How to Be A Drum Major

My leadership book is finally out!

Hey everyone, I was asked by a few people about conducting tips and what it's like being a drum major. I figured the best was is to simply make a video showing and explaining what it means to be a leader of a marching band and drum corps.

2009-2011 DM at Thousand Oaks High School
2011 DM at U.S. Army All-American Marching Band
2012- 2013 Head DM at Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps

[RainbowStupid]

I auditioned for drum major in February of this year and I remember this video helped me soo much. I'm now the drum major at my high school:)
UPDATE 5 YEARS LATER: WOW! I’m 21 now but I just wanted to boast about my achievements: During my time as a drum major I would fulfill a prestigious invitation to perform in London, won 1st & 2nd in many comps, & got opportunities to do some whacky stuff during field shows like jump over people and do some cartwheels. All of which I was the first to do so in the entire history of my school. If you’re in high school watching these for auditions you will be fine!! Practice practice practice. The most important part is your role as a leader because it’s the hardest part of being a drum major. You can learn how to spin & conduct, but leadership is not as easy to learn!

[KingMolotovIphone]

Most badass salute I've ever seen was when my drum major turned towards the audience, reached slowly behind his head, and slowly pulled out a baton. 

[jamiewakeruizrace]

I'm a first year drum major and tonight will be my first night conducting on field. Your video has helped me in several ways, thank you.

[mrtyaos]

I tried out at the end of sophomore year of high school to be a drum major. Prior to that, I wasn't a section leader, and did not hold any leadership position in the band. I hold to believe that if you try your best, and more importantly be yourself, someone along the decision making process will see that and then determine whether he or she wants you or not. Im not going to lie, sometimes there has to be some chemistry, but overall, just be yourself, and your inner leadership abilities will show

[MrNoUsername]

0:28 Conducting
2:22 Conducting Cues
3:47 Crescendo & Decrescendo
5:12 Cut Offs
6:53 Music On The Field
8:18 Salutes

[mrtyaos]

When I first tried out, there were five other people trying out, and one of them was the drum major the previous year. I wasn't sure I had a chance because I was kind of the quiet kid in the band. But just try your best, a lot of times its the chemistry between the staff because since there are so many aspects in this leadership role, they pick someone for who they are, not necessarily if they are the best at a certain part. Good luck!

[jessshock]

The family part is true. My freshman year the drum major who was a senior was a power mad b**** and no one respected her, while the junior drum major was known as "mama Marek" and had all the respect in the world

[izzdrizz]

Also remember, don't try to be someone you're not or be too much. Be who you are, if you make a mistake roll with it, and if you don't know about something or you forgot, don't be afraid to ask one of the other people auditioning.

Band is about musicianship and the experience, and even if you stumble once or twice, you can get back up with enough effort and confidence. My band director has said that he would rather have a kid who makes mistakes often but is eager to learn and try, than a perfect kid who is rude and mean-tempered. The Drum Major position isn't just about conducting, it's about being a good leader, being able to present yourself well, handle people even when everything is in a funk, and just overall be a good role model and leader for the band. If you show them that you want to lead and that you have the skill, often times a small slip up will mean nothing compared you your musicianship. Bonus points if you can rock that slip up and turn it into something cool.

Just do your best, and most of luck to those auditioning for Drum Major soon, as I am doing myself! ❤

- An 8th grader who wants to be Drum Major

[torirobinson]

This is a very helpful video, now to survive the dimming hope I have of not getting it. I've worked so hard, gone to camps, conducted, practiced commands, grown in my leadership skills, stayed positive, but the more and more people who are trying out against me, I'm losing hope. Now to survive that, I have to keep fighting for what I've wanted since the summer of freshman year. I know I can do it. I have to. 

[minteclairs]

I watched this video a few months ago, and now I am officially a drum major! Thank you for the help!

[kleinbaird]

I gotta make sure my friends who are also trying out for drum major at our high school don't see this video XD

[gamer]

How to be a Drum Major: 

Step 1: You don't because no one watches you.

[mrtyaos]

I'm glad I could help! Hope you have a great season. One day, you'll be able to share your experiences as DM to your future band members!

[LesTwinsSociety]

My close friend is an aspiring drum major, and I am definitely recommending this video to her. It was super helpful and detailed. (I've got about 3 friends who either were or are currently drum majors and I'm sure they would also agree with you especially about the leadership part at the end!) Thanks for making this!

[musical_peaches]

This video honestly helped me so much! I just got the news that I’m going to be the Drum Major for this year’s season! Thank you so much!

[JustinFanatic]

I just wanna let you know that my high school takes two drum majors every year. My senior year, there was 22 other people trying out for the position. I really wanted to stand out so I looked for helpful videos on YouTube, and I found yours. I watched it like 400 times and became much more confident. Drum majors are scored on a 100 point system. And when the inal scores came through, my grade was so much higher than all the rest that my director went with me as the one and only drum major!THANKS

[griff]

I remember commenting on this video 7 months ago when I was going to try out for Drum Major. And I did make the position. I love this video and the way you taught it. Thank you so much.

[victoriamoreorless]

Drum Major tryouts at my school in 2 weeks and your video has been really helpful for me!! Thanks so much!

[millipedle]

Our whole senior class is going to be gone next year, nobody else has the initiative to do it and I'm going to have to do this as a junior. This is so helpful.

[Majarou]

I feel this must have had a couple bloopers somewhere XD
But thank you so much for this. I already sort of knew what to do, but you just made it so clear with things such as angles and how to make it clear. I especially had problems with cut-offs, so this really helped me out