Drum Major Problems

Anonymous Asks:

I was the girl competing against Ms. Allstate. And today we had a another try and everyone started doing better and now the attention is going to someone who is going to be a junior. Since our band is only big enough for 1 DM it's very stiff. There's the guy with the loud voice, Ms. Allstate, and now a girl who's hated me since middle school is running and is pretty good. Any advice to make myself stand out since voting is tomorrow?

drummajorproblems Said:

Well, That is kind of a tough question to answer, due to the fact that I don’t know you well, and that I don’t know how you and your other auditionees did so far. But basically, if the opportunity arises, tell them the reason you want to be a drum major, be honest, be sincere and strive to do everything you can to leave an impact on them, from the sound of your voice to the way you conduct. If you do everything to the best of your ability, then that’s all you can do. Basically, don’t be anything but yourself. I know it sound cliche, but as long as you are yourself, wont go wrong.

Anonymous Asks:

I need help!! I thought auditions were on wednesday but they're tomorrow. What kind of questions did they ask you in your interview and how did you answer scenarios?

drummajorproblems Said:

Well, the questions were

“Why do you want to be a drum major?”
“Teach this freshman ~~[[who was actually a graduating band member]]~~ how to take one step.”
“How many beats does an eight note get” ~~[[The answer is “Depends on the time signature”, NOT “a half a beat.”]]~~
And “How would you diffuse a problem in the band?”

Anonymous Asks:

Okay so today we had drum major auditions sort of. My director had us go up in front of the band & conduct the school song with basic stuff. Well I messed up and said band attn hut when they were already at attention and I almost forgot to do a 4count whistle to let the band the roll-off was going to happen. But unlike my fellow candidates I kept a steady tempo and my arms were where they should've been. I'm going up against a girl who's beenin allstate and everyone will vote on her what do I do

drummajorproblems Said:

Uh, Well I find that a steady tempo very important, and while your ability to play well is very important, that doesn’t help you much when you’re on the podium. I don’t really know much about the band voting on the drum major method, but I would assume that the Director still has the final say, and if you’re the better of the conductors, then you should have no worries.
But if it does end up that the girl you’re going against does get picked, take it in stride and work really hard to make allstate for next year. Then that way you can be above her level. Because not only will you be the better conductor, but then you’ll be the better player too.

Anonymous Asks:

My band had a leadership clinic today where we had a DM from a university come teach us about conducting, leadership, etc. It was basically the first step in the audition process for drum major. I'm going to be a sophomore next year and my director said he'd like to have a sophomore DM. I think I did good the DM teaching the clinic and my band director both said I was looking good but I'm not sure if I should try out or not. Do you have any advice?

drummajorproblems Said:

~~I really need to make me some mass posts. I’m sure I’ve answered this 29387345 times before.~~ ANYway, please don’t think that I’m bothered by your questions, I just feel like I’m clogging everybody’s dash by answering these questions OVER and OVER and OVER.

Basically, the likelihood that you’ll be selected as a drum major coming out of your freshman year is not likely, even though yoru director said she’d like to have one. Usually, if sophomores are any sort of drum majors, they’re junior drum majors/drum majors in training, which is still a position, but it’s not like OFFICIALLY a drum major. But if your director really means what he says, then definitely try out. ALWAYS try out. ALWAYS try out. Hang on.

…

ALWAYS TRY OUT.

It’s good for you, it’s shows your determination, and even if you aren’t selected, you’ll be able to show up next year with that experience under your belt, and the fact that they see that you’re trying out again will definitely work in your favor.

Anonymous Asks:

I auditioned for durm major in my band, and after a 20 minute discussion between the judges, and many worried looks swapped between my fellow competitors and I, I got it! I'm so looking forward to the job, and getting a chance to work 'for' the band! :D

drummajorproblems Said:

OH CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Anonymous Asks:

Tried out today, and I didn't make it. I'm the one who was going against the person who was always donating to the band. Turns out my section leader got the position. I'm fine with it though. He really deserves to be the DM, and i have next year to get ready for. But just wanted to give you an update, and let you know that i'm not giving up. NEXT YEAR I'M GONNA DOMINATE!!!

drummajorproblems Said:

~~I have a gif that I really wanted to use, but it has the F word in it, and I try to avoid using those kinds of gifs that might offend my followers.~~

Anyway, awesome! Don’t give up. I hope I can put your name on the list next year of new drum majors!

Anonymous Asks:

Any advice for future drum majors? I was chosen as drum major for my band next year and i want to know what i should be expecting from it.

drummajorproblems Said:

Just be prepared for ANYTHING. Like, literally, “anything can happen in the next half hour.” And trust me when I say, you may THINK you know whats going on, but you don’t. Not really. Just go with it. Do what you think is right, and follow through with everything you say and do. People want leaders who are sure of their actions and if you’re second guessing yourself and changing your mind all the time, people will lose respect for you. So just keep your head up. A lot of the times, the Director wants the drum major(s) to make their own decisions. Director can’t be everywhere at once, that’s why there’s leadership. So just make sure you keep a calm and level head, and be prepared for ALL the things. Seriously. Other than that, just have fun with it. You’ll kill yourself if you take it too seriously. But that’s not to say that you should NOT take it seriously, but make sure you know when you can put a joke or laugh. It’ll keep you sane.

Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I’m sure you’re going to do a WONDERFUL job!

So, here’s some interesting information for you guys, [[Going back to: “Did I ever make a name for myself at that school?”]]