director. It is also helpful,
particularly for a student commander, to remember: Praise in public, and criticize in private.
9. Although it is advisable to avoid public confrontations, the drum major must still exhibit strong leadership.
Demand perfection. During rehearsal, if a performance is sloppy, stop and begin again. The band can use a
strong voice of authority, but avoid sarcasm and nastiness when correcting mistakes. Remember, Tact is the
art of making a point without making an enemy.
10. Establish the standard of discipline at the very first rehearsal. Once the band is in control, it is easy to relax
the discipline if that becomes appropriate. If the band is not in control, however, it is next to impossible to
increase the standard of discipline once the season has begun.
11. Choose your battles carefully. As a young enthusiastic drum major, there always seems to be a principle that
is worth fighting for; however, if you create an incident over every issue that comes along, no one will take
you seriously when a truly important issue arises.
12. Don't panic every time you are confronted with a problem. A major aspect of a drum major's job is to solve
problems. If there were no problems, your job would not be nearly as important! Look enthusiastically at
every problem as an opportunity to test your creative ability in developing solutions.
13. Accept the fact that many people in the band will not share the same degree of dedication that is maintained
by most drum majors. People will join band for many reasons: they want to develop an outstanding band; they
join for the trips and social activities; their parents want them to participate; they join for the academic credit;
or they simply like playing their instrument and want to have fun! Try to understand why each person has
joined your band and attempt to help each of them achieve their goals in return for their assistance in
achieving yours.



THE DRUM MAJOR EGO
One of the more distressing problems that often confront the drum major is dealing with his own ego. Because of
the opportunity for individual recognition and prestige, it is not uncommon for the drum major to develop an
over-inflated feeling of self-importance.

Never forget that a drum major should be proud but humble; not loud and conceited. A truly great performer will
never have to boast about his ability because his performance will speak for itself

The drum major will sometimes consider oneself to be more important than other band members because he
happens to become a well-known individual performer that the audience admires. This is caused by the nature of
the position as much as the individual performer and does not mean that the drum major is handling his
responsibilities any better than the first clarinet player or the first tuba player. The drum major's position is simply
more visible than other band members. It is part of the job!

Occasionally, I have even come across a few drum majors who after all of their 16 to 18 years of life, feel they are
better equipped to decide what is good for the band than their band directors!

IT MUST BE EMPHASIZED THAT THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DRUM MAJ OR IS TO USE
ALL THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS HE POSSESSES TO HELP THE BAND DIRECTOR DEVELOP HIS
PROGRAM. ANYTHING THAT CONFLICTS WITH THE DIRECTOR'S GOALS AND THE GOALS OF
THE MUSIC PROGRAM, CAN ONLY SERVE TO WEAKEN THE ENTIRE PROGRAM.







CHARACTERISTICS OF A DRUM MAJOR
Integrity
Leadership
Maturity
Knowledge
Perseverance