be section/co-section leader in marching band

How I did it: Well, I'm the baritone section leader, and I come from a class C band. I'm a girl, so girls, don't be afraid to attempt to be the section leader of an all-boy section. It wasn't too hard to get the position, no other baritiones tried out. But being a section leader has made me an all-around stronger person. I have been challenged to be better at marching at playing because I want to lead my section by example. Don't just make the band, make the band better.

Lessons & tips: Like I said, lead by example. If you are looking to be section leader so you can tell others what to do, don't consider it because you're in it for the wrong reasons. You have to realize, every summer, with this responsibility on your shoulders, it will be solely up to you to teach your freshman everything they know about marching. It is even more difficult for Baritone/Tuba because they now have a completely different instrument to take on as well as learn how to move and play at the same time without falling over. For the next year, (or maybe multiple years) you are your sections mom. (or dad.) More than likely, you will spend more time with your section than you will your family, especially during marching season, and you are the head of the household. What kind of parent are you looking to be? Show your kids you care. For example, I know my sections birthdays, and every time it is someones birthday, we celebrate with traditional birthday pie. I know, lame, its just a quirky low brass thing. Another thing- your section will be watching you at all times. Are you disrespectful to directors? Is your music memorized? Are you making out with the center snare on the way up to competition? To sum that point up, be responsible, and you'll have a responsible section. Just because i'm a girl doesn't mean i'm a push over section leader, and if any section leader is, they don't deserve the position. You have to love your section, but with a very firm hand. Correct them. If they are repeatedly making the same mistake, don't be afraid to raise your voice. Don't yell or make a scene, but if they respect you (which they will, if you lead by example) then they will be embarassed and fix the mistake to the best of their ability. HELP THEM. the definition of an idiot is someone who tries the same thing over and over expecting different results. Don't keep telling a member to fix something over and over again. SHOW them how to fix it. This is where you have to be creative. You will more than likely need to come up with multiple ways to teach the same thing, because everyone learns differently. Also, everyone learns at a different pace. Be patient. This is only my first year being a section leader, but like I said, I've learned a lot. If you have any questions for any specific area of being a section leader, or just a band member in general, post a comment. I'll answer the question to the best of my ability. :)

Resources: Drum majors, directors, band alumni

Nov 23, 07:02PM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer