How to Be A Drum Major

My leadership book is finally out!
www.amazon.com/Leading-Withou...
Hey everyone, I was asked by a few people about conducting tips and what it's like being a drum major. I figured the best was is to simply make a video showing and explaining what it means to be a leader of a marching band and drum corps.
2009-2011 DM at Thousand Oaks High School
2011 DM at U.S. Army All-American Marching Band
2012- 2013 Head DM at Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps
www.pacific-crest.org/calendar/

[@RainbowStupid101]

I auditioned for drum major in February of this year and I remember this video helped me soo much. I'm now the drum major at my high school:) UPDATE 5 YEARS LATER: WOW! I’m 21 now but I just wanted to boast about my achievements: During my time as a drum major I would fulfill a prestigious invitation to perform in London, won 1st & 2nd in many comps, & got opportunities to do some whacky stuff during field shows like jump over people and do some cartwheels. All of which I was the first to do so in the entire history of my school. If you’re in high school watching these for auditions you will be fine!! Practice practice practice. The most important part is your role as a leader because it’s the hardest part of being a drum major. You can learn how to spin & conduct, but leadership is not as easy to learn!

[@niggapeegaming5285]

mj :)

[@bradley5800]

Oh this makes me so much more confident, thanks.

[@jandjstudios1347]

whats the audition like when doing so? just looking for advice ik not alls schools do the same thing

[@Dreadsom]

Damn you're all grown up

[@sarahescobar9495]

I’m trying of forward drum major next week. And I’m nervous

[@KingMolotovIphone]

Most badass salute I've ever seen was when my drum major turned towards the audience, reached slowly behind his head, and slowly pulled out a baton.

[@KingMolotovIphone]

I would not doubt it.

[@j_dobb13]

Lol phantom regiment

[@edred1911]

@@KingMolotovIphone lol my drum majors doing that is a tradition

[@blossom6893]

My drum majors choreographed a whole 8 count move for their salute, I want to be one next year, we have three drum majors I want to be assistant drum major

[@ericmgarrison]

Pulled out a conductor’s baton? I hope not. That makes no sense for a drum major. Who could see that from the field plus indoor concert conducting and the field conducting demonstrated in this video are opposites.

[@MrNoUsername]

0:28 Conducting 2:22 Conducting Cues 3:47 Crescendo & Decrescendo 5:12 Cut Offs 6:53 Music On The Field 8:18 Salutes

[@masonbunch3888]

9:31 Leadership

[@jamiewakeruizrace6501]

I'm a first year drum major and tonight will be my first night conducting on field. Your video has helped me in several ways, thank you.

[@TheDarkDemon4129]

What grade do you have to be in to try out for drum major

[@tseries6622]

marcus yelder at my school you can try out as a sophomore and be drum major for junior year or try out as a junior and be drum major senior year. But it’s different from school to school.

[@clg_stunna9277]

marcus yelder At my school, you only need 2 full years of experience so, 9th grade at my school.

[@artistnoodle]

Me about to be a sophomore watching this practicing to try out for drum major next year: 😎 Lol what if I update and let y’all know if I end up drum major 😳

[@deltunelargo4864]

At my school you can try as a freshman and be one as a sophomore

[@gamer123579]

How to be a Drum Major: Step 1: You don't because no one watches you.

[@joeypernice5861]

gamer123579 As true that is, the competitions my school goes to, drum major's get a rating. So you are being watched, but its not like playing the music or anything...

[@atljedi]

Not for HBCU drum majors tho

[@shannonb2]

Lmaoo true

[@emmanuelwhite7288]

ISTG

[@pie4]

so trueeee tho. my band are all vegetables

[@mrtyaos]

I tried out at the end of sophomore year of high school to be a drum major. Prior to that, I wasn't a section leader, and did not hold any leadership position in the band. I hold to believe that if you try your best, and more importantly be yourself, someone along the decision making process will see that and then determine whether he or she wants you or not. Im not going to lie, sometimes there has to be some chemistry, but overall, just be yourself,and your inner leadership abilities will show

[@mrtyaos]

When I first tried out, there were five other people trying out, and one of them was the drum major the previous year. I wasn't sure I had a chance because I was kind of the quiet kid in the band. But just try your best, a lot of times its the chemistry between the staff because since there are so many aspects in this leadership role, they pick someone for who they are, not necessarily if they are the best at a certain part. Good luck!

[@jessshock560]

The family part is true. My freshman year the drum major who was a senior was a power mad b**** and no one respected her, while the junior drum major was known as "mama Marek" and had all the respect in the world

[@thatrandomguygaming324]

Jess Shock we had one of those power mad drum majors. The year before I got into the band. I’ll consider myself fortunate

[@izzdrizz3535]

Also remember, don't try to be someone you're not or be too much. Be who you are, if you make a mistake roll with it, and if you don't know about something or you forgot, don't be afraid to ask one of the other people auditioning. Band is about musicianship and the experience, and even if you stumble once or twice, you can get back up with enough effort and confidence. My band director has said that he would rather have a kid who makes mistakes often but is eager to learn and try, than a perfect kid who is rude and mean-tempered. The Drum Major position isn't just about conducting, it's about being a good leader, being able to present yourself well, handle people even when everything is in a funk, and just overall be a good role model and leader for the band. If you show them that you want to lead and that you have the skill, often times a small slip up will mean nothing compared you your musicianship. Bonus points if you can rock that slip up and turn it into something cool. Just do your best, and most of luck to those auditioning for Drum Major soon, as I am doing myself! ❤ - An 8th grader who wants to be Drum Major

[@torirobinson8645]

This is a very helpful video, now to survive the dimming hope I have of not getting it. I've worked so hard, gone to camps, conducted, practiced commands, grown in my leadership skills, stayed positive, but the more and more people who are trying out against me, I'm losing hope. Now to survive that, I have to keep fighting for what I've wanted since the summer of freshman year. I know I can do it. I have to.

[@YoursTrulyAsiaOfficial]

Tori Robinson did you get it

[@user-er3xx4sd9j]

Tori Robinson ^

[@maed1790]

Did you make it

[@tseries6622]

Tori Robinson sooooo did you get it!

[@Flower-kn8wg]

So sad. I’m really dying to know if you got it

[@kleinbaird883]

I gotta make sure my friends who are also trying out for drum major at our high school don't see this video XD

[@elliestringer3658]

Bro same

[@saj_a]

I like the competition :) My friends are the other three candidates for my audition tomorrow and I'm really competitive. I'm looking forward to everything and I'm confident in our abilities!

[@minteclairs247]

I watched this video a few months ago, and now I am officially a drum major! Thank you for the help!

[@mrtyaos]

That's awesome! Congratulations!

[@minteclairs247]

@@mrtyaos Thank you!

[@mrtyaos]

I'm glad I could help! Hope you have a great season. One day, you'll be able to share your experiences as DM to your future band members!

[@LesTwinsSociety]

My close friend is an aspiring drum major, and I am definitely recommending this video to her. It was super helpful and detailed. (I've got about 3 friends who either were or are currently drum majors and I'm sure they would also agree with you especially about the leadership part at the end!) Thanks for making this!

[@musical_peaches8099]

This video honestly helped me so much! I just got the news that I’m going to be the Drum Major for this year’s season! Thank you so much!

[@JustinFanatic1]

I just wanna let you know that my high school takes two drum majors every year. My senior year, there was 22 other people trying out for the position. I really wanted to stand out so I looked for helpful videos on KZbin, and I found yours. I watched it like 400 times and became much more confident. Drum majors are scored on a 100 point system. And when the inal scores came through, my grade was so much higher than all the rest that my director went with me as the one and only drum major!THANKS

[@mrtyaos]

For 2: They should almost touch, but never cross paths. its just the rebound for the and of 2 (for this type of conducting) For 3: Don't go too far out, otherwise the tendency is to lose time and looks kind of weird (my opinion) ** If you go up to a whiteboard, and hold 2 markers, and draw out your pattern repeatedly, it should look like an arrow pointing down**

[@zodiartsstarro]

Hello fellow hopeful Drum Major's. This is a message wishing you the best of luck, from one hopeful to another. You'll do great! Edit: I got the job!

[@griff2700]

I remember commenting on this video 7 months ago when I was going to try out for Drum Major. And I did make the position. I love this video and the way you taught it. Thank you so much.

[@victoriamoreorless]

Drum Major tryouts at my school in 2 weeks and your video has been really helpful for me!! Thanks so much!

[@millipedle]

Our whole senior class is going to be gone next year, nobody else has the initiative to do it and I'm going to have to do this as a junior. This is so helpful.

[@arise1530]

9:38 Idk why but you activated my siri and had “Hey siri, I don’t know the program”

[@Majarou]

I feel this must have had a couple bloopers somewhere XD But thank you so much for this. I already sort of knew what to do, but you just made it so clear with things such as angles and how to make it clear. I especially had problems with cut-offs, so this really helped me out

[@mrtyaos]

Well, good luck. Just remember to do everything with confidence even if you are nervous, and RELAX.

[@isscegonzalez9988]

Great video, try outs for myself are in 5 weeks and I have some tough competition, my friends, they want the position just as much as i do. I'm prepared to fight and this video has helped me take another step into the correct direction. Thanks for the instruction!

[@mrtyaos]

Yes, I'm still there this year, if you're at any of our shows, feel free to stop by and say hi! Our calendar is at our webiste

[@Trillllsamm]

This video helped me as a junior drum major and I’m back here again to thank you so much 😊 I’m doing drum major as a senior this year as well

[@MrTheguywhonooneknew]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm only a freshman now, but I've always wanted to do this, and nothing has helped me more than spending an hour or two just studying what you do. This just helps me know what i have to do and how to do it. Already after having watched this 3 times I feel much more confident with my chances at tryouts when the time comes. I'm just so glad you took the time to make this for all us who want to do this. So one more time, thank you.

[@mrtyaos]

I was never given an official "leader" title or anything before I tried out for my junior year of hs. Just be yourself, I believe a lot in servant leadership, and if your director/ peers see that you genuinely care for the group, thats one of the many things that will set you apart from an ordinary "member"

[@mrtyaos]

Yup! If I was conducting in a concert setting it would look way different.

[@13vlmbandgeek13]

You don't understand how much this video helped me! Thank you! I go to a school with about 20 people in the marching band (that's including color guard and pit) we are too small to have a drumline so the drum major does have to give cues for pit. I am auditioning for drum major and hopefully I get it but you definitely helped me understand that this is definitely a position that takes a lot of maturity and hard work.

[@dasreichstag100]

I'm doing drum major tryouts in my high school band so this really helped me a lot and now not only do I have some more knowledge on this but I have more confidence now so thank you so much this was really helpful😁😁

[@ashtree68]

Thank you so much! I'm auditioning for drum major for my high school marching band this year and I feel a lot more prepared now!

[@kinchly828]

Thank you so much for putting this up! It actually has been really helpfull to me. I'm a freshman in High school that was asked to be Drum Major from the Band Director. Yes I knew the basics to conducting but nothing else. This really helped me and I cannot wait till Marching Season starts to be able to Conduct this band! THANKS AGAIN!

[@jordanpiracha6067]

I’m the first color guard member at my school to be drum major for 2021/2022 season. This has helped me a lot thank you

[@liddydidz96rainbowz]

This video helped so much! I have drum major auditions in a week and I feel a lot more confident after watching this. Thank you!

[@paulholguin8255]

I’m trying out for drum major in my junior year and this video has made me better and i’m very prepared. Thank you so much!!!

[@C.K.Productions]

I'm a freshman and fall season just ended. I am a synth in pit and I plan to march in battery next season. Senior year, I want to be drum major. I've wanted to ever since 7th grade. However, no one believes in me. Everyone, including the drum major we currently have, laughs at me and says I can't because I'm a percussionist. I know that everyone has an equal chance to audition and I'm going to practice really hard for four years. It's really bringing me down though because even our pit instructor says that I should stay in pit and that I'll probably never make it. But I'm learning how to conduct and I'll learn how to march, I'll push to the end and go beyond my limits. It's just depressing that no one supports me. Any advice?

[@xander067051]

I was in the exact same situation. My freshman year was my first year ever in band. Whenever we had our first full band rehearsal, I remember standing behind my vibe and looking up at the center podium and seeing my head drum major up there and I was immediately inspired. I wanted nothing more than to be on that podium. So, I got a friend to teach me how to march and march well and I started watching videos on how to conduct. When word got out that I wanted to be a drum major, people would laugh and my directors would say, "A percussionist has never made drum major at this school, why would you?" Yes, it would put me down for a bit but the way I interpreted their words was, "Why wouldn't a percussionist be a drum major? They have just a good a chance as anyone." I practiced my marching and conducting all through my sophomore year and my junior year, I became assistant drum major! All the hard work, put downs, insults, tears, sweat, etc had paid off. This year, senior year, I was promoted to Head Drum Major and I can't help but look back and remember what it felt like to look up and see such a strong symbol of pride. Now, I was that symbol. Don't let anyone put you down. Take any insults or negative criticism and use them to your advantage and better yourself. Sure, it's hard and it may not seem like it's worth it but trust me, it is. Practice, practice, practice and don't ever give up on being a drum major. Had I given up on that dream, I probably would've quit band and never looked back. Push through it and when you make drum major, let me know and even though I don't know you, I will be the first person to cheer.

[@C.K.Productions]

xander067051 Oh my gosh thank you so much for sharing your story with me! You don't know how much you've just boosted my self esteem. I know it'll be hard as hell, but I'm willing to work so I may make it someday. Did you switch to battery for a year or did you stay in the pit the whole time?

[@Queenmarie88]

+xander067051 that is AWESOME. Good for you!!! I was drum major at my school over 30+ years ago so I know what you went thru.

[@xander067051]

+C I'm 9 months late in replying but I'm glad I was able to give you a confidence boost. I was in pit the whole time so when I finally made drum major, it surprised the hell out of everyone. No one was expecting it! But like I said, you just gotta push through all the negativity because what's on the other side of that wall of hateful comments and criticism is a life changing and incredibly rewarding experience. I hope you make it and if you already have, GREAT!

[@xander067051]

+Queenmarie88 It's amazing to meet people who can relate to you! Being drum major changes my life. I'm now enrolled at Texas A&M University - Commerce and majoring in Music Education in hopes of becoming a greater influence on my own students one day.

[@jokester151]

This helped so much. Auditions are in a little less than two weeks so I'm just gonna keep practicing. Thanks much!

[@PatrickPGriego]

Thanks so much, I have try outs in may, but its never too early to prepare, I'll study your video hard, and take all your tips. This is so helpful, and I'm so appreciative! Thanks!

[@mr.sandwichbi5702]

I've never been a Drum Major before. I've always wanted to (for my school's marching band), ever since my brother started it. Now I have a shot to be Junior Drum Major, and this video REALLY is helping me out. Thank you!

[@jasminevines155]

I'm trying out for my high school drum major role and this has helped me tremendously. It's helped me more than my actual drum major has

[@elise235]

im a freshman and we have three drum majors and im hoping to try out my junior year thank you this has helped me a lot!!

[@thechunkytrucker5111]

that part at the end about being a leader without letting your ego get the best of you is really important and inspirational. Subscribed.

[@shajakashelton1175]

Oh my gosh! Thank you Tim! I'm auditioning for drum major soon and this video has helped me a lot.

[@Avethis]

Thank you so much. This really helped a lot. I have DM tryouts in less than a week, and this definitely cleared up a lot for me, such as how to practice NOT "treble clef conducting" (by using the stands). Thank you.

[@lorenlucht5747]

Hey Tim, I realize this is several years old but I wanted to let you know hwo much I enjoyed it. Marching band is decades behind me but there are great memories. I got to see some of the best DM's in midwest HS competition in the 1960s as well as great drum majors in what is now DCI. I know it's arguable by my favorite will probably always be Joe Bruno of the Greendale Mariners. Thanks for an awesome presentation on your part. I wish you well in all that you do.

[@marshmellow_melmel]

we had an egyptian themed show this year, and our field commanders had a badass salute where they mimicked movements in egyptian paintings and then saluted. It's hard to described but it looked fricken awesome.

[@luxeflair1978]

THE greatest video I've seen on being a drum major! Hopefully I make the position when I audition!

[@joshfish5784]

I tried, I failed, I have next year, and new techniques to practice, thank you.

[@raayney]

Josh Fish how did it go??

[@ericmgarrison]

I love your use of music stands to demonstrate the ictus, because there is no ictus on the “and” parts of each beat. Love this, especially when I see younger drum majors trying to bring indoor concert conducting to the field.

[@KloudKatMW3]

Thank you! This video was great! I'm a freshman practicing to be drum major when I'm a junior.

[@tiffaninunez4140]

This video is so useful; I'm only a freshman now, but I'm going to practice so I can be a drum major my junior or senior year and possibly section leader as well(I play trumpet). I'm usually very quiet and have anxiety, but this will be a great chance to get out of my comfort zone and do something interesting :)

[@mrtyaos]

I'm glad this video helped! Looking back I wish I could add more helpful tips. Sorry for not responding to all the comments, I've been busy with Pacific Crest. I'm their head DM for this summer, and hope to see you guys at our shows this summer!

[@jasonhong1998]

Dude my friends are in the all american marching band this year. It sounds really cool. i hope to make it when i'm a senior in 2 years. Thanks for the great video.

[@nicklh186]

8:52 "Please don't do that *sigh*" 😂😂😂 Great vid btw 👌🏾👍🏾

[@kaleenadavila9559]

I’ll be a junior next year and everyone is pushing me to be drum major, I’m really considering it. This video helped wonders to get that actual forms in

[@mayastosovc6417]

I watched this before my audition and became the first sophomore drum major at my school. You helped me realize what it means to be a leader. I aspire to be as great as you someday. :)

[@akayr11]

This video was a lot of help. I have tryouts in a week.Trying to start off my senior year with being drum major. Good job on the video

[@thedarklordellesar]

I have already been drum major this past year but I still learned a lot from you to improve my conducting. I am trying to get the top drum major spot for next year ( the head drum major does more work but he or she does most of the cool stuff)

[@lizzietalcott4426]

Thanks for making this video, I'm trying out for drum major tomorrow and it really helped.

[@mrtyaos]

if the decrescendo starts on 1, just leave your left hand up (where prep for 1 would be) and start from there. 1,2,3,4 (leave left hand up) then down 2,3,4

[@PAFrogBoy]

Hey I saw pacific crest at the berry center in Texas and I recognized your name from watching this video! Haha, also since I've first watched this I've become my schools head drum major. Thanks for your help and good luck with DCI next season :)

[@ImBusyDefyingGravity]

I'm going into my junior year and planning on auditioning for drum major next year, but it's not coming naturally to me at all. I just stumbled upon this video and it was a HUGE help! Maybe if I watch this a few more times I'll develop some skills! :)

[@Aguilera330]

thank you for this video, trying out for drum major tomorrow and you definitely helped.

[@thewiccanone13]

I watched this to help with my Drum Major tryouts and though I didn't make it . . . . This is what made believe I had a chance somehow and this is why I'll probably try again my next chance.... So Thank You, alot.

[@jessicaperkins7695]

This is extremely helpful. Thank you so much! I have try outs this coming Thursday. This was so helpful, especially the cues

[@miapeaiamaria8329]

Thank you so much you’ve inspired me to try out to be drum major.

[@M.I.D.A.S.]

Thank you so much I will return back to this every time I need help

[@benmairs4491]

Just had my Drum Major Auditions and I watched this video. It helped me out a bit. I'll say if I get it eventually

[@TheMusicEdge]

Thank you soooo much for posting this video - probably one of the most useful and informative videos I've watched in quite a while. :)

[@katelynh8700]

I'm in 7th grade and just got the part of drum major for our next 2 parades and this helps me a lot, thank you 😊

[@Andrewjbrown05]

This video was ahead of its time. 👍🏻

[@ObiWanKaBrodie]

Senior trying to be a college drum major. This helped A LOT. Thank you so much for making this video. :D

[@rayofsunshine9075]

Thank you!!!! I have a big chance to become drum major this year and I really want to know at least the basics when I start trying out this video was awesome it helped me a lot

[@victoriayelder3853]

Can you make another video about different conducting patterns cause that’s what I struggle with Edit:this video is what helped me become a better conductor

[@mrtyaos]

That's awesome! I wish you the best of luck during your season!

[@CGreyL3]

I needed help with being a drum major so I looked you up because drum major tryouts are coming up thanks

[@phythomclockwork]

I’m about to go and do my drum major audition tmr and I’m hoping that I get it. I’m not the greatest at conducting right now (we had to a couple of teaching days with our teacher) but I’m getting it down pretty good now thanks to this video! I’ve had a year of leadership (section leader) before and know what to kinda expect to be a leader, but I can’t help but a little nervous! Especially because of the people that I’m going up against! But I can only hope, I’ve been putting in the practice and the effort and I can’t wait to see who gets it even if it isn’t me! 😊

[@nataliejohns2054]

I am a Freshman in high school and am auditioning for DM. I'm the only freshman trying out and I'm competing with 4 Juniors and 1 Sophomore, yet this video really helped me be more confident in my conducting. Thank You!!!

[@mrtyaos]

Awesome! We will be starting our second tour (national) tomorrow. We have two more shows this weekend in SoCal, then off to the rest of the country!

[@mrtyaos]

Best of luck! Just always be in control and be yourself! Glad this video was helpful

[@MrTaylor6422]

I auditioned for USAAAMB Drum Major for 2017, I really hope I make it! I am looking into Drum Corps a lot and hope to get into that. I have watched this video at least 5 times! I have watched a lot of DCI videos of you in Mandarin Drum Corps!

[@GetUpAndShoutOut]

Thanks! This was really helpful and I agreed with a lot of what you had to say about what being a Drum Major is. My band director asked me, 'What is my defintion of a Leader?' And I had no clue what to say or what he wanted me to say. He said, 'Servitude.' He said if you come into the position with the mind set of want to help whenever you're needed, then it'll should all just fall into place. Thanks again! :)

[@waynelinton3700]

freshmen and i'm working on conducting and leading the band so i can be drum Major my senior year and this video was recomended to me

[@deathtracker3855]

thanks such for this I'm a freshman and I plan on following in my currently junior drum major who was a drum major her sophomore year

[@Annelise2424]

Thank you so much for this! Our band director literally told us YESTERDAY. Tryouts are tomorrow. Very little information or practice time, or anything. I'm a sophomore in high school by the way. My big problem was fitting cues in without getting the other hand off beat. THANK YOU!

[@KitKat-sp7uc]

Drum major tryouts start in march and I decided that I want to try out! Currently a freshman but I’ve been in marching band for two years and I hope I get in!

[@mrtyaos]

Best of luck and try your best! Be genuine as leadership ask factors into the position on top of the musical aspect!

[@EpicMafioso]

I've been to a few shows this year... I haven't seen the show yet. Hope the season is going grand.

[@BethyKinzsh]

Wow! This video really helped me out a lot! You did a very good job at instructing.

[@kyleahauser6068]

This video was so helpful! Thanks a bunch. Now I have a go-to video for practice!

[@cogaming2422]

i didn't make try outs my freshmen year but was close so im trying again this year video extremely helpfull. im trying again this year wish me luck tryouts in 2.5 weeks #calumetwarriors

[@GM98Green]

Very useful! Same formal, original style which my band uses. I prefer it over all others. Great video, thanks!

[@kathrineeverett1537]

thank you so much i am a freshman sophomore frenc horn player next year I am section leader and the year after that im going to try for drum major this is a lot of help considering I don't know how to conduct

[@rowdydavis1]

I'm a Sophmore and I recieved the position of Drum Major and have been really trying to find a clean style to match the one i already have so i can edit it to fit what my director wants. I think i'll mess around with it some more, but these basics were awesome. Thanks! Rowdy Davis, Cajon High School, San Bernardino, CA.

[@RAHHHHHHHHHHH_H]

Prolly won’t be a drum major in highschool but this is something to practice if I do want to

[@TheKindredCollection]

Thanks! I hope this helps with my tryouts next week.

[@thEHalEstOrm123]

Thanks so much. I'm trying out at Theodore High and you have helped me soo much. I'm so appreciative. :)

[@BreannaNowacki]

I have try outs in two weeks and I'm very thankful for this! Thank you so much!

[@rebrebs]

Hope it went well! Mine are in a week.

[@W0lfMAN97]

Great video! It will help better my skills as I strive to be my high schools Drum Major.