We have roughly 1/4 of our kids on leadership in some capacity. 30-40 depending on the year.
Drum majors (2-4 depending) Captains (1-2 woodwind, 1-2 brass, 1 battery, 1 pit) Section leaders (one per section) Assistant section leaders (0-3, depending on size of section and available candidates) Logistics team (uniforms, equipment, field, etc).
Logistics is for the kids who are strong leaders or just want to help, but are not strong players or marchers.
Assistant section leader is basically section leader in training. Depending on how many in the section, sometimes we assign smaller groups within the section (basically squads but we don't use that term). They might pull out small groups or individuals from a sectional.
Section leaders run sectional rehearsals and serve as "section mom/dad" for their section.
Captains fill in for any missing section leaders and serve as field techs in marching. They often pull individuals or small groups during marching fundamentals.
Drum majors are drum majors.
All are expected to lead by example at all times and in every way. Performance, behavior, attendance. They also help plan social activities and other band events.
We use Classic Leadership by Tim Lautzenheiser as our primary curriculum. Our application process is modeled after Scott Lang materials. Students do a written application and a teaching audition. We consider attendance (both band and school), grades, references from teachers. We do a leadership "camp" for a few days before summer band.
Leadership kids work hard but also get some privileges. When we need a band for an event we often take just the leadership kids along. They do a lot with our middle schools as well. Many opportunities to skip school, so their grades need to be good.
I don't have the budget for a large staff of lessons, masterclasses, or techs. Student leaders serve in all of those capacities.
One of the best ideas (not original with me) for selecting leaders:
Prior to any selection/election of students for Leadership Team positions:
Let all band members know about the positions you wish to fill (drum major, band president, loading crew, etc.).
Ask interested students to submit a one page statement of their interest in the chosen position and how they wish to contribute from that role. (This is basically a self-nomination.) Privately disqualify those students who do not evidence those traits you wish to encourage in your students. Tell each disqualified student specific qualities that can be developed to qualify them for future consideration.
For those whose self-nomination assures you of their interest in working for the good of the band, conduct any auditions or try-outs required for the position.
Select members based on their performance in try-outs, their vote total, etc.
When all positions are filled, you have written evidence of each student's intent to work hard in the positions they have earned or been elected to fill. Should a student fall short of your expectations, you have evidence with which you can privately confront the student and offer the non-performing student leader an opportunity to correct the actions that are not consistent with your expectations and her/his own written intent.
The entire process discourages students from trivial participation in leadership roles and offers the director opportunities to counsel students toward positive contributions to the organization.
I find that the more students I have on the leadership team, the more ownership the students have:
Drum Majors
Guard Captain Guard Squad Leaders
Drum Captain Drum Squad Leaders
Section Leaders Squad Leaders in every section
9th/10th Grade Presidents
Field Commanders
Librarians
Social Officers
Social Media Team
Equipment Managers
Secretary
At-Large
The Super 7: 5 drum majors, drum captain, and guard captain
Then we also have apprentices - discussed after the season starts and designed to give responsibility to future potential leadership members. They help with setting up the voice machine, drum major stands, emergency cart, etc...
Social Officers Social officers raise the morale of the band members. The primary duties are: 1. Keep spirits high 2. Recognize milestones throughout the year like birthdays or major academic achievements 3. Plans and holds social gatherings that are non-band related such as movie night, ice cream party, pool party, ice-skating, or bowling 4. Plan spirit days with leadership team
Secretary The secretary is more of a clerical position within the band. The primary duties are: 1. Keeps notes at all leadership meetings 2. Takes daily attendance 3. Handles all band correspondence (hanging of posters received in mail) 4. Ensures that the instructional staff is always thanked and appreciated (directors, marching techs, private lessons instructors) 5. Ensures that school administration is thanked and appreciated on behalf of the band 6. Collects/distributes paperwork 7. Works with section leaders to distribute lockers 8. Monitors upkeep of the lockers and work with Drum Majors to determine consequences
Member-At-Large A “member-at-large” refers to someone appointed to represent the entire membership rather than a specific section with their duties and responsibilities being flexible and assigned as needed. Some of these duties may include: 1. Administrative tasks 2. Helping students with assignments 3. Keeping areas cleaned 4. Delegating duties to underclassmen 5. Assisting with other leadership members
