[INSERT SCHOOL NAME HERE] Band [INSERT YEAR]
Officer Application
I. PERSONAL
Name: ______
What instruments do you play: Marching ______
Concert ______
Jazz______
How many years have you been an active member of marching band? ______
II. SERVICE
List officer positions you previously held in the marching band:
YearPosition Title
List other school or community related leadership positions:
YearPosition Title Description of Duties
III. TRAINING
List any leadership training courses that you have attended (Community, School, or Band).
YearDescription of Training
IV. BACKGROUND
Most of the Officer positions require a substantial amount of musical knowledge and background. List music-related activities that you think have benefited your musicianship (i.e. Honor Bands, private lessons, etc.)
YearDescription of Activity
Select no more than three officer positions that you are applying for. You will only be considered for the positions that you list below. List your positions in order of preference by placing a number in the space provided. You should select positions commensurate with your experience.
Attach a copy of your third-nine week’s report card. You may obtain an official copy from your Guidance Counselor.
Applications MUST be typed.
Complete and return the essay portion of this application. The essay MUST be typed.
Candidates for the position of Drum Major must attend a three day workshop and audition that will be held from [INSERT DATES HERE] from [INSERT TIMES HERE] in the band room.
Candidates for the position of Band Captain must prepare a speech for all band classes. This year’s speeches will be held on INSERT DATES HERE], in periods [INSERT CLASS PERIODS HERE].
All officer candidates are expected to have resolved delinquent financial obligations to the Barracuda Band Parents Association prior to interviews. Candidates who have not attempted to resolve financial obligations and have shown apathy towards participating in fund-raisers (to help defray this debt) need not apply.
[INSERT SCHOOL NAME HERE] Band Officer Essay
This essay must be typed. You may use a separate sheet of paper for your response.
1. Devise a program that you believe will help the band improve their overall performance skills (100 word maximum).
2. Describe how you would implement this program. What materials, if any, would you need to implement this program? Where would you get the funds to purchase the materials you would need to implement this program? (100 word maximum)
3. Describe how you would motivate your peers to enthusiastically participate in your program (100 word maximum).
Officer Duties and Responsibilities
Band Captain
The Band Captain acts as a direct liaison between the students and Band Directors. The Captain is responsible for organizing and devising an agenda for monthly officer meetings. The Captain leads the band in daily warm-up exercises, and therefore, must be a comfortable speaking in front of large groups as well as demonstrate superior musicianship. The Band Captain also assigns work details for students who have violated band rules and regulations, and reports repeated offences to the Band Directors. During officer workdays, the Captain will assist the Band Directors in devising a duty roster. During uniform inspections, the Band Captain assists the uniform officers, recording and reporting uniform violations to the Band Directors.
Drum Major
During marching band rehearsals and performances, the Drum Major is the commander of the band. The Drum Major must have confidence, superior leadership skills, and the ability to command respect from his or her peers. The Drum Major must demonstrate outstanding attendance, and be willing to sacrifice much personal time for the band, attending every rehearsal and performance. In addition to this, he or she must be organized in commanding the band at games and pep rallies, using cue cards, whistle commands, and visual cues to keep the flow of music paced correctly at all times.
Lieutenant
The single greatest responsibility regarding equipment rests upon the Lieutenant. The Lieutenant’s primary responsibility is maintaining the musical instrument inventory. The Lieutenant assigns instruments and lockers prior to the start of every school year. The Lieutenant must be able to use a database to help track all instruments throughout the year, collecting the instruments back at the close of school prior to summer break. In addition to this, the Lieutenant acts as the commander of the marching band when the Drum Major(s) and Captains go to awards retreat at competitions. The Lieutenant also takes over the daily warm-up when the Captain is not present.
Secretary (Band & Guard)
The Secretary assists the Band Directors with attendance at every practice and performance. In addition to this, the Secretary helps the Band Directors maintain files and portfolios in the band office. At officer meetings, the Secretary records the minutes of the meeting, keeping them on file for future meetings.
Librarian
Filing music, collating parts, data basing scores, and passing out and collecting sheet music are just a part of the Librarian’s job. Upkeep and maintenance of the music library is essential. Librarians must realize that this is a yearlong endeavor, and not something that ends after marching band season.
Uniform Quartermaster
Organizing, sorting, and distributing uniforms for band functions are essential tasks for the Uniform Quartermaster. The Quartermaster is in charge of all uniform inspections prior to performance. It is their responsibility to inspect and record uniform infractions with the assistance of the Band Captain. Maintaining an orderly uniform room is required at all times. The Quartermaster needs to be familiar with computer data basing programs such as Excel. This job requires much commitment as Quartermasters arrive early before events, and stay late.
Property Manager (Band & Guard)
The Property Manager must account for all materials and equipment for all performing groups. They are in charge of maintaining a detailed property list of all items that are loaded onto the trailer prior to performance. They are responsible for assisting parents in loading and unloading all properties for the performances on and off the trailer as well as ensuring that all equipment and instruments are returned to the band room in the proper location at the completion of a performance. It is also the Property Manager’s responsibility to alert the Band Directors of any equipment that may be missing, broken, or damaged. This position also requires that the Property Manager arrive early before events and stay late.
Jazz Band Manager
The Jazz Band Manager serves a dual role in that they function as a Property Manager for the Jazz Band as well as functioning as a Librarian for the music that the Jazz Band performs. (Please see the responsibilities for those positions for more details.)
Section Leader
Each Section Leader plays a vital role in the success of the band program. Section Leaders should demonstrate a superior level of proficiency on their instrument as well as command the respect of their peers. They are responsible for ensuring that their section knows their music, drill, and other required elements within the band program. They have to distribute and collect flip folders; assist the Secretary with attendance at each rehearsal and performance; and enforce rules and requirements as stated as stated in the band handbook.
Guard Captain
The Guard Captain acts as a direct liaison between the students and the Guard Instructors. The Captain is responsible for assisting in organizing and devising routines for the stands, leads the guard in daily warm-up exercises, and reviews routines. Therefore, the Guard Captain must be comfortable speaking in front of large groups as well as demonstrate superior dance techniques. The Guard Captain also assigns work details for students who have violated band rules and regulations, and reports repeated offences to the Band Directors.
Guard Lieutenant
The single greatest responsibility regarding equipment rests upon the Guard Lieutenant. The Lieutenant’s primary responsibility is maintaining the flags, rifles, and other props used by the Guard in performance. The Lieutenant assigns flags, rifles, etc. prior to the start of every school year. In addition to this, the Lieutenant takes over the daily rehearsal when the Captain is not present.