How to Be A Drum Major
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- My leadership book is finally out!
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Hey everyone, I was asked by a few people about conducting tips and what it's like being a drum major. I figured the best was is to simply make a video showing and explaining what it means to be a leader of a marching band and drum corps.
2009-2011 DM at Thousand Oaks High School
2011 DM at U.S. Army All-American Marching Band
2012- 2013 Head DM at Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps
www.pacific-cre...
I tried out at the end of sophomore year of high school to be a drum major. Prior to that, I wasn't a section leader, and did not hold any leadership position in the band. I hold to believe that if you try your best, and more importantly be yourself, someone along the decision making process will see that and then determine whether he or she wants you or not. Im not going to lie, sometimes there has to be some chemistry, but overall, just be yourself,and your inner leadership abilities will show
I auditioned for drum major in February of this year and I remember this video helped me soo much. I'm now the drum major at my high school:)
UPDATE 5 YEARS LATER: WOW! I’m 21 now but I just wanted to boast about my achievements: During my time as a drum major I would fulfill a prestigious invitation to perform in London, won 1st & 2nd in many comps, & got opportunities to do some whacky stuff during field shows like jump over people and do some cartwheels. All of which I was the first to do so in the entire history of my school. If you’re in high school watching these for auditions you will be fine!! Practice practice practice. The most important part is your role as a leader because it’s the hardest part of being a drum major. You can learn how to spin & conduct, but leadership is not as easy to learn!
mj :)
Oh this makes me so much more confident, thanks.
whats the audition like when doing so? just looking for advice ik not alls schools do the same thing
Damn you're all grown up
I’m trying of forward drum major next week. And I’m nervous
I remember commenting on this video 7 months ago when I was going to try out for Drum Major. And I did make the position. I love this video and the way you taught it. Thank you so much.
Drum Major tryouts at my school in 2 weeks and your video has been really helpful for me!! Thanks so much!
Hello fellow hopeful Drum Major's. This is a message wishing you the best of luck, from one hopeful to another. You'll do great!
Edit: I got the job!
I feel this must have had a couple bloopers somewhere XD
But thank you so much for this. I already sort of knew what to do, but you just made it so clear with things such as angles and how to make it clear. I especially had problems with cut-offs, so this really helped me out
Great video, try outs for myself are in 5 weeks and I have some tough competition, my friends, they want the position just as much as i do. I'm prepared to fight and this video has helped me take another step into the correct direction. Thanks for the instruction!
Dude my friends are in the all american marching band this year. It sounds really cool. i hope to make it when i'm a senior in 2 years. Thanks for the great video.
Thank you! This video was great! I'm a freshman practicing to be drum major when I'm a junior.
As a former head drum major something I like to tell those preparing to audtion is to be passionate. Anybody can conduct a simple 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4 patterns but the more passionate you can be, the better. The band will respond to the dedication you present in your conducting and will want to bring out the intensity you present. The best example of a passionate conductor is former Phantom Regiment Conductor, Koji Mori one of the best DCI conductors ever! Best of luck in your audtions.
Just do your best, and be comfortable with yourself. Always present yourself confidently, even when you don't always feel so. Good luck!
I watched this to help with my Drum Major tryouts and though I didn't make it . . . . This is what made believe I had a chance somehow and this is why I'll probably try again my next chance.... So Thank You, alot.
I'm trying out for my high school drum major role and this has helped me tremendously. It's helped me more than my actual drum major has
I'm doing drum major tryouts in my high school band so this really helped me a lot and now not only do I have some more knowledge on this but I have more confidence now so thank you so much this was really helpful😁😁
I'm in 7th grade and just got the part of drum major for our next 2 parades and this helps me a lot, thank you 😊
I've been to a few shows this year... I haven't seen the show yet. Hope the season is going grand.
Hey Tim, I realize this is several years old but I wanted to let you know hwo much I enjoyed it. Marching band is decades behind me but there are great memories. I got to see some of the best DM's in midwest HS competition in the 1960s as well as great drum majors in what is now DCI. I know it's arguable by my favorite will probably always be Joe Bruno of the Greendale Mariners. Thanks for an awesome presentation on your part. I wish you well in all that you do.
Power struggles, for real though
Me and my co-section leader. Yeesh.
i'm trying out for drum major sophomore year so junior year i'm able for it (our school does things weird). my point is i'm gonna try out and i'm very excited
Thanks so much, I have try outs in may, but its never too early to prepare, I'll study your video hard, and take all your tips. This is so helpful, and I'm so appreciative! Thanks!
Thanks for making this video, I'm trying out for drum major tomorrow and it really helped.
Doing research shows initiative, thats great that you want to really know your stuff!
Thank you soooo much for posting this video - probably one of the most useful and informative videos I've watched in quite a while. :)
im trying out this year and the interview is in 2 days at a Tuesday. nervous but ready, wish me luck guys
Thank you for the tips. I used the and I am now one of three drum majors at my school!
I’m about to be a sophomore and I wanna head start on drum major skills so this helps a lot hehe
Thank you so much for making this video. It helped me so much to get the techniques down, as I found that other videos were very vague. I'm auditioning for drum major this year, as a freshman. I'm not sure if I'll make it, but I'm one of the two auditioning. (We have a small school.)
+Averagehumanbeing same here!!!! i am a freshman in a big highschool, hope u make it!!!
+TheSmashmaster00 thanks, and you as well.
Did you get it?
Thanks so much. This really helps. Im a freshman and Im practicing this so I can be a drum major in my sophomore year. :)
Thanks so much. I'm trying out at Theodore High and you have helped me soo much. I'm so appreciative. :)
This is extremely helpful. Thank you so much! I have try outs this coming Thursday. This was so helpful, especially the cues
This video was so helpful! Thanks a bunch. Now I have a go-to video for practice!
This helped soooo much!! Im bound to be choosen now!
This was so incredibly helpful, thank you so much for sharing such great knowledge with the rest of us drum major wannabes!
Glad I could help!
This is a very educational video. You must have been a great conductor.
We had this style of conducting in the Blue Stars, downbeat in the same spot. It works, but not a big fan of it myself. I personally like the SCV style of conducting the best (PR also I think).
when I get time, I might. Wow, I just realized this video was posted a year and a half ago.
This was really helpful.
Usually Left hand, or bigger downbeat if its a section
Instead of subdividing the beat like 1 + 2 + 3 + 4+, subdivide 1 + a 2 + a 3 + a... hope this helps
Im a freshman and im gonna audition this coming May
Same here.
Same here
Cool
Thank you, this is wonderful. I have a question. While cutting off a marching band what count do you want to start raising your hands up to show the cut off?
Thanks really helpful
Does anyone have any tips on standing out in the auditions as a freshman?
ur really good
I am trying out for drum major. I am a freshman. Another freshan is trying out, a sophomore, and 2 juniors. I am BEYOND nervous. Do you have any tips on anything?
Thanks brosif
It will be my first time conducting a show next year, but I want to know, do you always have to do cues, crescendos and decrescendos etc.. with your Left hand when its more comfortable with my right?
You don't have to, like for example, if the section that is hanging dynamics is on the right side of the field.
Alright, thanks for the help.
Hey Tim do you have any advice on the conducting pattern of 6/4
MinecraftMojo It would depend on the music really. You could break it up (i.e. 3 + 3 or 4+2) Lets say you did 4 + 2. Then on the downbeat of "4" do a big one because it is beat "1" and for the down beat of the 2/4 pattern, keep it smaller since it's technically beat "5".
If for some reason you have to do 6/4 all in one.... well, then big downbeat, 2&3 inside, 4&5 outside, "up" on 6.
Hope it helps. Ask your Band Director. They should help you out when it comes to interpreting music.
Do have any advice as far as using the marching mace?
Elijah Alford Yes but it's kind of hard for me to teach via video. The best thing I can offer is that practice more than you think you should. Just ask any colorguard member. Stay relaxed and wear a helmet! *Don't actually wear a helmet unless you want to. I only say that because you'll whack yourself on the head and back multiple times before you get the hang of it. Good luck practicing!
i'd hate to be the first to not give positive feedback, but where's your mace?
all drum major should know the leadership and not only just playing around with 'drum major' title 9:31
*high five* I'm the second sophomore-year assistant dm at my school (:
I'm a first year drum major and tonight will be my first night conducting on field. Your video has helped me in several ways, thank you.
What grade do you have to be in to try out for drum major
marcus yelder at my school you can try out as a sophomore and be drum major for junior year or try out as a junior and be drum major senior year. But it’s different from school to school.
marcus yelder At my school, you only need 2 full years of experience so, 9th grade at my school.
Me about to be a sophomore watching this practicing to try out for drum major next year: 😎
Lol what if I update and let y’all know if I end up drum major 😳
At my school you can try as a freshman and be one as a sophomore
Most badass salute I've ever seen was when my drum major turned towards the audience, reached slowly behind his head, and slowly pulled out a baton.
I would not doubt it.
Lol phantom regiment
@@KingMolotovIphone lol my drum majors doing that is a tradition
My drum majors choreographed a whole 8 count move for their salute, I want to be one next year, we have three drum majors I want to be assistant drum major
Pulled out a conductor’s baton? I hope not. That makes no sense for a drum major. Who could see that from the field plus indoor concert conducting and the field conducting demonstrated in this video are opposites.
How to be a Drum Major:
Step 1: You don't because no one watches you.
gamer123579 As true that is, the competitions my school goes to, drum major's get a rating. So you are being watched, but its not like playing the music or anything...
Not for HBCU drum majors tho
Lmaoo true
ISTG
so trueeee tho. my band are all vegetables
0:28 Conducting
2:22 Conducting Cues
3:47 Crescendo & Decrescendo
5:12 Cut Offs
6:53 Music On The Field
8:18 Salutes
9:31 Leadership
When I first tried out, there were five other people trying out, and one of them was the drum major the previous year. I wasn't sure I had a chance because I was kind of the quiet kid in the band. But just try your best, a lot of times its the chemistry between the staff because since there are so many aspects in this leadership role, they pick someone for who they are, not necessarily if they are the best at a certain part. Good luck!
The family part is true. My freshman year the drum major who was a senior was a power mad b**** and no one respected her, while the junior drum major was known as "mama Marek" and had all the respect in the world
Jess Shock we had one of those power mad drum majors. The year before I got into the band. I’ll consider myself fortunate
I gotta make sure my friends who are also trying out for drum major at our high school don't see this video XD
Bro same
I like the competition :) My friends are the other three candidates for my audition tomorrow and I'm really competitive. I'm looking forward to everything and I'm confident in our abilities!
This is a very helpful video, now to survive the dimming hope I have of not getting it. I've worked so hard, gone to camps, conducted, practiced commands, grown in my leadership skills, stayed positive, but the more and more people who are trying out against me, I'm losing hope. Now to survive that, I have to keep fighting for what I've wanted since the summer of freshman year. I know I can do it. I have to.
Tori Robinson did you get it
Tori Robinson ^
Did you make it
Tori Robinson sooooo did you get it!
So sad. I’m really dying to know if you got it
Also remember, don't try to be someone you're not or be too much. Be who you are, if you make a mistake roll with it, and if you don't know about something or you forgot, don't be afraid to ask one of the other people auditioning.
Band is about musicianship and the experience, and even if you stumble once or twice, you can get back up with enough effort and confidence. My band director has said that he would rather have a kid who makes mistakes often but is eager to learn and try, than a perfect kid who is rude and mean-tempered. The Drum Major position isn't just about conducting, it's about being a good leader, being able to present yourself well, handle people even when everything is in a funk, and just overall be a good role model and leader for the band. If you show them that you want to lead and that you have the skill, often times a small slip up will mean nothing compared you your musicianship. Bonus points if you can rock that slip up and turn it into something cool.
Just do your best, and most of luck to those auditioning for Drum Major soon, as I am doing myself! ❤
- An 8th grader who wants to be Drum Major
My close friend is an aspiring drum major, and I am definitely recommending this video to her. It was super helpful and detailed. (I've got about 3 friends who either were or are currently drum majors and I'm sure they would also agree with you especially about the leadership part at the end!) Thanks for making this!
This video honestly helped me so much! I just got the news that I’m going to be the Drum Major for this year’s season! Thank you so much!
9:38 Idk why but you activated my siri and had “Hey siri, I don’t know the program”
8:52 "Please don't do that *sigh*" 😂😂😂 Great vid btw 👌🏾👍🏾
I'm a freshman and fall season just ended. I am a synth in pit and I plan to march in battery next season. Senior year, I want to be drum major. I've wanted to ever since 7th grade. However, no one believes in me. Everyone, including the drum major we currently have, laughs at me and says I can't because I'm a percussionist. I know that everyone has an equal chance to audition and I'm going to practice really hard for four years. It's really bringing me down though because even our pit instructor says that I should stay in pit and that I'll probably never make it. But I'm learning how to conduct and I'll learn how to march, I'll push to the end and go beyond my limits. It's just depressing that no one supports me. Any advice?
I was in the exact same situation. My freshman year was my first year ever in band. Whenever we had our first full band rehearsal, I remember standing behind my vibe and looking up at the center podium and seeing my head drum major up there and I was immediately inspired. I wanted nothing more than to be on that podium. So, I got a friend to teach me how to march and march well and I started watching videos on how to conduct. When word got out that I wanted to be a drum major, people would laugh and my directors would say, "A percussionist has never made drum major at this school, why would you?" Yes, it would put me down for a bit but the way I interpreted their words was, "Why wouldn't a percussionist be a drum major? They have just a good a chance as anyone." I practiced my marching and conducting all through my sophomore year and my junior year, I became assistant drum major! All the hard work, put downs, insults, tears, sweat, etc had paid off. This year, senior year, I was promoted to Head Drum Major and I can't help but look back and remember what it felt like to look up and see such a strong symbol of pride. Now, I was that symbol. Don't let anyone put you down. Take any insults or negative criticism and use them to your advantage and better yourself. Sure, it's hard and it may not seem like it's worth it but trust me, it is. Practice, practice, practice and don't ever give up on being a drum major. Had I given up on that dream, I probably would've quit band and never looked back. Push through it and when you make drum major, let me know and even though I don't know you, I will be the first person to cheer.
xander067051 Oh my gosh thank you so much for sharing your story with me! You don't know how much you've just boosted my self esteem. I know it'll be hard as hell, but I'm willing to work so I may make it someday. Did you switch to battery for a year or did you stay in the pit the whole time?
+xander067051 that is AWESOME. Good for you!!! I was drum major at my school over 30+ years ago so I know what you went thru.
+C I'm 9 months late in replying but I'm glad I was able to give you a confidence boost. I was in pit the whole time so when I finally made drum major, it surprised the hell out of everyone. No one was expecting it! But like I said, you just gotta push through all the negativity because what's on the other side of that wall of hateful comments and criticism is a life changing and incredibly rewarding experience. I hope you make it and if you already have, GREAT!
+Queenmarie88 It's amazing to meet people who can relate to you! Being drum major changes my life. I'm now enrolled at Texas A&M University - Commerce and majoring in Music Education in hopes of becoming a greater influence on my own students one day.
I tried, I failed, I have next year, and new techniques to practice, thank you.
Josh Fish how did it go??
I just wanna let you know that my high school takes two drum majors every year. My senior year, there was 22 other people trying out for the position. I really wanted to stand out so I looked for helpful videos on UA-cam, and I found yours. I watched it like 400 times and became much more confident. Drum majors are scored on a 100 point system. And when the inal scores came through, my grade was so much higher than all the rest that my director went with me as the one and only drum major!THANKS
That’s crazy
I'm auditioning for drum major for my high school band this coming January. This video helped so much! But, I was wondering if you have advice on how to make myself out to be the best candidate during my interview with the directors without making myself look self centered?
Jill, you really have to sell it, be honest, tell them why you are fit for the job, talk about things you want to improve, things you could help with that only in a student would know about/things that never get to the directors eye, tell them what you see in the future for the band, talk about your experience and how you would contribute
SO…..DID YOU GET IN!!?
I'm trying out for drum major for my high school band.
Do you have any advice for a shorter person who wants to be a drum major?
Aura Wolf lol same
our drum major is the shortest person in the band hahahahaha
Hi Aura, I was drum major for my high school for two years now I'm the drum major in my college and will try out for drum corp this year. Answering your question, as long as you are clear with your pattern there is no difference, there is nothing more that you need to know because you are short. Keep your patterns visible and clear. Hope this helps, and good luck!
Adrian Cartagena Yes, exactly like Adrian said. And keep your posture high. That's a must
Smollest øf the Beans do u go to allen?
I'm glad I could help! Hope you have a great season. One day, you'll be able to share your experiences as DM to your future band members!
For 2: They should almost touch, but never cross paths. its just the rebound for the and of 2 (for this type of conducting)
For 3: Don't go too far out, otherwise the tendency is to lose time and looks kind of weird (my opinion)
** If you go up to a whiteboard, and hold 2 markers, and draw out your pattern repeatedly, it should look like an arrow pointing down**
Yup! If I was conducting in a concert setting it would look way different.
Can you make another video about different conducting patterns cause that’s what I struggle with
Edit:this video is what helped me become a better conductor
I watched this video a few months ago, and now I am officially a drum major! Thank you for the help!
That's awesome! Congratulations!
@@mrtyaos Thank you!
I was never given an official "leader" title or anything before I tried out for my junior year of hs. Just be yourself, I believe a lot in servant leadership, and if your director/ peers see that you genuinely care for the group, thats one of the many things that will set you apart from an ordinary "member"
Our whole senior class is going to be gone next year, nobody else has the initiative to do it and I'm going to have to do this as a junior. This is so helpful.
Well, good luck. Just remember to do everything with confidence even if you are nervous, and RELAX.
Yes, I'm still there this year, if you're at any of our shows, feel free to stop by and say hi! Our calendar is at our webiste
This video is so useful; I'm only a freshman now, but I'm going to practice so I can be a drum major my junior or senior year and possibly section leader as well(I play trumpet). I'm usually very quiet and have anxiety, but this will be a great chance to get out of my comfort zone and do something interesting :)
I'm a junior this year and it's only my second year in band. I'm thinking about trying out for drum major for next year. Should I even though I'll be a senior and I have far less experience?
my drum major only has 2 years marching experience from guard so anything is possible
Hi Daniella, the best drum majors don't necessarily have the most experience but are the best leaders, they have the best communication skills, are punctual and respectable. When it comes to conducting, just start practicing now, try different time signatures, tempos, cutoffs, cues, salutes. I recommend using the music stands like he did or just a table, focus on hitting that same reference point every time, it would help with your rebound and your pattern will always be clear. One big advice practice in front of a mirror and try to record yourself that way you can see if you need to loosen up, relax your shoulders, if one hand is higher than the other when conducting, etc... You always want your pattern to look the same, do the same thing with both hands, keep them parallel to each other and go up and down at the same height and time. Hope this helps, there is also plenty of other videos you could watch, really sell why you would be a good drum major for your band during audition, best of luck!
if the decrescendo starts on 1, just leave your left hand up (where prep for 1 would be) and start from there. 1,2,3,4 (leave left hand up) then down 2,3,4
he a whole snack
This helped so much. Auditions are in a little less than two weeks so I'm just gonna keep practicing. Thanks much!
Guess what? I play flute in band also! I would suggest coming p with mental tricks to calm your mind down before any audition. You've practiced, so just do what you practice (sometimes treat it like your just practicing in front of your band director. with that mindset, it can help with some of the nerves.
Freshman here. Trying out for next year for sure.
Hey I saw pacific crest at the berry center in Texas and I recognized your name from watching this video! Haha, also since I've first watched this I've become my schools head drum major. Thanks for your help and good luck with DCI next season :)
Auditioning this year as an incoming junior I’ll let y’all know how it goes 😁
last year i watched this video bc i was trying out but i didn't think i had a chance to become drum major since A. i was a to-be sophomore, B. i am short (5'2) and C. i'm quiet and not very loud, but somehow i did it! i was the third drum major 😅 but i still made it! thank you so much! i hope to be assistant drum major next year (i'd say head drum major, but this past year's assistant drum major will likely be head DM since he has had more experience and is more assertive than i am)
That’s awesome! Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much. This really helped a lot. I have DM tryouts in less than a week, and this definitely cleared up a lot for me, such as how to practice NOT "treble clef conducting" (by using the stands). Thank you.
"It's all coordination" .... Well, awesome cause I have non of that.
I'm glad this video helped! Looking back I wish I could add more helpful tips. Sorry for not responding to all the comments, I've been busy with Pacific Crest. I'm their head DM for this summer, and hope to see you guys at our shows this summer!
Thank you so much you’ve inspired me to try out to be drum major.
You don't understand how much this video helped me! Thank you! I go to a school with about 20 people in the marching band (that's including color guard and pit) we are too small to have a drumline so the drum major does have to give cues for pit. I am auditioning for drum major and hopefully I get it but you definitely helped me understand that this is definitely a position that takes a lot of maturity and hard work.
One of the best ways to keep things running smoothly is to be in good communication with your DM. Always feel free to drop a few suggestions to your DM if you see it necessary. Sometimes, they may miss a few things here and there and it's good if section leaders watch the dm's back.
you can always break up the 7/4 into 3&4, and for the 5/4, either double 2 or double 3
got auditions tomorrow wish me luck!!!!
Mia Ma Mia how did it go
didn’t get it :(
THE greatest video I've seen on being a drum major! Hopefully I make the position when I audition!
so i was thinking of trying out for drum major this year for our marching band, but im really nervous im not gonna make it cause im not a really good conductor
this video helped a lot!!!
any advice/tips on the marching mace? like spins, tosses, etc.
what about salutes? im worried about salutes too
oops, didn't see your thing on salutes
My school’s drum majors always come up with a really extra salute... there’s always a dab in it somewhere 😂