Any hints on being a High School Drum Major?

Question: Any hints on being a High School Drum Major!?

I'm already behind since the director and two drum majors now favor one!. I need any hint I can get, including basic things!. I really do mean anything!.
THANKS!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Your question is a bit ambiguous, so i have to assume that you are auditioning for drum major!.

My experience in high school, they said it was not a popularity contest, they were right! Being drum major is not glamorous at all-it's stressfull! My h!.s!. director always chose the individual with leadership skills, the one who would get the most respect from students and staff!. Never the best spinner,marcher, musician, conductor, etc!. because without respect-the whole band/pageantry corps is dead!

My experience as a director of high school bands, I listen to my student officers,(like the graduating D!.M!.) they know who has a good or bad reputation, who has the strength of charachter to make the group come alive, who can handle the stress best, and who knows how to balance between being a buddy and a bully!

What i demand from a prospective D!.M!. is;
1!. be a highly skilled musician
2!. live the example all the time (long before you ever wanted to be a dm)
3!. be a skilled, patient comunicator
4!. know what the big picture is and what your part is in that picture!.
5!. be able to conduct and spin a mace well!.
6!. be passionate about our groups success
7!. maturity
8!. learn to read a score
9!. know marching techniques/how to read drill charts & be able to teach those skills!.
10!. Have the respect of the rank & file members of the band and pageantry corps!.
11!. be humble, not egotistical!
anybody lacking one of those 11 qualities will not do well in the role of DM!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Be a leader and learn to conduct different patterns (6/8, 4/4, 3/4, 2/2, etc)Www@QuestionHome@Com