2007-2008
FORT HILL BAND DRUM MAJOR AUDITIONS
Requirements, Guidelines, & Agreement
I. Qualifications
The position of Drum Major of the Fort Hill High School Marching Band is open to all upcoming second, third, and fourth year wind and percussion members. Because the position requires a great deal of musical knowledge, it is not typical for an auxiliary member to audition; however, any upcoming second, third, or fourth year auxiliary member who has been and continues to be enrolled in a band class may audition once he/she demonstrates to Mr. Thompson's satisfaction an acceptable level of musical knowledge. Leadership experience in either the band or another organization is highly recommended. Candidates must meet and maintain Allegany County standards for academic eligibility in extracurricular activities.
The student and parent agreement form must be returned to Mr. Thompson by the appropriate deadline date. Students will not be included in the selection process after this date.
II. Requirements/Audition Process
Auditions for the position of Drum Major will consist of three phases:
PHASE ONE
All candidates must write an essay explaining his/her reasons for wanting to become Drum Major. This essay should reflect the candidate's leadership skills, his/her definition of a true leader, the goals he/she will set, and why he/she is best suited for this job. The essay must be typed and should conform to the rules of basic grammar and composition. The essays will be given to the selection committee for review and consideration.
PHASE TWO
The second phase will consist of an interview with the selection committee. The candidate's qualifications will be reviewed at this time and various questions typical of a job interview will be asked. It is expected candidates will dress and groom themselves appropriately for this phase.
PHASE THREE
The final phase will be the actual conducting audition in front of the band and selection committee. All candidates will be given one 3 minute practice session with the band prior to the audition. Candidates will be required to conduct the National Anthem and an assigned excerpt from a concert band selection.
Once the phases are complete, Mr. Thompson will meet with the selection committee to choose the two finalists.
III. Deadlines & Audition Dates*
The student/parent agreement form must be turned in by Friday, April 16, at 2:35pm.
The essay must be turned in by Friday, May 16, at 2:35pm.
The interview will be held on Friday, May 5 after school in the Choral Room.
The conducting audition will be held on Tuesday, May 4 and Wednesday, May 5 during 1st period Band.
The finalists will be named by Friday, May 7 on the Band Room chalkboard and forthillband.com.
*Mr. Thompson reserves the right to change any of the above dates if an emergency situation arises.
THERE WILL BE NO DEADLINE EXTENSIONS OR MAKE-UP DATES!!!
IV. Guidelines and Other Stuff
1. It is very important to understand that this audition process will not be decided based solely on conducting. This process should be treated like a job interview and not a competition where the person with the highest score wins. The finalist(s) will be selected by a majority vote of the selection committee. Based on the information in the essay, interview, and audition, these people will do their best to make an unbiased decision when selecting the drum major (s).
2. There are no "assistant" positions! If more than one Drum Major is chosen they will share the responsibilities equally as partners. In the event that the new drum major (s) cannot fulfill their duties, Mr. Thompson will select any replacements or successors. Because it is possible there may only be one finalist, everyone needs to prepare him or herself for the possibility of defeat. This is not meant to sound cruel! it is simply the truth of the matter.
3. It is recommended the candidates seek the assistance of former Drum Majors from FHHS and other schools in preparing for the conducting audition.
4. It is important to understand that you are auditioning for the top student leadership position in the band. This is not a position to be taken lightly; we pride ourselves on the tradition and spirit that this band represents. You must be prepared to make this job your FIRST priority. The drum major (s) cannot miss rehearsals or performances, nor can they adopt sloppy etiquette and poor attitudes. All appointments, meetings, and athletic events must be scheduled around band activities. If you do not think you can handle this, drop out of the audition now!
5. It is important to realize that conducting is only a small portion of the Drum Majors' duties. In fact, this job consists of about 90% leadership and 10% conducting. Do not audition just because you want to wear a flashier outfit and conduct the band! This is a very small portion of the job.
6. All deadlines and audition dates have been set. There will be NO make-up dates or deadline extensions. You must work around other conflicts to be at these functions. Plan accordingly.
7. If you do not feel that this selection process is fair, or if you do not feel that Mr. Thompson and the selection committee can make an honest, justifiable decision on the finalists, please do not audition for this position.
8. NOTE TO ALL PARENTS OF DRUM MAJOR CANDIDATES: In order to be fair and unbiased to all of the candidates involved in the audition process, I will not discuss the audition process or the final outcome with any parent at any time. I ask that everyone please respect this policy.
Good luck to all!!!
http://www.onlinedrummajor.com/
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