In the past, we’ve used a Google Form toward the end of March for students to indicate which leadership positions they are interested in. As part of the process, all applicants must also submit three teacher recommendations. Those recommendations are collected through a separate Google Form that only the band directors can view.
Once applications and recommendations are submitted, students sign up for a time slot for their audition/interview. We typically hold those in mid-April.
For Section Leader candidates, the interview focuses on questions designed to gauge their maturity, leadership mindset, and how they would handle situations they may encounter within their section. We try to get a sense of their thought process and how they approach responsibility.
Drum Major candidates go through a similar interview process but also complete an audition component. This includes marching, conducting, and calling commands so we can evaluate both their leadership presence and their technical ability.
Once students are selected, our Drum Majors attend a drum major leadership camp during the summer. We also hold our own in-house leadership training that all student leaders are required to attend so we can go over expectations, communication, and how they can best support the program throughout the year.
Throughout the year, we also hold weekly leadership meetings. These meetings give us a chance to check in with our student leaders, communicate important information for the upcoming week, and get a sense of what is going on within the different sections of the band.
This year I also put together a leadership contract that outlines the responsibilities and expectations for all student leaders. Any student selected for a leadership role, along with their parents, will be required to sign the contract so that expectations are clearly communicated from the beginning.