Guidelines for Drum Major Applicants

The following guidelines will be utilized for all drum major applicants:

Round 1 - Leadership Application and Portfolio (Submitted no later than Friday, April 19)

Make certain that each section of your application is fully complete. You do not need to fill out multiple applications if you are applying for drum major and section leader. It is recommended you type your responses in a separate word document, then copy/paste into the application.

Portfolio - In addition to the leadership application submitted online, all drum major applicants must submit a current resume along with two letters of recommendation no later than Friday, April 19 to Dr. Snow (files should be in PDF or word format).

Round 2 - Training Sessions

Dr. Snow will have a training session, which will be offered at two times:  

Monday, April 15 4:00-5:00pm
Tuesday, April 16 3:00-4:00pm

Both sessions will be the same, so you only need to attend one.

We will discuss the audition process in detail and provide you with feedback to help ensure that your audition is as successful as possible. Failure to participate in the training session will result in disqualification from the drum major selection process. So, please make sure that you work out a way to participate between now and then.

Round 3 - Drum Major Candidate Interviews 

Drum Major interviews will take place on Thursday, April 25 from 3:30-4:30pm. You may sign up for an interview time beginning on April 15. 

Round 4 - Conducting Fundamentals (Thursday, May 2, 2-4pm)
Candidates will audition in person in the Hoover Room at Wehr Band Hall. All leadership applicants are expected to attend. Current members of the Pride Band may also attend. 
 
Drum Major Candidates should all wear white band shoes, Pride Band khaki shorts, and Pride Band t-shirts. All applicants will be required to display the following:
 

 Part 1 - Conducting Fundamentals

  • 4/4 conducting pattern in a ‘normal’, ‘detached’, and ‘legato’ style • 3/4 conducting pattern in a ‘normal’, ‘detached’, and ‘legato’ style • 2/4 conducting pattern in a ‘normal’, ‘detached’, and ‘legato’ style

Part 2 - Conducting Routine

  • Candidates will all be given the same piece of music to conduct. This will better allow us to assess similarities and differences in conducting styles and patterns. 

Part 3 - Teaching Of Marching Fundamentals

  • Candidates should be able to display a clear knowledge of PRIDE Band marching fundamentals and display the ability to clearly articulate and teach the concepts in an efficient manner. Additionally, candidates will also be evaluated on their individual execution of these fundamentals. Candidates need to be prepared to teach / display the following fundamentals:

    • position of attention

    • mark time (low)

    • forward and backward march

    • right and left lateral slides

  • You will be teaching a member of the graduate staff. You will want to have a logical sequence for each fundamental. Be clear and concise in your explanation and make sure that you display the “ideal” marching style.