Sound of Springtown

Sound of Springtown

Leadership Team 2013-14

The Leadership Team 2013-2014 will be made up of the following positions.

Drum Major

Drill Tech

Guard Captain

Caption Heads (Brass and Woodwind)

Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone and Low Reed Squad Leaders

Trumpet, Horn, Trombone/Baritone, Tuba Squad Leaders

Drum Line Captain

Front Ensemble Captain

Loading Crew Captain

Uniform Manager

Job Descriptions:

Drum Major –

Maximum of 3 Drum Majors. The drum major position will be made up of individuals willing to work harder and take on more responsibility than any other student as well as making the band and the proper leadership of this band their #1 priority. The Drum Majors will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of this band at every time. They will answer to all directors and take the lead in their absence. Other duties will include:

• Maintain proper rehearsal etiquette
• Oversee “Big Brother/Sister” Program
• Oversee Leadership Team
• Keep order at all times
• Set the proper example at all times
• Keep the band hall and other areas looking professional
• Conduct during all rehearsals
• Conduct Dance Team Tunes
• Other duties as assigned

Drill Tech –

During rehearsals, they will each be assigned to a quadrant of the field and be responsible for the students in their area. They will help teach drill and fundamentals. They will be an extension of the directors on the field. Drill Techs must be some of the best marchers and teachers we have.

Guard Captain –

The Guard Captain will be an extension of the directors and guard instructor in their absence. Guard Captains are expected to be responsible for the actions of all guard members. They will keep the guard closet and equipment looking professional at all times. They will be ultimately responsible for any misuse or storage of the guard equipment.

Caption Head –

Caption Heads will be the highest rated Brass and Woodwind Squad Leaders following the auditions. They will be responsible for holding the Squad Leaders in their group to the highest expectations. Like the Drum Captain, they will be responsible for every student and leader in their group.

Squad Leaders –

Squad Leaders are the backbone of the band. Squad Leaders and the way they teach their section will ultimately decide how good of start we get next year. They will teach them how to march, how to stand, how to play, how to ride on a bus, how to behave in the stands, and so on. They will be responsible for the member of their squads at all times. They will conduct squad-based warm-ups and exercises as assigned. The Squad Leader will answer to the directors and drum majors. The Squad Leaders will also maintain a proper rehearsal environment by setting the appropriate example at all times.

Drum Captain –

The Drum Captain, like the Section Leaders, is responsible for everyone in their section. They must demand perfection musically, socially and in the way we take care of our equipment. The Drum Captain must be willing to stay long hours and work beyond the normal limits to keep our percussion section physically and mentally in order.

Front Ensemble Captain –

The FE Captain, like the Section Leaders, is responsible for everyone in their section. They must demand perfection musically, socially and in the way we take care of our equipment. The FE Captain must be willing to stay long hours and work beyond the normal limits to keep our percussion section physically and mentally in order.

Loading Crew Captain –

The Loading Crew Captain will work alongside the band dads to load and unload all equipment. They will lead the “Dirty Dozen” in a way becoming of a professional. There will be no exceptions made for attending rehearsals for any of the Dirty Dozen Crew Members. They will also be responsible for getting the field setup for all rehearsals. The Crew Captain must be willing to devote extra time, beyond even the leadership team, to do their job.

Uniform Manager –

This person is in charge of issuing and check in of uniforms both

Marching and Formal. This person is also in charge (with the help of the directors) in choosing

a team to help with this position. This person should be prepared to spend a day during the

summer to organize uniforms before they are issued during summer band.

Sound of Springtown

Leadership Team 2013-2014

Tryout Procedures and Tabulation

Auditions for the Leadership Team will take place on Tuesday, April 30 at 4:00 PM. Drum Major Auditions will take place on Thursday, May 2 at 4:30 pm. You MUST be academically eligible to audition.

Director Interview100 pts total

You will receive points for attending an interview with Mr. McLellan. Other directors may be present as well. You must sign up for an interview time on the sheet in the hallway.

Application100 pts

Your completed application should be submitted to Mr. McLellan no later than 4:00 PM on Thursday, March 28. Applications received late or incomplete will receive ZERO points out of 100 for this portion of the tryout procedure.

Recommendation(s)100 pts

2 teacher and 1 non-teacher recommendation will be evaluated by the judges. You may choose which 2 teachers you would like - no band directors, please. Please attach your recommendations to your application.

THE GAUNTLET100 pts

You will perform THE GAUNTLET as outlined in your packet. Your performance will be evaluated based on 75% marching and 25% playing.

Teaching100 pts

You will have 1 1/2 minutes to teach a student - 1 on 1 - as much as you know about standing at attention. You must cover the following positions: CHECK, READY, and SET.

TOTAL POINTS500

Sound of Springtown

Leadership Team 2013-2014

TRYOUT PRCEDURE HELP DATES

The following dates are provided for you. You are highly encouraged to attend.

Monday, April 8 - THE GAUNTLET teaching session , 3:45 – 4:30 PM

Tuesday, April 9 - Basics of Conducting, 3:45-4:30 PM

Thursday, April 11 – THE GAUNTLET teaching session , 3:45 – 4:30 PM

Monday, April 22 - Intermediate Conducting, 3:45 – 4:30 PM

Tuesday, April 23 – THE GAUNTLET practice session , 3:45 – 4:30 PM

Thursday, April 25 - Advanced Conducting, 3:45 – 4:30 PM

Auditions are Tuesday, April 30 at 4:00 PM

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Attire

Please wear this year’s band shirt, shorts or jeans, and tennis shoes to the audition. Please no flashy or bulky jewelry. Absolutely no open toed footwear.

Attendance

All interested in trying out for the Leadership Team must be at the tryouts for the entire time. Tryouts begin at 4:00 PM and will finish when they are finished.

Drum Major

Requirements regarding the Drum Major Auditions are enclosed in this packet. Scores will be available after school on Monday, April 1.

Questions

Please feel free to contact Mr. McLellan about anything concerning the auditions.

School - 817-220-2263

Cell - 817-980-9757

E-mail -

Sound of Springtown

Leadership Team 2013-2014 Application Form

Personal Information

Name ______Age ______Classification Next Year______

Instrument ______Total years in Springtown Bands ______

Position Applying For ______Band This Year ______

Leadership Experience

List leadership positions you have held in band:

Middle School ______

Marching Band ______

Concert Band ______

Other ______

Band Honors and Accomplishments

Place a check next to all that apply (2012-13 School Year ONLY):

_____ Tried out for All Region Band_____ Performed a Solo at UIL

_____ Made All Region Band_____ 1st Division on Solo at UIL

_____ Made All Area Band_____ Qualified for State on Solo

_____ Performed in Ensemble at UIL_____ Qualified for State in an Ensemble

_____ 1st Division on Ensemble at UIL

Did you try out for Region Band and perform a solo at UIL contest? If not, Why?

______

______

______

______

______

Academic and other Accomplishments

List any other Honors or Awards you have received outside of band:

______

______

______

______

Qualifications

List your qualifications for this position:

______

______

______

______

List previous discipline problems in band and explain:

______

______

______

Have you ever been sent to the office for discipline (in any class)? ______

If yes, explain: ______

______

______

Questionnaire

Circle your choice and then explain.

Do you agree with all the requirements?YESNO

Explain: ______

______

______

Is being on the Leadership Team a year round experience?YESNO

Explain: ______

______

______

Essay Topic

Submit an essay for at least 3 of the following prompts:

I am seeking this position because…

I think I can help the band by…

I believe the Springtown Band needs…

Being a part of the Leadership Team means…

I think that before you can lead…

Being in the Springtown Band means…

Application Packet

Your application packet should include the following items:

Application Form

Essay(s)

Copy of 5th Six Weeks Report Card

Parent/Student Tryout Agreement

2 Teacher Recommendation Forms

1 Non-Teacher Recommendation Form

Application Packet is due to Mr. McLellan on or before Thursday March 28, 2013 at 4:00 PM.

Sound of Springtown

Leadership Team 2013-2014

Parent/Student Tryout Agreement

Student Agreement:

“I will tryout for the “Sound of Springtown” 2013-2014 Leadership Team. I understand that this is a year long commitment for the school year 2013-2014. I have read the tryout information and I agree to all requirements. I will make myself available for all Leadership Training Sessions during the summer. I agree to accept the decisions of the judges with a positive attitude and will give my encouragement to all selected Leadership Team members.”

______

Student Signature

Parent Agreement:

“I give my child permission to tryout for the “Sound of Springtown” 2013-2014 Leadership Team. I understand that this is a year long commitment for the complete school year 2013-2014. I have read the tryout information and I agree to all requirements. I agree to accept the decisions of the judges and will give my support to the students and directors of the Springtown Band.”

______

Parent Signature

Sound of Springtown

Leadership Team 2013-2014

Teacher Recommendation

Please place a check in the box that describes the Leadership Abilities found in the student.

* Forms marked with all checks in the “All of the Time” column will not be counted

Use the available space below for any additional comments.

______

Teacher Signature Student Name

Sound of Springtown

Leadership Team 2013-2014

Teacher Recommendation

Please place a check in the box that describes the Leadership Abilities found in the student.

* Forms marked with all checks in the “All of the Time” column will not be counted

Use the available space below for any additional comments.

______

Teacher Signature Student Name

Sound of Springtown

Leadership Team 2013-2014

Non-Teacher Recommendation

Please place a check in the box that describes the Leadership Abilities found in the student.

* Forms marked with all checks in the “All of the Time” column will not be counted

Use the available space below for any additional comments.

How do you know this student? ______

Would you allow this student to lead other students? ______

______

Signature Name of Student

Sound of Springtown

Leadership Team 2013-2014

THE GAUNTLET

THE GAUNTLET is designed to include all of the basic marching fundamentals that all students should be able to do.

MUSIC

THE GAUNTLET will be performed to the Fight Song. You will begin playing and marching at measure 9 (after the brass fanfare).

MARCHING

1. Begin on the yard line – facing the sideline – at CHECK.
2. Command will be given for SET – “BAND SET”
3. 4 count count-off will be given – “1, 2, 3, 4”
4. LEFT SLIDE 8 cts. – Measure 9 - 12
5. BACKWARDS MARCH 8 cts. – Measure 13 – 16
6. RIGHT SLIDE 8 cts. – Measure 17 – 20
7. FORWARD MARCH 8 cts. – Measure 21 –24
8. BACKWARDS MARCH 8cts. – Measure 25 – 28
9. MARKTIME 8 cts. – Measure 29 – 32
10. FORWARD MARCH 8 cts. – Measure 33 – 36
11. HALT – Measure 37 – End
12. Command will be given for READY – “BAND READY”
13. Command will be given for CHECK – “BAND CHECK”

Things to remember –

• Feet position – heels together
• Body straight and tall – momentum forward
• Chin 10% above even
• Shoulder parallel to sideline while doing slides
• Toes up – dig heel into ground
• High on toes during backwards march – don’t lean back
• Marktime – heel comes off the ground exactly 2 inches
• Playing is very important – right notes, right rhythms, good tempo
• Don’t forget your 45 angles and your “Platform Close”