2009 DM Tryouts!!!! #ahhh#

[altoclarinets]

Well, it's coming back on that time. Who's trying out? What are the requirements? Post away!

[altoclarinet123]

Hi! Oh... the symbol thing changed << It was bunnies like five minutes ago... Why didn't people post here yet??? You already know all this... Well, here goes nothing.

Soo... we have to write and essay (What type of experience would you like the 2009 Marching Band season to be? What are some goals? How can I help accomplish that?), resume, and fill out the application, there is an interview, and they look at our marching technique, marching commands, and conducting (apparently they are looking for dynamics and cues.

This year I am just trying out "for fun" - meaning I don't really want it this year, but next year. I don't want to be nervous about the tryouts and I want to know what is expected. I am only a freshman and there are plenty of qualified upperclassmen, so I don't think it is a problem.

[jazztastic]

Mine is 8 May!
All we have to do is pretty much prove ourselves in the eye of the director, attend strict leadership seminars (if you miss one you get eliminated), writing assignment of five things the job does and five it doesn't, an interview, and conducting the band to the first two songs of our 2008 show. Pretty easy ;D

My only dilemma: My BEST friend is trying out, and since we're bumping up to Div. III this coming season, our director is considering having two DM's, but will probably change his mind. And we're the only two trying out. Oi.

[clarinetrox2012]

I'm trying out "for fun" too. Next year I'm getting serious. We have to write an essay on what leadership means to us. >.<

[jazztastic]

My writing assignment was to LIST 5 Things a DM does, and 5 Things a DM Doesn't. Well, I accidentally end up writing an essay because I felt the need to elaborate...


"One job of a DM is to be a role model and a knowledgable leader to the band. They must know how to march well and execute moves so they can show others. They must also have a positive, respectful attitude. A DM has great skill on their instrument and music in general to teach, uphold, and motivate a high musical standard.
A key part of being DM is knowing how to conduct. A DM must be able to conduct the music and lead the band, knowing and memorizing the songs and their cues, dynamics, and time signatures.
A DM carries out the orders of the directors, instills discipline, and keeps order. A DM is meant to serve the band by being an extension of the voice of the directors and fulfilling their orders. Their job also includes keeping the band disciplined and respectful and to maintain order, making sure tasks get accomplished.
The DM represents the band. How the DM acts and appears is a reflection of the band. This is also true in competition. Because the DM represents the band, it is also their job to salute judges/announcers before a show, and to accept awards on behalf of the band.
Besides being a role model, conducting and understanding music, carrying out orders, and being a representation, the DM's most important role is to motivate the group and instill passion to drive them to success. The DM should have a positive outlook, a passion for music, and a drive for their job. This gives them the power to inspire the band or bring them down."


OK, now the funny ones: FIVE THINGS A DRUM MAJOR SHOULD NOT DO

1.) A DM should not be a hypocrite. If the DM says to stop texting or talking, the DM should follow their own orders as well.

2.) A DM should not be a total power Nazi.

3.) A DM should not be late to rehearsals and come unprepared.

4.) A DM should not be constantly screaming and humiliating people for minute issues. Yelling should be reserved for commanding.

5.) The DM should not fight the band directors. If a DM has an issue, it should be brought up in private or discretely, instead of making a scene in front of the band.

6.) (I couldn't leave this one out). A DM should not not be open to criticism and suggestions. *Note: the double negative.

[Marine.]

Apr 28, 2009 16:16:34 GMT -5 clarinetrox2012 said:

I'm trying out "for fun" too. Next year I'm getting serious. We have to write an essay on what leadership means to us. >.<

You should NEVER try out for DM for fun. If you get it and didn't really mean to it's gonna make you look really bad.

[crenee25]

We have to:
1) Conduct to an excerpt of Westside story performed by this years Drum Majors
2) Do some solo marching routines
3) Write a short paper on why we want to be a DM and etc.
4) An interview with the directors
5) Perform a salute
6) Do a group marching routine, alternating who yells the commands
7) And some other random conducting drills

hehe.... Im just a little nervous.... Juuussst a little

[keyslinger]

wow apparently i got off easy i just had to conduct some stand tunes and use some voice commads

[crenee25]

You are soooo lucky! My school is a 9th and 10th grade school only...I'm going to be a 10th grader next year... We have 12 people trying out and 3 spots to fill.

[keyslinger]

wow good luck.

[~*Not~a~Stalker~*]

I made it.

[Marine.]

May 18, 2009 20:47:40 GMT -5 ~*Not~a~Stalker~* said:

I made it.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Deleted]

Agreed

[~*Not~a~Stalker~*]

May 22, 2009 17:38:05 GMT -5 Marine. said:

May 18, 2009 20:47:40 GMT -5 ~*Not~a~Stalker~* said:

I made it.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

;D ;D ;D ;D
Thanks!!

[jazztastic]

I have *officially* made it since Thursday.
I'm a bit scared actually that I might have to wear a Batman costume and co-DM is going to be wearing a Superman one because of our superhero theme...