Drum Major Mace Parts? All Answers

military musician

A drum major or field commander is the leader of a marching band, drum and bugle corps, or pipe band, usually at the head of the band or corps. Often wearing more ornate attire than the rest of the band or corps, the drum major is responsible for giving orders to the ensemble, leading them as they march, and telling them what to play, when to play, and what time to keep. Commands can be given verbally, by hand gestures, with a whistle or baton, or with a mace. Although the drum major is the one who conducts for the entire band to see and watch the beat, the drum major is actually looking at the feet of the middle snare to keep time. The center snare is the leader of the drumline, keeping the band in time as they march. They usually play, tap and/or roll to set the tempo for how fast the band is marching.

In addition, the drum major acts as a liaison between the band director and the band. Essentially, a drum major is the leader who keeps the tempo with a baton or other forms of timekeeping such as conducting. The drum major often has the responsibility of keeping the band organized and structured.

history [edit]

The position of drum major originated in the British Army in 1650 with the Corps of Drums. [citation needed] Military groups during this period primarily performed service calls and battle signals, and a fife and drum corps, headed by the drum major, would use short pieces to communicate with field units. With the arrival of military concert bands and pipe bands around the 18th century, the position of drum major was adapted to these ensembles.[1]

Traditionally, a military drum major was responsible for:

Defense of the drummers and band members (The drums and bugles were communication devices)

Military discipline of all members of the Corps of Drums

The Corps of Drums’ general standards of dress and conduct

Administrative work of the Corps of Drums

Maintain the Corps of Drums standard for military drills and choreograph marching moves

The drum major was also given duties in the battalion at several points in history, including administering military justice (flogging) for each member of the battalion and collecting the battalion’s post.

In addition to the above duties, the British Army also included a royal appointment of a Drum Major General, whose duties included inspecting all other field music, as well as (according to The Drummer’s Handbook) issuing drummer licenses, without which one would not be recognized as a drummer. This position faded in the 18th century.

Drum major and infantryman of the line in Napoleon’s army of the First Empire, 1810

roles [edit]

Conductor[ edit ]

Drum majors are responsible for knowing and appropriately conducting the ensemble’s music. While the drum major also knows the tempo, he needs to know what specific pattern he or she needs to perform to suit the physical endurance or musical style.

pattern[edit]

Drum majors may each have a different conducting style. Some may be smoother, others are more rigid. The most commonly used pattern is called the “down-in-out-up” pattern. The pattern is indicated by the first beat being straight down and normal. The second beat goes down, then after the focus it goes in at a 45 degree angle. The third strike is when the arm comes back from the angle to the focal point at the angle and hits the point and goes outward at the same 45 degree angle. The last beat, the fourth, goes from the outer angle back to the focal point. Then the process repeats itself.[2] It is typical of drum majors to use smaller, simpler patterns to accommodate faster tempos for endurance and clarity, emphasizing beats 1 and 3 and minimizing beats 2 and 4.

Control tempo[ edit ]

What is “appropriate” conducting has evolved over the decades. In the 1970s and before, it was not uncommon for a stationary drum major to make a high-lift mark on the podium for an audible and visual tempo; With the arrival of higher and higher drum major platforms, and therefore greater visibility, this has become both dangerous and unnecessary. Contemporary drum majors use a variety of conducting patterns and styles to suit the needs of their respective marching bands and/or drum corps.

Musicality support[edit]

In addition to memorizing the music (anywhere from six to nine minutes of music is typical for high school marching bands, college bands and drum corps can have as much or more, up to more than eleven minutes of music), a drum major must memorize the dynamics and tempo to provide proper direction and cues, particularly in areas where the drum major has some discretion, such as B. a ritardando or a fermata.

Actor [ edit ]

Drum majors have slightly different roles in the world of traditional show bands. Many college bands have drum majors, which are very much part of the visual element of a field show. Rather than conducting like a corps-style drum major, traditional drum majors often march onto the field with the band, using a mace or baton to keep time and encourage their own movements. Drum majors in the Big Ten and HBCUs are particularly prominent. While most of them don’t conduct as much as a corps drum major, they do lead the band onto the field, often after having a few seconds alone for a brief performance (a drum major backbend is traditional in many schools). During dance performances, they often move with the bands. Because traditional drum majors have a much more visual role than corps drum majors, there are often many more of them, sometimes as many as ten drum majors for a single band.

leader [edit]

The Drum Major position is one of leadership, guidance, and group representation, but typically no administrative duties. A band director or corps director assumes administrative responsibility. In the band director’s absence, the drum major often carries the authority of the director or instructor and assumes complete leadership of the band.

Equipment [ edit ]

There are a number of specialized pieces of equipment that drum majors use to perform their duties more effectively. This includes a whistle, a mace or baton, their uniform and pedestals.

Uniform[ edit ]

In British and European tradition, a drum major usually wears the same uniform as the rest of the band with an added diagonal sash.

Drum majors of marching bands in the United States often wear a different uniform from the rest of the band (which can be either a show-specific uniform or a custom uniform based on the school’s uniform or colors) and is a slight modification of the standard Uniform. It can be as simple as additional shoulder embellishments, a cape, different colored feathers or chain on the helmet or as complicated as a special chest piece and is designed to help the drum major stand out when coming onto the field and around the leader to honor the band. However, some high school drum majors wear no other uniform and are recognized by their field or parade position. It is mostly at the discretion of a principal and is only more common at the high school level.

Mace [ edit ]

Civilian marching bands and pipe bands generally use a mace to give signals and commands while marching. As marching bands in the United States have begun to focus more directly on halftime shows and less on parades, the traditional use of the mace has largely disappeared from high school and college marching bands in favor of hand movements, occasionally with the use of a baton or whistle .

podium [edit]

When a band is not marching, the drum major may direct the band from a stage with a baton.

Marching Bands of the United States[ edit ]

Drum Majors Lead Bands and Drum & Bugle Corps in the US Drum & Bugle Corps are prevalent in Europe and Japan. The US is the only country where most high schools, colleges, and universities have marching bands and drum majors. The tradition is almost certainly inspired by the rousing American march music – brilliant military-style musical compositions by John Philip Sousa (1854-1932). Drum majors primarily use whistle and baton or mace commands to prompt the band to march and/or play according to the scheduled performance. This requires on-field timing skills to get the band starting and ending at the correct yard lines. As the name suggests, the drum major actually commands the band’s drum section – whistles are heard first, then drums follow, and then music fills the air. This is all very appealing to a crowd of viewers. The drum major usually wears a more elaborate uniform, reflecting the authority and responsibility of a field commander. A tall hat, like the busby, is often part of the uniform. The band’s dignified leader captures the minds and hearts of most people who see a little of themselves in the drum major. A marching band show (high school and college) usually begins with a hand salute from the drum major(s). Salutes range in complexity from a simple hand gesture to intricate routines involving many members of the band. The salute is traditionally the start of judging in a competition and also signals the end of a band’s show. A drum major is also responsible for getting the band’s attention, starting and conducting the show. The drum major may use a whistle, voice, or hand commands. This practice dates back to the military origins of the marching or field band.

A marching band review (parade) begins like a field show. Because of the street setting, there are usually no formation changes. The judging is similar to a field show, but there is an additional section specifically on the drum major’s performance. The drum major is scored based on execution of the opening routine, salute routine, hit time, vocal, whistle and hand commands, and overall control of the band.

Typically, one to three drum majors can be seen in most ensembles. In some ensembles, the drum majors swap positions during the show to give everyone a chance to conduct from the central podium. Occasionally, they may also serve in other roles, e.g. B. when performing a solo. In this case, one or two band directors temporarily conduct the band until the drum major(s) would finish their solo.

A marching band or drum corps drum major (field conductor) is responsible for keeping the band or corps together and directing the entire band or corps during shows and competitions. This drum major can come from any section of the performing unit: drums, horns, or color guard. They are chosen based on their musical ability, leadership skills, attitude and passion for the sport. The drum major is the senior band member, usually followed by the drumline captain or captains, then watch captains, pit captains, horn sergeants, section heads and band officers.

In military bands such as the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band or Highty-Tighties, drum majors are senior officers responsible for off-field discipline and order for the band, in addition to performing duties. They often command the band off the field as a separate entity and are treated according to their rank. Drum majors also march onto the field in these bands, often using drumsticks. Uniforms are in traditional military style; Consequently, drum majors are distinguished by rank and unit insignia, or unit modifications. For example, a drum major from the aforementioned Aggie Band might be recognized by his conspicuous wearing of a whistle and chain worn with the uniform, even when not performing band-related duties. (Similar attire in other bands may include sashes, unique headgear, or different colored uniforms.) An example can be seen here.

high school [edit]

Depending on the size of the band, high school marching bands have between one and four drum majors who are responsible for leading and directing the band. Drum majors are often ranked with the head drum major occupying the center position throughout the show, or each drum major alternates as the “center” drum major by standing on a platform placed on the 50-yard line is placed while the other two is placed on the 30-yard or 40-yard line. All other drum majors are placed on yardlines closer to the end zone or behind the band for turning maneuvers. A member of the on-field band may temporarily assume a drum major position when the band’s movements call for an additional drum major in front or behind, or when the lead drum major is performing. Some drum majors serve as leadership positions and can conduct but prefer to march. These drum majors serve as a backup in the event that one or more of the permanent drum majors (usually older members of the band) are unable to come to a gig but are still practicing their conducting skills. Depending on the region, field direction may be performed by the band director, allowing the drum major(s) to play a more prominent role in the performance by marching with the rest of the band.

Selection and audition[edit]

The process of appointing high school drum majors varies by school, although it is recognizable at the principal’s discretion who to select, which is usually done through an audition process that requires potential drum major candidates to demonstrate their conducting skills as well as their abilities Naming and executing commands successfully and answering questions that reveal what type of leader they are and what they can bring to the band. In such cases, the director may ask one of the previous marching season’s drum majors to join him or her for auditions to help decide who to select (although such an opportunity is usually afforded to the lead drum major). Additionally, the opportunity to become a drum major may not be open to everyone in a band, as a potential candidate may first have to serve as a section head, captain, or officer. Alternatively, the opportunity may only be available to band members who are juniors or seniors.

education [edit]

A drum major can be trained in a number of ways, depending on the resources of his or her home program and the drum major’s own experience. Indeed, in many schools the band director refuses to personally teach the drum major how to conduct and lead (because it is supposed to be the drum major’s job to facilitate that band director’s job). Most drum majors attend drum major camps to learn how to conduct and teach their band. Drum majoring is usually viewed as a managerial responsibility that cannot be taught, and the person selected for the position is willing (or most likely to be willing) to assume the responsibility. Being a good drum major can never be taught or fully trained by a person.

The George N. Parks Drum Major Academy (DMA) is a statewide summer camp for high school drum majors. It was founded in 1978 by George N. Parks. The Drum Major Academy is held in various locations across the United States, until 2010 the academy attracted up to 3,000 students each year.[3] DMA provides high school students with marching, conducting, and leadership training in preparation for their upcoming seasons. Parks, who is considered the national authority on drum majoring, personally ran many of these camps until his death in September 2010.

Smith Walbridge Clinics (SWC) has offered a drum major clinic since 1952 and claims to be the nation’s first drum major camp.[4] The clinic teaches three styles of percussion instruction, including traditional, corps, and mace. Other training methods include three levels of conducting, three levels of showmanship, drill design fundamentals, verbal commands, daily individual assessments using videotapes, leadership training, score study, instructional and cleaning drill, multi-drum major aid, salute and mace. The clinic is held annually on the Eastern Illinois University campus in Charleston, Illinois.

Field competition[ edit ]

judge and judge

During a field show, the drum major is usually judged by a different judge than the rest of the band. How the drum major is judged depends on the region and style of the band and the personal opinion of the judge himself. Typical captions for judging a drum major include conducting, communication between drum majors, marching, style, showmanship, and leadership. The judges’ comments are often recorded on a portable tape recorder and delivered to the drum majors along with the rest of the band’s scores and feedback from the competition.

Examples of judge evaluation sheets:

award ceremony

When an awards ceremony is held at a marching competition, the drum majors usually represent their band and accept all awards. The drum major(s) usually prepare a separate, shorter salute to respectfully accept awards their band has earned.

See also[edit]

In popular culture[edit]

Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr. used the drum major role to discuss selfishness, consumerism, bondage and love in his famous sermon, “The Drum Major Instinct.”[5] It has been exploited for education, religion and even advertising.[6]

References[edit]

How to show leadership through extracurricular music

Many high school students typically focus primarily on their GPA, SAT scores, and AP tests. Colleges aren’t just looking for big numbers, though; They want unique and interesting students. A fantastic way to make yourself more attractive to college is through extracurricular activities. Extracurricular offers can cover a wide range of topics. Some students participate in the Spanish club or robotics, while others focus more on community outreach groups. Some are more musical and have to choose between music and academically oriented clubs. If you’re in the latter group, you might be wondering how you can show leadership through music outside of the curriculum.

The good news is that even if you’re not applying for a music degree, music extracurriculars not only look amazing on a college application, they also offer you an opportunity to showcase your leadership skills. For engineers and architects, an extracurricular music degree can also set creativity and artistry apart from other applicants. This article outlines some ways you can take your involvement in music one step further and grow into a leader.

Head of department

Whether you’re in the orchestra, band, or choir, you’ll likely have the opportunity to audition for the section head. Section leaders may have the opportunity to lead section rehearsals, they are responsible for writing down musical directions and sharing them with the rest of the section, and they often help other members of their section with difficult musical passages.

Leading a section not only demonstrates your leadership skills to colleges, but also demonstrates that you are collaborative, organized and accountable.

music librarian

If you are looking for after-school music programs that use organizational skills, this role may be perfect for you. Not all high school music groups have a music librarian position, but if you enjoy organizing, it’s worth asking your teacher to create one for you. In professional orchestras and choirs, the music librarian manages large numbers of scores to ensure they are organized and easily acceptable.

They also prepare scores for the ensemble before a first rehearsal so that each member has a copy. Some music librarians also research composers and find new editions for the ensemble.

In a high school or youth ensemble, a music librarian doesn’t have as much responsibility as someone with a college degree. However, your teacher might ask you to make copies for everyone to take home, make sure each booth has the correct music before class begins, and check that everyone has their music before each performance.

As your ensemble’s music librarian, you not only demonstrate leadership skills, but also show that you are responsible and able to commit to a year-long position.

drum major

The marching band plays an integral part in every football game. Aside from the practice sessions, the drum major is one of the most important things that hold the marching band together. They are responsible for keeping the entire band in time, giving orders to keep the elaborate marches going, and sometimes telling the band what piece to play next.

Drum major is a huge responsibility and colleges know it. You demonstrate leadership on and off the field and are often the first person younger students turn to with questions or concerns as you act as the liaison between the band conductor and the students.

Drum majors also need to gain the trust of their bandmates, a sign of true leadership.

Even organizers

Even if you don’t play a musical instrument or just sing in the shower, you can still show leadership skills through extracurricular music. If you enjoy listening to music, you might be able to organize a fundraiser for the band.

An event like this requires organizational skills, leadership skills and teamwork to pull through. You can also help your favorite charity in the process.

To set up a band benefit, you’ll likely want to partner with a nonprofit at school (or start your own), or partner with your church or a local arts organization. Select a cause you would like to support and work with your school leader to set a date for the event.

Then you need to find the bands. Many local bands, especially those with other students, play band benefits as long as they can sell their wares. Try to find a relatively well-known headlining band (don’t worry, you don’t have to go Lady Gaga) that draws crowds.

Once you’ve booked all the bands, announce the date, start selling tickets and do some marketing. Finally, after the event, you can donate the money to your cause.

Organizing a band benefit can take a lot of time and effort, but colleges will recognize that. It shows your leadership skills in many ways. You have to work with the venue and take the lead, whether that’s your school or somewhere else, and with the bands. You must also contact the charity you are donating to and take ownership of the money to ensure everything is accounted for.

tour manager

If you’re in a show choir, chances are your group has planned several trips to show choral competitions across the country. Orchestras and bands also often take part in competitions or go on tour. Ask your director if you can be a tour manager for one or more of these trips.

A professional tour manager is responsible for booking accommodation, transportation, finding venues and making sure each cast member is comfortable. A student tour manager doesn’t have to take care of all that, but you can help your director.

Often student tour managers take care of the other students during the tour, allowing the director to focus on working with hotels and venues. This could mean taking roll calls, making sure everyone has their music and costumes, and handing out a schedule for the day.

Colleges like leaders who also show initiative. By approaching your director and creating the tour manager role, you show that you understand what needs to be done to make a tour successful and that you are good at working with others and exceptionally organized.

These are just a few examples of how music can help you demonstrate leadership outside of the curriculum. If none of this appeals to you, consider starting your own string quartet, organizing a concert for you and your friends to show off your musical skills, or starting an online podcast.

Music allows you to express the creative side of yourself, and colleges like students with more than one dimension. Additionally, there are many opportunities within extracurricular music education to help you gain leadership experience and impress colleges with your skills.

The early leadership of the Marine Band consisted of a Drum Major and a Fife Major. The Drum Major was considered the leader of the Marine Band and the Fife Major’s responsibility was to train the whistles. In July 1861, President Abraham Lincoln signed an act of Congress reorganizing the Navy Band, creating the positions of leader (who was the principal musician), drum major, and 30 musicians. The title of Fife Major was abolished that year, and in 1881 the whistle was removed from Marine Corps instrumentation.

Francis Scala, promoted drum major in 1855, was the first person to hold the official position of leader/principal musician of the Marine Band. John Roach was selected as drum major. For a full history of the Marine Band Director, click here.

Today, the drum major serves as the longest-serving member of The President’s Own and is responsible for the band’s appearance, ceremonial drill and military propriety. He is commissioned to lead the band at ceremonial engagements, including the inaugural parade, and regularly leads the band at review for US Presidents, heads of state and international dignitaries. The drum major’s uniform is unique. He wears a bearskin hat and carries a mace, which he uses to signal commands to the musicians. The ornate sash worn across his chest is known as the baldric and is embroidered with the band’s crest and Marine Corps battle honors.

The drum majors listed here served during/after the 1861 Congress Act separating the position of drum major from that of leader.

Have you ever seen a marching band perform and wondered who that very focused and serious looking student was leading the band? They are definitely too young to be the band director but they seem to control the whole marching band completely. Now that my friend is none other than the drum major!

The drum major is perhaps one of my favorite characters in a marching band. They radiate personality and passion! But what exactly is the purpose of a drum major and why are they so important to a marching band?

A drum major leads the band in marching, rehearsals and performances. Your job is to follow the band director’s orders, be a role model for the other students or members of the band, and help the program run smoothly. In general, the drum major is a high-ranking member of the band.

Drum Major Salute given prior to performance.

A drum major has many duties on and off the field and can vary depending on the type of band and institution where the program is taking place.

Being a high school drum major will be a little different than being a college drum major and quite different from being a military drum major. No matter what organization you’re talking about, a drum major with strong leadership skills and exceptional marching skills is essential to the success of any band or drum corps.

What is the role of a drum major?

A drum major will have the most duties of any student or member of the band. A drum major is the second command alongside the leader of the band. They are there to inspire and unite the band. There is a lot of pressure on a drum major to be the perfect example of how a dedicated marching band member will look and act.

Here is a list of the responsibilities and duties that many drum majors can have.

Set the standard of discipline and behavior for the members of the band to follow.

and conducting for members of the band to follow. Lead the band to the rehearsal room and make sure they are ready with all their instruments and accessories.

the band the area to make sure they are ready with all their instruments and accessories. Assist the director(s) in keeping the band and band room organized and well maintained. Setting up chairs, storing instruments, etc.

(s) in keeping the band and and well cared for. Setting up chairs, storing instruments, etc. Do all the administrative work that the band director asks you to do.

that the band director asks of you. Leading the band into the right formation to start practicing or marching.

the band to start practicing or marching. Help make the practice run smoothly.

. Lead the band through warm-up exercises.

walk the band through rehearsal when the band director is absent.

when the band director is absent. Assist and assist section leaders (captains) when problems arise.

and help section heads (captains) . Help teach other members of the band proper marching techniques.

other members of the band march. Help tracking attendance know when band members are absent.

know when band members are missing. Help new members learn and adjust to the demands of the band.

learn and get used to the demands of the band. Represent the band at awards shows or special occasions.

at award ceremonies or special occasions. Lead the band in performances and parades.

the band in and . Have an immaculate uniform which is a standard of what a well dressed marching band member looks like.

to be a standard for what a well-dressed marching band member looks like. Signal percussion section for rolling during parades or marching.

Section for unrolling during parades or marches. Perform pep tunes in the stands during a football game.

in the stands during a soccer game. During performances, often add to the show’s general showmanship by spinning a baton and other skills.

A drum major will look and act like the band is their job! During marching band season, a drum major will spend countless hours helping the band learn their performances and competitions and thrive. They inspire unity and teamwork.

Top Tip: If you think you have what it takes to become your band’s next drum major, don’t leave without reading this How To Become Drum Major – Top Music Tips article

Qualities a director looks for in a drum major

You have a good understanding of music and how to lead an entire ensemble.

They are trained as field leaders.

As a . They have developed a high level of dexterity in the use of a drum major’s baton or mace.

Level with a drum major or mace. They have exceptional marching techniques.

Her voice commands are loud and easy to understand.

and easy to understand. They are very responsible and reliable.

and reliable. They are committed to making the band successful.

to the band’s success. They work well with both the band director and the members of the band.

both that and membership in the band. They know how to teach and support other members of the band.

and help other members of the band. They have the ability to inspire the band in their performance.

the band in performance. You can accept constructive criticism.

Drum major conducts the marching band

Why do they call it drum major?

The name Drum Major has its roots in military service. Drum Corps were assigned to regiments during the Civil War to entertain soldiers and help them march from point A to point B. The commander of the drum corps was an officer styled sergeant major. Today the Sergeant was dropped and changed to Drum.

The marching band, color guard, and drum corps have long histories in the military. Playing an important role in protecting, motivating and encouraging the soldiers marching onto the battlefield. The sergeant major, later drum major, was the band’s commanding officer.

During the fight, the band/drumline could be heard over the defining gunfire. They helped guide the soldiers in the direction they needed to go and gave orders through the various loud drum beats. The drum captain would receive his orders from the sergeant major (drum major), who received his orders from commanding colonels.

After the war, the same positions and names were mostly retained, only adapted to work within the new system of a school environment.

Section leaders or captains continue to be used. They report to the Drum Major, who reports to the Conductor (Colonel).

Depending on the size of a band or drum corps, there may be more than one drum major. There will be a head drum major, but there may also be assistant drum majors.

Assistant drum majors assist in the same functions as a drum major, as assigned by the head drum major. They can help write drill exercises, depending on whether the band can afford a drill chart. They help with the visualization. They also ensure that all members are in their places and marching correctly during training and exercises.

If a member of the band needs assistance, they will contact their Section Head, Deputy Drum Major or Drum Major for assistance.

For this part of the audition it is important to show confidence and precision in your conducting skills. Your band director wants to be sure that your movements are clear and easy for the band members to follow.

Drum majors in various organizations

The main duties of a drum major in different organizations are mostly the same. There will be some variation in the time commitment required, as well as the level of skill and professionalism required. Here are some of the different organizations and what you can expect from each.

High School Drum Major

Each high school conducts its music program differently, but generally, to become a drum major for your marching band, you begin by going through a training/clinic with other candidates to learn what is expected of you. At the end of the training you will go through an assessment from which a drum major will be selected.

As discussed above, the assessment will likely include some form of audition, an essay, and a demonstration of the skills you have learned.

college drum major

To become a drum major in college, you must have prior marching band experience. Some colleges require you to attend their marching program for at least 1 year before applying. Previous experience as a drum major is desirable. You have to go through an extensive selection process.

Your chances of becoming a drum major in college are much better if you were already a drum major in high school or a drum corps.

The competition for drum major in college is much higher. This is because the marching band is typically larger than most high school groups, and there are students from a variety of programs who often have experience as drum majors or in leadership in their previous bands.

If your goal is to be a drum major in college, be sure to attend a college with a marching band. Not all colleges have marching bands, and not all colleges place the same value on the band.

Universities like Ohio State have an amazing marching band program, while other smaller universities don’t have the budget or focus to have a great marching band. The smaller universities will have less competition, but it may not be the type of program you’re looking for.

The 10 Best College Marching Bands – College Raptor

Differences between high school drum major and college drum major

The primary responsibilities of a high school or college drum major are the same, although being a college drum major requires more time and refinement of your skills.

The main difference is that becoming a college drum major is often more competitive, but it also comes with more benefits.

Many college drum majors receive financial rewards for taking on the role. Scholarships are often awarded to drum majors. The state of Ohio is offering its drum major a free ride. Other colleges give stipends (that are payments of a set amount of money each season) for being an elite member of the band.

Is it hard to be a drum major?

Being a drum major can be very difficult, demanding and time consuming. It requires a strong bond with the band and a lot of dedication. Drum majors will report that the rewards are well worth the effort.

Being in the marching band is generally physically and mentally demanding. It requires a time commitment of many hours of practice each day, as well as competitions and performances on the weekends.

During the summer months there are often week-long camps that last from morning to evening.

Being a drum major means all of these responsibilities and more. At any training or meeting you have, you should be the first to arrive and the last to leave. If you want to be a drum major, you have to prioritize that over other things in your life. During the marching band season you are part of the band.

Top Tip: It might be harder to become a drum major if you’re a woman? Read this article to learn more.

Female Drum Majors Who Inspire (Marching Band)

With that in mind, many people may be wondering, is it worth being a drum major?

Ask any former drum major and 99% of the time his answer will be a resounding yes! Many things in life that require hard work and strict commitment usually come with a variety of benefits. This is no different.

Being a drum major can be very fulfilling. When your band receives awards and recognition, you can often accept those awards on behalf of the band. This can make you feel very successful and proud of the band you worked hard to make.

Many lifelong relationships and friendships develop from being a leader in the band.

As a drum major, you can learn and hone your leadership skills, which can open doors to scholarship and employment opportunities. You can further apply your skills if you wish to become a director for a middle, high or collegiate music program.

Do drum majors play instruments?

Drum majors often start out playing an instrument or being in the pit. It’s rare, but there have been a few drum majors who started out as a member of the color guard. A member of the color guard has a higher chance of becoming a drum major if they can also play one or more instruments.

The more musical knowledge a person has, the higher their chance of becoming a drum major. Directors like it when their drum majors play multiple instruments because it gives them the opportunity to better help the different sections with their musical techniques and skills.

Before each kick-off in the Big House, 100,000 pairs of eyes glue themselves to a person dressed in white.

On Saturday, that person will be Matthew Cloutier for the last time. The senior from Grosse Ile takes his final turn as drum major of the U-M Marching Band and will bend over backwards to please the crowd. Literally.

The University of Michigan drum major has been performing the signature backbend since the late 1960s. According to Cloutier, the first drum major to perform the trick was so flexible he barely had to bend his knees.

“From what I’ve heard, he could just bend back at the waist and hit his head on the floor,” Cloutier said. “That’s how the whole tradition started.”

The first drum major to remove his hat during backbend was Matthew Pickus in 1993. Cloutier said some of the tradition was added after Pickus had a less than perfect backbend during a game earlier in the season.

“A fan gave him a hard time because he doesn’t do a great backbend, so Matt told him to watch the next game,” he said.

“He went all out and took his hat off and set the new standard for what was expected of us.”

Taking off the hat didn’t catch on immediately due to the increased difficulty, but it became a staple of the tradition in the early 2000s.

The drum major has other duties besides backbend before the game. Cloutier must help keep time and give cues with his whistle, fill in as assistant conductor and perform a very important baton trick.

“The other important thing before the game is to throw the baton over the goalpost and catch it,” he said. “The superstition is if you catch it Michigan will win but if you drop it we will lose.”

To be selected as drum major, Cloutier had to fill out an application and then perform all the assignments and tricks in front of a panel of School of Music professors. When the field was reduced to three or four candidates, the whole band had their say.

“We all had to go out and do the whole routine, the backbend, the baton throw and the cues in front of the whole band. It was a bit nerve-racking,” he said.

My nerve-racking move came when Cloutier was teaching me how to do the famous maneuver. Remember, he’s been practicing the move for four years.

Watch the video above to learn how the backbend is done and see if I was able to pull one off.

Is there a building in the Ann Arbor area that has always made you wonder, an event that deserves more attention, or a person doing great things in the community that should be recognized?

We’ll be highlighting all of this and more in our weekly Did You Know? video series.

The videos appear on our website every Wednesday afternoon and you can find them in your inbox by subscribing to MLive’s 3@3 newsletter – if you haven’t already, sign up here!

We’d love to hear from you about the best hidden stories around Washtenaw County.

Ben Freed is a general assignment reporter, know-it-all, and bison pelt collector for The Ann Arbor News. At aUM Yoga he works on his back flexibility. Email [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @BFreedinA2. He also answers the phone at 734-623-2528.

Are you interested in leading a band? If so, you should read these drum major tips first.

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Playing in your high school band is a commitment that will leave you with many fond memories to look back on for the rest of your life. High school is a time for socializing and discovering yourself. So if music is something you’re passionate about, what better way to express that than by joining the band?

Nothing is more rewarding than working hard with your friends and bandmates to perfect your performance and finally get the chance to perform it at a competition, football game, or other band-related event.

However, no group work can reach its full potential without some form of guidance, and marching bands are no exception. This is where the role of the drum major comes into play; The Drum Major’s responsibilities include leading the band, whether during practice or a performance.

Being a drum major is a great honor, but it doesn’t come without hard work, dedication and practice. If you are considering becoming a drum major in your high school band, below are some drum major tips that will help you achieve your goal.

How does one become a good drum major?

If you want to be successful, you should follow these drum major tips and techniques:

Practice regularly and often.

Plan your practice sessions so each one has a specific purpose.

Check out other drum majors, either live or on video.

Participate in solo competitions.

Experiment!

Go to a drum camp.

Take drum lessons and never stop learning.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the best drum major tips. From auditioning perfectly to conducting drum major tips to help you become the best major ever, we’ve got all the bases covered.

But first, if you’re not already taking drum lessons, watch this video.

It will show you some basics that you can pick up once you start taking drumming lessons. Mastering the basics is important if you want to be a good drum major!

What does it take to become a drum major?

Here are some other drum major tips to keep in mind.

Above all else, being musically competent is the best of all drum major tips. This doesn’t just mean being able to read music and play your instrument; it means understanding how music is created and structured (music theory), being so skilled with your instrument that playing becomes second nature, and also knowing how to march with precise timing and accuracy. While some people may feel they don’t have what it takes to become skilled in these areas, you can certainly improve with practice. Some people may be born with a natural musical talent, but anyone with the right attitude can learn any skill they set their mind to! Working with a private tutor will also help immensely.

Leadership skills are also essential to becoming a drum major. Good leadership can mean different things to different people, but universal qualities of an exceptional leader include being firm in their decisions, knowing how to attract and keeping the attention of a group, and having good problem-solving skills. If you’re uncomfortable with being in a leadership position and don’t like taking on responsibility, then maybe drum major isn’t for you; However, this does not mean that a quiet or shy person cannot be a drum major. Leadership is about finding the best way to lead a group towards a goal that can be achieved by anyone with ambition.

Another drum major tip for mastering the skill of conducting. Without someone conducting the band, the music can get sloppy. Conducting is a skill that takes time and patience to master. Therefore, consider learning from a qualified teacher for the best learning experience.

How do I become a drum major? Drum Major Audition Tips

Before you can become a drum major, you must pass audition. Here are some of the best drum major audition tips to help you pass the exams.

While the requirements and processes required to become a drum major may vary from school to school, there are typically five general areas in which candidates are tested to prove their worth as a drum major. Keep in mind that these divisions aren’t set in stone, but the skills associated with them are helpful in mastering them:

Parade: The purpose of this section is mainly to test the candidate’s physical ability. Typically, all candidates are given a recording of a march before the trial, and your job is to create a routine to accompany it. You will be judged on your ability to march succinctly, as well as your creativity and originality as a drum major and musician. Field: This section is designed to test your conducting skills. You may be placed in a situation resembling a field performance and asked to conduct the band in a mock performance. Clarity, precision and confidence are important for this section as it is designed to test your ability to lead and direct the band in a performance environment. Teaching: This is another section of your audition that requires excellent leadership skills. You may be given a small group of band members to teach a simple routine or command, and you’ll then be judged on how well you can communicate with the group and how quickly you can teach them. Interview: The purpose of this section should be pretty clear. You will likely be interviewed by your superiors, which may include your band director and possibly a drum major selection committee. Each candidate is typically asked the same questions, all designed to measure your specific skills: leadership skills, musical ability, conducting ability, and anything else relevant to the position. Vote: In some schools, the rest of the band can vote on who they think is the best choice for drum major. The purpose of the vote is to give everyone in the band a chance to make their contribution, as the drum major will be leading the band it is only fitting that their opinion of who the band leader should be be considered.

Drum major tips and techniques

Looking for tips for conducting the drum major? Here’s some solid advice to follow if you want to be the best Drum Major possible!

Practice, practice, practice – and then practice some more!

Show up early to every practice, event and competition.

Support your other band members.

Be enthusiastic! Make sure you love what you do and show that enthusiasm at all times.

Work on your communication skills.

See failure as an opportunity to learn.

Do your best to set an example for the rest of the band.

Remember to be professional and helpful.

As you can see, being a drum major is about more than just playing the drums or conducting. You must also serve as a teacher, role model, friend, advisor, and much more. It’s up to you to move the band forward – and sound great. These drum major tips should help!

Is it worth being a drum major?

Being a drum major is no small thing — especially when you’re new to the role. At times you may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities that the job entails.

However, it is important not to get discouraged. Being a drum major is incredibly rewarding – and definitely worth the extra responsibility.

Hopefully these tips for being a drum major have shown you just that.

There are many other drum major tips you can use if you want to become a drum major, but this should give you a good starting point. Being the drum major of a band can be a demanding and sometimes difficult job, but it’s a rewarding experience and something that will look great on your resume!

If you’re serious, private music lessons and regular practice is the best way to improve and become the leader drum majors need to be. Good luck in your musical endeavors, and even if the position of drum major doesn’t seem right for you, remember that there are many other avenues of musical expression; Anyone with a passion for music belongs in the band, so find the right position for you and surpass it!

Photo by Renee Silverman

drum major

I took trumpet lessons once, but I got injured.

Dear Word Detective: I’m one of the drum majors in my high school’s marching band, and when I tell people this, they usually respond, “You play drums?” and I respond, “No,” because a drum major is the marching leader of a drum corps or a band and I don’t play drums. So I’ve always wondered – why is it called “drum major” when it has nothing to do with physically playing an instrument? – Tim O’Neil.

That’s a damn good question, but first I have a suggestion, Tim. Your life will be a lot easier if you just bite the bullet and learn to play some kind of drum, and I’m speaking from experience. Most people, the regular ones, see the title of this column (“The Word Detective”) and imagine, “Hey, this guy answers questions about words and language.” However, other people ask me to track down their cheating husband or questions about Microsoft Word to answer. I actually answered someone’s question about “non-printable characters” in MS Word a few days ago. It just seemed easier than explaining that they were barking up the wrong tree.

I have to admit that I’ve never given much thought to what drum majors actually do, so I was surprised to see that there are a number of websites dedicated to drum majors, as well as a very authoritative sounding Wikipedia page. For example, I knew that you lead the band, but I didn’t realize that you play much the same role as the conductor of an orchestra, albeit usually with slightly simpler movements of a baton or baton. On the other hand, my experience with school bands is playing the triangle in fourth grade.

Although today we typically associate “drum majors” with high school or college marching bands, the position and title both have military origins more than 400 years ago. In the days before radio or even reliable signal lights, the regimental drum corps (which often included bugle, fife, or bagpipe players) was a vital battlefield communication tool, relaying marching and combat orders from commanders to distant units.

The “drum major” was the non-commissioned officer in command of a regiment’s drum corps, “major” in this case being an abbreviation of “sergeant major”. The earliest printed instance of the term drum major dates from 1598, but if Wikipedia is to be believed the position was not officially established in the British Army until 1650.

By the 19th century, the military drum corps’ mission had expanded from service on the battlefield to appearances at public ceremonies and concerts, the music they performed was becoming more sophisticated than standard marches, and the drum major’s role was becoming more akin to that of a conductor than that a battlefield commander. But the bands remained military entities, and college and high school marching bands have copied the military model, with elaborate precision marching routines and quasi-military uniforms.

morning star

[English]

The large, ornate, tapered baton or baton used by a drum major to signal music and marching directions in a marching band or military band.

Before each kick-off in the Big House, 100,000 pairs of eyes glue themselves to a person dressed in white.

On Saturday, that person will be Matthew Cloutier for the last time. The senior from Grosse Ile takes his final turn as drum major of the U-M Marching Band and will bend over backwards to please the crowd. Literally.

The University of Michigan drum major has been performing the signature backbend since the late 1960s. According to Cloutier, the first drum major to perform the trick was so flexible he barely had to bend his knees.

“From what I’ve heard, he could just bend back at the waist and hit his head on the floor,” Cloutier said. “That’s how the whole tradition started.”

The first drum major to remove his hat during backbend was Matthew Pickus in 1993. Cloutier said some of the tradition was added after Pickus had a less than perfect backbend during a game earlier in the season.

“A fan gave him a hard time because he doesn’t do a great backbend, so Matt told him to watch the next game,” he said.

“He went all out and took his hat off and set the new standard for what was expected of us.”

Taking off the hat didn’t catch on immediately due to the increased difficulty, but it became a staple of the tradition in the early 2000s.

The drum major has other duties besides backbend before the game. Cloutier must help keep time and give cues with his whistle, fill in as assistant conductor and perform a very important baton trick.

“The other important thing before the game is to throw the baton over the goalpost and catch it,” he said. “The superstition is if you catch it Michigan will win but if you drop it we will lose.”

To be selected as drum major, Cloutier had to fill out an application and then perform all the assignments and tricks in front of a panel of School of Music professors. When the field was reduced to three or four candidates, the whole band had their say.

“We all had to go out and do the whole routine, the backbend, the baton throw and the cues in front of the whole band. It was a bit nerve-racking,” he said.

My nerve-racking move came when Cloutier was teaching me how to do the famous maneuver. Remember, he’s been practicing the move for four years.

Watch the video above to learn how the backbend is done and see if I was able to pull one off.

Is there a building in the Ann Arbor area that has always made you wonder, an event that deserves more attention, or a person doing great things in the community that should be recognized?

We’ll be highlighting all of this and more in our weekly Did You Know? video series.

The videos appear on our website every Wednesday afternoon and you can find them in your inbox by subscribing to MLive’s 3@3 newsletter – if you haven’t already, sign up here!

We’d love to hear from you about the best hidden stories around Washtenaw County.

Ben Freed is a general assignment reporter, know-it-all, and bison pelt collector for The Ann Arbor News. At aUM Yoga he works on his back flexibility. Email [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @BFreedinA2. He also answers the phone at 734-623-2528.