Hi everyone!

I recently got accepted as a drum major (i'm a new junior, there's a second year senior and a new senior drum major as well), and I was wondering if you guys had any tips to make sure my band has a good season. I know this site is full of nerds so I was hoping someone would have some experience/insight lol

My school has over 200+ kids in the marching band, we're a AAAA which is as large as my state (Wisconsin) has as far as class size. I'm nervous managing so many people well as gaining respect among the band, especially as a junior with so many seniors on our leadership team.

any tips, tidbits, or personal stories are welcome!!! :)

I've never been a drum major, but I can share some tips.

Have confidence in whatever you are doing in front of the band. Typically, in the band world, directors are at the top of the command pyramid and then the drum majors are right behind them, therefore the band will follow the drum major's lead, especially if the directors are not around at that moment, so having confidence will not only boost you, but also boost the band.

Always be watching the band members. Maybe during practices, call out specific people or sections for what they're doing well. Doing so may help them be more confident in playing or marching. It may also help younger kids trust and like you by calling them out for something positive, rather than something negative, which is more common.

Also just have fun! You have two other drum majors who will be by your side during the marching season and will help you as much as you help them. When I was in my band program, our drum majors were often seen working with our director team, so not only did they have each other, but also the directors too.

Oh and have pride. Often, the drum majors are the first thing people see when the band comes marching along wherever it is. Let people know who yall are = Facial expressions. My drum majors were always fierce and set the tone: "We are here to show yall what we can do."

That's all I have for now. Hopefully these tips help you out in the long run. Best of luck!