Tomorrow from 4PM-6PM I am going to demonstrate my leadership as well as drum major skills for my school's marching band. In a previous thread, I stated that I was running for band captain, and not interested in being a drum major because of my love for actually playing the music, not just conducting it. However, entering the Drum Major Prelims is something everybody does, so I'm going with it, and it is a good way to have my leadership skills recognized by higher authorities to consider my application to band captain. I really don't know what I'll choose to do if I do make it into the final eliminations for drum major. It would be pretty cool, and I'm starting to wonder "What if...?" I did go for drum major? Food for thought. The thing challenging me most is my hand independence for doing crescendos and decrescendos and cues, as well as general "original style."
It's pretty late for this, but any hints before I go to school tomorrow? Also, if I do make finals, do you think I should go for drum major or not? Of course everyone is going to say do what I want, but I want to know what you would do in my situation.
Expectations at Prelims:
• Teach a group of random people a randomly picked marching movement (i.e. attention, parade rest, etc). - Assesses ability to lead others.
• Receive a tempo for 2 measures with a metronome, which is then turned off, then conduct 4 measures of 4/4, 4 measures of 3/4, 4 measures of 2/4, then cut off, keeping in mind the initial tempo. - Assesses ability to keep tempo and beat internalized.
• Do an introductory salute of your creation for 12-16 beats. - Assesses originality and discipline.
• Conduct a personally chosen song arranged for a marching band. I chose: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaT3On1cN-M"]Theme from Star Trek Generations[/ame] - Assesses ability to conduct a band using different styles and hand gestures such as cues.
• Do a closing salute of 8-12 beats. - Assesses originality and discipline.
It's pretty late for this, but any hints before I go to school tomorrow? Also, if I do make finals, do you think I should go for drum major or not? Of course everyone is going to say do what I want, but I want to know what you would do in my situation.
Expectations at Prelims:
• Teach a group of random people a randomly picked marching movement (i.e. attention, parade rest, etc). - Assesses ability to lead others.
• Receive a tempo for 2 measures with a metronome, which is then turned off, then conduct 4 measures of 4/4, 4 measures of 3/4, 4 measures of 2/4, then cut off, keeping in mind the initial tempo. - Assesses ability to keep tempo and beat internalized.
• Do an introductory salute of your creation for 12-16 beats. - Assesses originality and discipline.
• Conduct a personally chosen song arranged for a marching band. I chose: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaT3On1cN-M"]Theme from Star Trek Generations[/ame] - Assesses ability to conduct a band using different styles and hand gestures such as cues.
• Do a closing salute of 8-12 beats. - Assesses originality and discipline.
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