Drum Major Audition

Congratulations on your decision to audition for Drum Major!

In this packet you will learn the process and materials need to audition for Drum Major, but
first what is a Drum Major? The Drum Major leads by example and exemplifies the positive
attitude, strong work ethic, spirit and morale of the North Iredell High School Band
Program. Make sure you understand what it means to be the Drum Major, as well as the
responsibility involved. You must have confidence, and the ability to balance the authority and
relationships with the band. The Drum Major is a Musician, Marching Specialist, Teacher,
Administrator, Communicator, Leader, Performer, and Friend.

Step 1:

Application
Fill out the application and return it to Mr. Dowell along with all other materials in
one manila envelope no later than the deadline as posted on the band website.

Contract
Read, sign and have your parent/guardian sign the North Iredell High School Drum
Major Contract. Please return it to Mr. Dowell along with all other materials in one
manila envelope no later than the deadline as posted on the band website.

Recommendations
Please have 2 adults fill out the attached recommendation form and return it to you in
a sealed envelope. At least one recommendation must be a NIHS staff member,
however both may be a NIHS staff member. Recommendations must be turned in
with all other materials in one manila envelope no later than the deadline as posted
on the band website.

Paper
Please type a paper on “Why I want to be a Drum Major?”
-One Page (only)
-Double spaced
-12 font Times New Roman
-Name and Title
-1in margins
Please turn in with all other materials in one manila envelope no later than the
deadline as posted on the band website.
 Drum Major Audition

Step 2: Practice Session

All students auditioning for drum major should set up at least one practice session (lesson)
during E-Block or after school with Mr. Dowell to work on conducting – practice before you
come for your lesson.

Step 3: Verbal Commands

● Stand at attention with good posture.
●Remember you are presenting yourself: look and sound confident.
● It may feel silly yelling commands at home out of context, but practicing
is the best way to
prepare for the audition.
● When calling the commands, support your voice the way you would an instrument. Breathe
deep into your diaphragm, and use plenty of air.
● BE LOUD! But also remember to be crisp and understandable. Make sure that you aren’t
sacrificing your understandability for volume.
● Each command should be preceded by 4 claps.
● Please pause after each command. If you forget which command you are on, take a second
to remember. Memorize and perform the commands in this order:
1. Band
2. Band Ten Hut
3. Band Horns Up
4. Dress Center Dress
5. Band Ready Front
6. Band Horns Up
7. Mark Time Mark (any tempo)
8. Forward Move
9. Band Halt

Step 4: Memorize “The qualities of a leader”

CONFIDENCE: to lead others
ENTHUSIAMS & ENERGY: to go above and beyond the call of duty
PERSISTANCE: to finish the job you start
PATIENCE: there is no standard time for how long learning takes
FRIENDLINESS: to everyone
HONESTY: to tell the truth
SELF-MOTIVATED: don't wait to be asked to do something
DEDICATION: to the band program and all the members
SELF-DISCIPLINED: you naturally do what you are supposed to do
HUMILITY: to have all these strong traits and remain humble
 Drum Major Audition

Step 5: Conducting
Conducting Part 1:
●You will conduct 8 measures of each time: 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4. These should be done
consecutively as 24 continuous measures.
●Ritard the last 4 beats, then give a fermata on the downbeat after the ritard.
●Give an “and down” after the release of the fermata.

Conducting Part 2:
●Conduct 4 measures in 4/4 time of each style: Legato, Staccato, Marcato.
●This will total 12 measures. Like before, don’t stop in between, start the Staccato
measures as soon as the Legato ones are finished.
●Legato: Points are smooth and rounded out, fingers should be slightly bent with
loose wrists.
●Staccato: form an “OK” with fingers, conduct with flick of wrist.
●Marcato: Fingers together, straight wrists, heavy beats.

Conducting Part 3:
●You will conduct along with a recording selected by Mr. Dowell. You should give
Mr.Dowell a blank CD ASAP for him to burn the audition song.
●Be sure to add style, dynamics, facial expressions, articulations, cues and energy. Be creative.

Conducting Tips
● Practice in front of a mirror.
● Practice with a metronome.
● Make sure all the beats are clear.
● Work with another person watching you. The best way to get feedback on conducting is to
have someone else watch and make observations and corrections.
● Here are the patterns for each of the time signatures. Note that these trace the path of the
right hand only, you should conduct with both hands, left mirroring right.

The first version is staccato

and marcato for faster tempos
and the second version is
legato for slower tempos.
 Drum Major Audition

Step 6: Question & Answer

There will be a simple Question & Answer interview after you have finished conducting.
Sample Questions
1. How would you describe a perfect band?
2. How would you describe a perfect leader?
3. How would you describe a perfect band member?
4. How would you describe a perfect drum major?
5. How do you maintain high standards and get along with people?
6. What leadership experience do you have?
7. What is your attendance record (school and band events)?
8. What can you bring to the role of drum major?

Feel free to ask the current Drum Majors and/or Mr. Dowell any questions, or for extra help with any aspect
of the audition.

Best of luck in your audition!

The new Drum Major(s) will be announced at the

Band Banquet.
The Drum Major responsibilities and duties will go into
effect once announced.
 Drum Major Audition

North Iredell High School Drum Major Application

Name: __________________________________________ Current Grade: ____________

Marching Instrument(s): _____________________________________________________

Have you held any leadership positions in other groups? Please list. ____________________

_________________________________________________________________________

What leadership skills have you already brought to the Band? (i.e., tell me what you have done
to earn Drum Major):

Have you held a leadership position in any organization (including Band) before? (If yes,
please elaborate):

Have you ever missed a Band rehearsal or performance, excused or unexcused? (If yes, please
elaborate):

What plans do you have for the future of the Band, how can they be implemented, and what
do you see as their long-term results?

(Read Back – You may use a separate piece of paper to answer questions)
 Drum Major Audition

Qualities of a Drum Major

The individual should be intelligent, and should have the capability to think quickly
under pressure.

A strong dedication to the band program by the individual is vital.

The individual's musical ability should be of the highest level.

The position is leadership-oriented; outstanding leadership qualities should be evident

long before becoming drum major.

The candidate should be personable and get along well with others.

Candidate should be very dependable, organized and punctual.

The Drum Major is placed in a conspicuous position and is subject to spectator

criticism and therefore should "look" the part at all times.

Exhibiting a good attitude and encouraging good morale within the band is a major
responsibility of the Drum Major.

The Drum Major must be enthusiastic in his/her dealings with the band.

By returning this application you are showing that you understand what is being expected of
you, should you qualify for the position. A Drum Major is not expected to be at all rehearsals,
he/she is REQUIRED to be at them all. There are no free days for the Drum Major, he or
she is working all the time. You will be held to a much higher standard than you have ever
been held before, and you will be asked to make numerous sacrifices for the good of the band
program. Do not return this application unless you have absolutely no hesitations about what
this position entails.
 Drum Major Audition

North Iredell High School Drum Major Contract

It is understood that if I am selected to Drum Major, I will be expected to:

1. Support the Band Director and other Staff with the utmost dedication,
devotion and loyalty.
2. Maintain a strong dedication to the entire band program.
3. Not miss any rehearsals, performances or functions of the band except for
severe illness or death in the family.
4. Attend all Band Booster meetings.
5. Up-hold the highest possible standards as set for all band members.
6. Participate in other band events (pep band, jazz band, special performances,
etc.)
7. Demonstrate the highest level of musicianship throughout the entire year.
8. If not chosen, I will assume my regular role in the band and give full
cooperation to the director and other members selected.
9. Purchase the required equipment.
10. Maintain high grades.

I agree to follow the above policies and the policies of the marching band. I understand that failure to do so may
result in my being removed as drum major.

Student Signature__________________________________Date_____________________

I agree to help my student follow the above polices and the policies of the marching band.

Parent Signature___________________________________Date_____________________
North Iredell High School Drum Major Recommendation

Student Name: _____________________________________ Current Grade: ________________

This recommendation completed by: ________________________________________________

Title: ____________________________________ Contact Info: __________________________

Please rate the student on each of the following areas of personal competence:

1- Never 5- Always

1 2 3 4 5
Punctual
Motivated
Shows Initiative
Demonstrates Maturity
Has Leadership Qualities
Dependable
Has Self-Confidence/Poised
Shows People Skills
High Academic Achievement
Shows Creativity
Fulfills Commitments
Shows Responsibility
Has good work habits; is disciplined
Completes Assignments
Accepts Constructive Criticism

Signature:______________________________________________Date:___________________

PLEASE RETURN TO STUDENT IN A SEALED ENVELOPE.

North Iredell High School Drum Major Recommendation

Student Name: _____________________________________ Current Grade: ________________

This recommendation completed by: ________________________________________________

Title: ____________________________________ Contact Info: __________________________

Please rate the student on each of the following areas of personal competence:

1- Never 5- Always

1 2 3 4 5
Punctual
Motivated
Shows Initiative
Demonstrates Maturity
Has Leadership Qualities
Dependable
Has Self-Confidence/Poised
Shows People Skills
High Academic Achievement
Shows Creativity
Fulfills Commitments
Shows Responsibility
Has good work habits; is disciplined
Completes Assignments
Accepts Constructive Criticism

Signature:______________________________________________Date:___________________

PLEASE RETURN TO STUDENT IN A SEALED ENVELOPE.