Ultimate Drum Major Challenge

Conducting style from Nor Cal
This is my entry, conducting to Gary Gilroy's "The Machines".
There are commands in the beginning for the competition, then a simple salute, then the audition piece, and I won $150 for college (check out the Ultimate Drum Major Challenge).

[@darienphillips3497]

I became the Head Drum Major at my school thanks to this guy. I watched this video so many times.

[@Thatsrealnicee]

+Darien Phillips did you memorize this routine? :O

[@darienphillips3373]

+Thatsrealnicee Sure did!

[@Thatsrealnicee]

+Darien Phillips omg that's amazing! I'm going to audition for junior drum major at this school so I'm going to try and memorize this like you did :-)

[@samb0ss]

me too man fr tho

[@JohnJApanovitch]

Nice Job! I am going to audition for next year's performance. Hopefully I make it!

[@fishslap1667]

Our school's conducting style is vastly different from this, but as an aspiring drum major, the clarity and openness of your conducting was inspiring, to say the least. And I loved the emotion--its always cool to see people getting into the music. You definitely deserved the scholarship. :) thank you for posting this, it helped me a lot.

[@ericmgarrison]

Back in my day this style was only used indoors for a seated symphonic band. The icti, when each foot should be touching the field was always in a down position with the “and” beats in or out at a 45° angle, depending on the time signature. I was terribly disappointed to be to football game recently and see a drum major use a 16 inch symphonic baton. Those are the kids who dream of conducting the Boston Pops, not a marching band.

[@rachelblankenship8012]

I HAVE NEVER SEEN FIELD CONDUCTING THAT GREAT IN A LOOOOOOONG TIME

[@briannasilva]

Since my freshmen year I've been watching this video, and this is how I learned to conduct, and do cues, and be emotional with my conducting. I've waited for 3 years to try out for drum major, and in a month I finally get the chance to, and i'm doing this song as my audition piece, and I believe in myself, and know that I can get it. Thank you for being an inspiration :)

[@rachelmills5289]

Did you ever make it???

[@Rose-cx9iz]

PLEASE ANSWER

[@jacquelinealmazan173]

Our schools conducting style is too simple 😭

[@RainbowStupid101]

Simple might just be what your band needs!:) My band doesn't like when I do fancy stuff, so I save it for competition.

[@haydengroover590]

Jacqueline Almazan what mj said, I have to do the same thing with my school.

[@GamerKirby99]

This was my freshman marching show. Straight Superoriors! As for the conducting style, the thumbs really bother me but that is just how I conduct.

[@noahd1920]

I hope you have the chance to read this; my name is Noah. Six years ago, I was a freshman in high school curious in trying out for a drum major position on my high school marching band. Two years later from that tryout, I succeeded in being one! The reason why I'm commenting on this NOW is that I still often think about this video and how amazing it is. You are extremely inspirational in your technique and interpretation of such an entirely modern and fabulously arranged piece of musical literature. This video was what inspired me to be an excellent drum major in terms of conducting and free style interpretation with such passion and skill. I hope you do read this and wish you to hear my great appreciation of your work and am proud of you too! Please email me or contact me somehow, I would love to hear of your amazing work following up from this!

[@cuycph]

@Caleb Marroquin I'm a high school science teacher and I have a chicken farm.

[@cuycph]

In Hawai'i

[@coreyharkins]

@TheMrSpades For conducting, my simple advise would be to make sure your pattern is clear. Ask a few friends beforehand if they could follow your pattern easily from 30 yards away. Make it comfortable, too (not too big, but not too small). Clarity is of upmost importance. After you have mastered the basic, THEN you can add in fun cues and flares. Remember cues are more than just hand gestures - include your posture, facial expression, and eye contact. Good luck!

[@JtaimeMusique]

Last year I was drum major and I watched this video EVERYDAY at band camp. It convinced my co-major and I to be more confident on the podium and not to be afraid to get really into the music. Excellent work! You're an inspiration and I aspire to work even harder this season to get my conducting skills close to your level.

[@Kev0h]

THIS IS THE BEST GUY EVER! I can't stop watching. And LOL at his little smirk right after he cues in the mellos at 1:19! OMMGGG AWESOME! This guy makes me want to try out for drum major next year.

[@1trpt]

I came across this video, my sophomore year in High School and I have got to say, this is an amazing video. One of the best drum majors I have seen!!!

[@johnnytheyoungmaestro]

I'm a mostly self-taught conductor, and I have to say that being in marching band, the field commanders (my high school's term for drum majors) had a very unique style, which differs greatly from the styles of concert conductors. I tried out for the position for the 2018 marching season, but I didn't make the first cut, unfortunately. I wished the best of luck to the four young students that made the position. But even then, I played the clarinet in marching band for two years, under a fantastic trio of band directors, and some amazing field commanders. This video contains the passion that all field commanders need, and it doesn't always have to be strict and serious. Oh, and Gary Gilroy rules!! :)

[@airatenor]

I absolutely LOVE your cut-offs!!!

[@CHSDrumMajor2011]

Wow! I love the intensity you show through your conducting! You did an AMAZING job with this!

[@15colorguard]

This is the best drum major conducting ive sen ! very emotional , and exspressive ! it looks like you love the music , and all the cues , just seem to be part of you . no hesitation at all . its so great .. im gonna watch it again !

[@ezayniamalone]

Stop as soon as I heard the music I got so excited, we are doing this song for our 2023 field show

[@bandmarc141]

Fantastic.....cues! Meter changes.....get man! This never gets old to see! I hope that you are doing great things! This is very inspiring! 👏👏👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@WesDude48]

Dude, your routine has helped me so much with mine. Thank you so much, this is amazing what you did! Thank you.

[@MrTrompwn]

I just want to say that I really enjoy your style of conducting. Great video

[@MrBariplayer]

Incredible. Your style is very clear and your movements are very lyrical and they go with the piece. This is incredible.

[@angela_mmz]

i love the way hes expressing the music. you can really tell he worked hard and is passionate about this.

[@fallbackcat]

You are like...a drum major god :O.....I heard my band is having drum major applications after out break and you just inspired me more so than before, I'm too excited now! Thanks!

[@mysweetlove93]

this just makes me smile =) conducting is my favorite thing to do and you sir, do it EXTREMELY WELL!

[@VirgoGreen777]

Drum Major auditions monday. I absolutely love this technique. After watching this video a year ago I have been waiting up to this date to learn this guys conduction technique! Now to just come up with a signature salute!

[@SeedyDragon]

u have inspired me to try out for drum major next year,and to not be afraid to show my feelings while im conducting

[@bandnerd011]

This is really KOOL! I'm glad to see someone that can actually conduct. Some would say that all the emotion isn't rly necessary but you rly know how to convert it into your conducting. This was a kool video and even though its a video i still have something to add to my collection of "looking up to"!!

[@basesaxball3]

this is sick dude. i loved how u rocked out to it in them middle. way to go

[@gsagadin]

omg... our drum majors are going to see this... thank you so much!

[@crazykoo88]

AMAZING! I've watched this video over and over and over! I can't get enough..... I was a drum major and this gets my inner band nerd flowing again =) love it!!!!!

[@Maxgruttadauria]

Im auditioning for Drum Major tomorrow conducting and saluting like you did here . I cannot stop watching

[@nickvasquez705]

The machines is a very good choice if your trying out for drum major

[@PutraMahanaimTampubolon]

This is just awesome!!!!

[@Iggysgirllove]

I want to thankyou so much for posting this video. I am applying for Drum Major this year at my High School and I really hope to be appointed. Your conducting conveys all the emotion that I want to put into my conducting. You create the emotion behind the music and therefore allow those you are conducting to convey the same emotion. You personify everything I hope to be as a drum major in this video. Thankyou so much.

[@dion9795]

Hey man I know you're not going to see this but this video was made 10 years ago and it gives me chills every time you are amazing you probably have kids and a wife now hope you're doing great things now

[@MrsSaxophonegirl]

Wow this is amazing. Your strong pattern with your right hand is easy to follow and you command the band with power and intensity. Fantastic job!

[@alyshiacook4039]

Your only one of the few drum majors I have seen that has the biggest cleanest pattern I have seen and can be emotional at the same time great job you deserve that college money!

[@brandonjennings8732]

Its always bet to assume its in 4/4 if not then im pretty sure you Director would have mentioned it.

[@republicofpluto]

Dude...that was great. You inspired me to have more of a personal touch in my conducting.

[@jacquelinealmazan173]

This is amazing! I now a drummajor for my school and I'm so excited 😊

[@doofdum]

I got chills watching this. You're very clean. Very articulate. Very musical. I'm going to follow this next year.

[@alhubs05]

Dude i love you, you are amazing

[@bryantdriggs5488]

That was amazing, you are an inspiration to me and drum majors

[@musicalcravings]

Oh my gosh. That was the most amazing conducting I've ever seen. Simple as that.

[@KayeleeCL]

You freaking pwnd that. This was amazing. I don't understand what people are talking about. That wasn't too showy, it was passionate. I loved it.

[@coramorgan406]

This is actually my same audition in fourteen days. I owe this man my life. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jilltucker1228]

Thanks Gary Gilroy for all the great marching music. Your picture is a friend's lock screen.

[@0101lbc]

This is incredible. I may use this for my drum major auditions!! Great job!!

[@bcso1317]

Same conducting style I was using when I was a drum major 12 years ago. Definitely more clear, and precise. Great job.

[@supreme281418]

ah, beautiful. perfectly defined in every way.

[@Orangeblossomtrains]

You are an amazing drum major. You defiantly inspired me and showed me the raw emotion and skill of a true drum major. I wonder how your band preformed with you as there leader. The judges made the right decision. You stood out the most amongst the rest.

[@ibelittledebster]

Woah, this is beautiful.

[@ChiokeAarhus]

This was amazing, i loved it haha!

[@bandg33k100]

He inspires me so much...I've been auditioning for one of my schools 3 DM spots since i was a freshman and this is my last year i can audition, i wish i could conduct like him! Time to go practice :)

[@Moonmatt2]

The way you conduct is so much fun! BTw as a musician I could read your conducting very well, best of luck!

[@TheJesusFreakkk]

Oh my goodness. You are an amazingggg conductor! I'm trying out for drum major in less than a week! Wish me luck! :D

[@TheKingmonday]

I think that this is absolutely amazing. I have tried many different conducting techniques, but my band doesn't like them, and in this video, you use about THREE!! Amazing :D

[@Khromiux]

Omg ...... You are amazing

[@Enatural_7]

Your focal point is incredible

[@delcreme]

i am a freshman and i did this song for my prepared piece for drum major tryouts and i made it! 😄 lol i'm the auxiliary drum major (3rd) but i'm still glad i made it and it's thanks to this guy and his video!

[@shamgod9163]

i watched this video non stop for drum major auditions 😂

[@caitleanne]

beast conducting!!!

[@OblivionRecorderJr]

I am trying out for Drum Major this year and I have been watching this video everyday for a couple of months down trying to learn his routine. I hope that this will get me drum major, even though I don't know how they are going to run auditions yet. :P Wish me luck!

[@Enatural_7]

Sorry this whole thing was incredible...I would love to see this show

[@youngsavagekaeJ]

wow that was more than amazing! I'm definitely going to be learning off of this for my up coming season next year!

[@qualekk]

best damn conducting ive seen. i could see emotion, but strictness. it was the perfect balance.

[@VRoseRusso]

Exactly what I was thinking! They have the same 4/4 style

[@brawnyjk]

You are a great conductor!

[@GTcole]

I swear, you're a drum major god!

[@lc.peanutsmom]

The Blue Devils played this for DCI! Gorgeous piece and really clear conducting! Great job!

[@JamesFrancois01]

WOW congratulations! that was stupendous! not that you had any competition lol. i would love to one day ba able to conduct as well as you do. (you have inspired me to use this piece to audition for drum major in the fall)

[@hannahlael3445]

Wow. This is beautiful. I was expecting something like having eight metronomes all going at different tempos and subdivisions and he had to keep conducting at one given tempo without a metronome, which is one of the tests for drum major at my school, but this is even more impressive and beautiful.

[@jalen.thompson]

omg! YOU ARE INPIRATIONAL i want to be a drum major for my 10th grade year u gave me a lesson just by this video!

[@estradajuan3]

Saw some really good things! Strong form in Nor Cal apparently. =] Kudos from Florida!

[@cosmicmusicblast]

i love the machine!!!!!

[@ultra_jolteon]

my drum major conducts a lot like this. he gets really into the music. at a contest i was at a couple weeks ago he actually popped a wheel off of the podium when he jumped during our 4th movement(closer). i love this style of conducting because its fun to see him get all excited during big 'in your face' moments in the show. he likes to 'punch' the first note of a hit rather than just doing the basic downbeat with his hand

[@bandmarc141]

Phenomenal conducting! Amazing style very connected to your music and group! Inspiring definitely! Great to see such emotional connection in field conducting. You dont see that often. I have in common the same style, with orchestral and field conducting. My band director cant stand it lol, however the band responds well and so does the audience. Great job keep it alive!

[@MikaelaKay]

Sir, you are the most creative drum major I've seen yet. I wish you were from VA, I'd pay you to teach me!

[@KyozuSanada]

always good

[@lucalevandofsky9971]

I like how he makes a simple 4/4 pattern so beautiful

[@JohnJApanovitch]

Yesterday, I listened to "The Machines" by Gary Gilroy, and I found out that this guy is conducting Movement 1! Sounds amazing!

[@skatrpt15]

Hi, I just got the drum major position at Clarion University for the Fall 2011 marching season. As a current freshman I and i have been looking for things to incorporate hopefully for next year and i really enjoyed your musicality as well as your showmanship, I can only hope that I will do as great a job as you.

[@redcthulhu]

Gilroy's hard to conduct to sometimes, you pulled it off very well. I was actually imagining the stepoffs and cues in my head when you conducted them. Well done, one band kid, to another, from a rural town in Virginia.

[@BoredAlways]

Ah, this video helped me getting the drum major position (The most enriching experience IMO)...

[@stevib2333]

I must say this is so very entertaining and beautiful, but when it comes to us choir/quartet people, we look a little into someone who can direct us as well! He's awesome and funny, but I would love some voice. I was actually here and it started out with voice, so, as for me, direction would be sooo fun, maybe....But, seriously, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE PERCUSSIONS, PLEASE DON'T THINK I DON'T

[@Necron3211]

Hes definitely a beast.

[@john94xc]

:55 and onward gives me the craziest goosebumps, I hope I can be this great of a drum major this season.

[@shotbysal]

I hve also been watching this same video from freshman year, picking up gestures and cues I can use for my audition! Unfortunately we cannot pick the piece on which we will conduct, it will be chosen to be played by our band at random by the director, but your technique helps ALOT! I love your style and conducting patterns, and look forward to maybe using them on the field if I am chosen for the position! Thanks!

[@jacobdean5502]

Got dm! So happy and exited! To bad my show isn't capable of beautiful and stylish conducting as this

[@faithl2067]

Still amazing

[@pokerkid6]

thanks man i think you just helped me out a little bit with my cut offs

[@tatescreek12]

Awesome....

[@RainbowwAireanna]

:O Wow.. That is beautiful.

[@TankP0wnz]

omg so much emotion

[@Darkwoulf1]

Wow.... I need to learn to be that good next year so I can be drum major for my High school at Saraland...

[@bandgeek358]

You're awsome!

[@bobbyBlUEJACk]

very intense ; i love it :] i wish you were drum major at our school lol

[@TylerT718]

The Bomb!

[@paledragon64]

Nice job! =) I'll definitely take a tip from you and that great style.

[@looseleifa6330]

this was awesome👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@brawnyjk]

I hope you won! You're really good. You should train drum majors! =)

[@jacobdean5502]

I'm trying to learn his routine from this. Very challenging