[EugeneR]

Hi SotW, Our school is started Drum Major auditions early because of a new high school opening next year, and I would like some help with some of the speaking portion of the audition.
We have been asked to write down 3 minor goals, 1 major goal, and my philosophy on band/leadership, and I was wondering what kind of answers I should avoid.
If anyone can help what kind of answers I should avoid, or any other tips or suggestions on how I can effectively do well on the tryouts would be great.

 

[bandmommy]

Write everything down. Practice speaking in front of a mirror, parents, friends not auditioning for the spot.
You know your director and how they run the band program. You know the current Drum Majors and how they handle their responsibilities. You have an idea of what is expected.
Don't be a 'wise A', and take a moment to think before answering any questions put before you.
Be yourself, and most of all be honest.
Most directors will be looking for a student that is confident, respectful, has good leadership skills, and is articulate.
It doesn't hurt if you can yell loudly, march like a pro, read drill charts, read a full score, and can conduct with one hand and use the other for 'musical expression'. ie... p-FFF while still keeping even time with the other.

I'll bet you already knew this stuff right?

 

[EugeneR]

Yes, I learned how to conduct from my sister who was a Drum Major her senior when I was in 7th grade. And I can read a full score, can be one of the loudest and told to be a good marcher.
But would most directors prefer a full thought out full long answer for a short answer?

 

[maddenma]

I would also avoid Ohio State....

 

[bandmommy]

You can answer a question in a full, thought out manner with out using a lot of 'words'. Answer directly and to the point.

 

[maddenma]

In general, in life, most leaders, band or otherwise, prefer concise answers that are well thought out, but use the fewest words to convey the full meaning.

If it takes you 10 minutes to say something someone else can do in 3, you've lost your audience long before you made your point.

In business, it's often helpful to come to the conclusion in the opening minute (tell them what you're going to tell them) and then go into the explanation of how you got there (the why). That way you keep your audience engaged.

 

[maddenma]

You know, it just occured to me that this works in music as well.

Let's use a simple example -- a jazz or rock chart with only an A section (also works for an A+B). You state the melody twice (what you're trying to say). You improvise around the melody (tell them the why) then you come back to the melody with some slight improvisations (tell them what you just told them and the salient points you made in the explanation) and repeat it (tell them again to make sure they remember what you said). In a pop tune that's over in 3-ish minutes. You didn't bore them, you engaged them in the conversation, and they didn't tune out -- which might be why popular music is, well, popular.

That said, if the subject requires lengthy explanation, then by all means, spend more time on the explanation, but inevitably you want to tell them what you came to say, tell them why, and then come back remind them what you told them in the shortest form reasonably possible that paints the clearest picture without getting lost in the minutia.