Drum Major Tips

My Book "Leading Without A Title":
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It's awesome to see how many people benefited from my previous video, hope this video offers a more concise summary of being a DM. Also, check out my book! Amazon link below.
Original Video
• How to Be A Drum Major

[@alaynaquinn6654]

Hello Mr. Yao! I was wondering if you could do a video for a beginner drum major and also providing examples on how to call the band to attention and etc.? If you can it would be greatly appreciated!

[@carlosvelazquezestrada6568]

Thank you for the helpful tips I hope that I'll be a DM my band will be proud of

[@nrcaband7351]

Could you do a video on how to change tempos clearly in the middle of a song?

[@mrtyaos]

Hey there, do you mean how to do an accel or clean change from one tempo to another?

[@theodiebrown1650]

@@mrtyaos yah

[@ellioth.a.3994]

@@mrtyaos Hey! I know I wasn't the one to ask the question, but I was wondering if there should be an indicator to an accelerando. Should there be one? Or should there be an indicator to any tempo change?

[@mrtyaos]

@@ellioth.a.3994 It totally depends on the piece and the musicians. If the tempo change is at a tricky spot, a cue or "preparatory motion" can help everyone accel together. Cues and prep motions are tools to help keep the ensemble together. Use as necessary.

[@zackarybunn9854]

when my band changes tempo we usually have a drum interlude to change tempo

[@noahchoi1213]

glad to see this video has no dislikes. Great video tim!

[@collinmall5406]

Just bought the book! Thank you for all this

[@mrtyaos]

That's awesome! Thanks for the support. If you like what you read, please tell your friends about it too!

[@lucasjustice]

3 years and still 0 dislikes. Amazing video!!!

[@mrtyaos]

Thanks for the jinx 😉🤣

[@JosePineda-el3lp]

Woe this really helps

[@mrtyaos]

Jose Pineda glad this was a good tool for you!

[@davinky2009]

Hi! I was wondering if you had any helpful tips to things that might help me have a solid audition for drum major? Also what are some tips for conducting with a live band? I’ve never done it before, and have to do it for my audition, so I how do I prevent from losing time or confidence? Thank you for the help!

[@mrtyaos]

When it comes to leadership/ interview, just be genuine, don't try to say answers you think are the right ones, just speak true to your heart. For conducting a live band, understand where the source of time comes from, and make sure you're connecting with the musicians as well. Yes you are their visual reference for time, but also know how to follow to keep the ensemble from falling apart.

[@tseries6622]

How can I prepare for the interview part of the audition? What are some commonly asked questions?

[@mrtyaos]

Hey, just be genuine, experienced band directors have seen and heard it all, so just always give your honest answer. Common questions are "why do you think you'll be the best" "What's your definition of leadership" Sometimes band directors give scenarios for you to answer too. Don't be nervous, yes treat it like an interview, but just "talk" when responding, no need for "prepared statements."

[@tseries6622]

Thank you, I appreciate the advice!

[@wrecklessanimations436]

I'm screwed 🙂

[@evanmullis9011]

@@mrtyaos I once saw a trick question that was "Who do you think should be drum major" and if you didn't say yourself then they would ask why you were there if you didn't think you were the best option.

[@Ahlbatrouz]

Hey, sorry for a question well after this was made- You're videos about being drum major are amazing and have helped me amazingly But I was wondering about cut offs mid music, like when a band is holding out a note and you have a one hand cut off Is there any way you could demonstrate that?

[@samuraikid4961]

When will you post another video

[@Autumn_Silver327]

I have drum major tryouts this week do you have any tips for my audition? I've looked up a few but I just want to know what you think would be good tips.

[@mrtyaos]

Overall just be confident in yourself. Other people may be better at certain aspects of the job, but focusing on doing the best you can in conducting, genuine in your leadership answers (sometimes saying "I don't know, I'll have to get back to you on that" is valid) or if you have to spin mace, confidence and consistency to yourself is key. Hope this helps! -Tim

[@nicholaspankow9225]

could you do a video on transitioning from different ime signatures

[@mrtyaos]

Hey Nicholas, you do the transition on beat one, so you literally just jump into the next time signature. For example, instead of going "in" for beat 2 of a 4/4 measure, you'd go "out" for beat 2 if transitioning into a "3/4" bar.

[@nickr9505]

I got into marching band a month or two again and I'll soon be going into my first season. Do you believe I can learn everything it takes to become drum major by my third season?

[@mrtyaos]

Yes and no. Yes in the sense that it’ll be ample time to learn how to be successful, and no, because there’s always something to improve on

[@jordaningle8977]

ok so ik this was posted for ever ago but do have any tips on how to keep tempo with on hand and give signals with the other

[@mrtyaos]

Yes.. practice those two actions separately. For example, practice giving cues in one hand, then conducting with one. Then do both at the same time slowly until you can be at tempo. Think like you're practicing piano and learning to put both hands together.

[@shperez2615]

Would you be able to teach face to face?

[@mrtyaos]

Yes, if you get your band director in contact with me, we can try to figure something out.

[@estebanrojasmarinoficial8569]

How to do de 6/8 ?

[@DiegoGarcia-mp6qc]

I’m late to this party but would you recommend drum corp style(Phantom Regiment,Blue Devils)conducting with normal high school marching bands?

[@cumstarr]

Yeah, I'd like the answer to this as well

[@adriannallen22]

Hello Mr. Tim! I’m Adrian and I’m a freshman in high school. I’m auditioning for a drum major position for the next 3 years. I understand that they may not take me this coming year due to lack of experience in the band but I’ve decided I would show my interest early on so they know this is something I really want. Do you by any chance have an email that I could ask more questions to or would I have to ask on here? Also, could you provide me with some tips I could use before and during my audition for things like energy while conducting different styles, and the different conducting patters for different time signatures (You’ve stated a few. The 4/4 should not change but I’ve seen many other ways to conduct the time signatures) ?

[@adriannallen22]

Thanks!

[@mrtyaos]

Feel free to send me a direct message here on KZbin. So the type of conducting described here is purely for what I call outside band or marching band. Even if you conduct with a non-focal point style (ictus is in a different spot) as long as you're clear, that's the most important thing. As for energy, study the music, understand the background, and try to match your body language with the message of the music. Watch what your band director does, watch other drum majors conduct. This will help you further your knowledge on different conducting styles.

[@eirakudrow]

Did you get drum major?

[@durzing861]

I need help on flicking my wrist when it comes to conducting, I’m just not sure how to do it

[@mrtyaos]

I always found it applicable if you imagine a drop of water on your finger tips, and you're gently tapping that water off. That motion should help with the slight flick that will help bring out your ictus.

[@JustLuke08]

What do you believe are ways I could demonstrate leadership qualities in my band and to my directors that would show them I have the qualities necessary to become the drum major next marching season

[@mrtyaos]

As a member of the organization, I’m sure you’ve observed things that need to be done (can be something small like picking up trash or stacking chairs) Taking the initiative without being asked shows your dedication to the band. For DM specific things, ask questions and inquire more about the position from previous DMs and band staff. Best of luck!

[@JustLuke08]

@@mrtyaos Thank You for your advice, I come back to this video after my marching season ended, and after my audition, as the new drum major of my high school.

[@mrtyaos]

@@JustLuke08 Congratulations! Happy to be of assistance! Best of luck in the fall!

[@leum0118]

I'm very new to conducting and really want to get dm, Where is a good place to start and get good practice?

[@Craftyzebra1234]

Hello there! I know I'm not Tim Yao, but my past drum majors and band director told me to work on my conducting, easy times such as 4/4, 3/4, and 2/4, and try to see if you can look at examples of drum major questions and answer. They also told me to practice the commands such as calling the band to attention etc. Make sure you also work on leadership. You have to work on being a good leader and being an example. I hope this helps! Have a great day!

[@leum0118]

@@Craftyzebra1234 Thank you! We had a virtual meeting yesterday (thanks covid) And she walked us all through the 3 basic patterns and such. One of my friends is way more informed than me and I'm trying to stay with him. But if not then oh well, just hoping I get my final season with all this nonsense going around.

[@ncgolden3795]

I am not too sure if you will read this but I am a freshman aiming for the role of assistant drum major. We already had 2 confirmed drum majors so I thought I might go for assistant drum major. One problem that i have though is that i'm not too sure about my cues. What do you think is a good way to practice this?

[@mrtyaos]

Hey, I'd recommend practicing cues one hand at a time down tempo. Once you have the muscle memory, incorporate the other hand in and bump up the speed.

[@nataliewilson2304]

What corps did you march?

[@mrtyaos]

Pacific Crest 12-13 (Drum Major)

[@paullangley861]

The only complaint is how quick the conducting is I could not keep up

[@mrtyaos]

Hi Paul, you can always conduct in "half time" or do some pushups to build muscles =P

[@paullangley861]

@@mrtyaos thanks I did not think about half time

[@samsyoutube660]

What corp were you DM for?

[@mrtyaos]

Pacific Crest 12-13

[@bradley5800]

I'm a freshman this year and our two drum majors are leaving because they are seniors and the entire band is basically telling me to be the next drum major. It's like I was elected for president without nominating lol

[@georgediaz2909]

ME TOO

[@alvinsanders9520]

I instantly liked this to get the like counter to 69