Students who wish to apply for the positions of drum major, section leader, colorguard captain, or WMB Council member-at-large must apply by Saturday, March 25th at 11:59 PM.

Auditions for drum major, section leader, and colorguard captain will be held on Monday, March 27th at 6:00 p.m. in the Band Room (PCAC M226). WMB Council members-at-large will be selected after auditions.

Requirements for student leaders:

You must be a current UNH student and have completed at least one previous full season with the Wildcat Marching Band.
You will be evaluated primarily by your audition/application, but we will also take into account ways you have previously exhibited leadership, honesty, dependability, responsibility, respect of peers, and ability to work well within the band.
Student Leaders will be required to attend tentative leadership sessions later in the semester, plus a leadership day prior to band camp. Dates and times will be determined after student leaders have been selected.
If you are interested only in a WMB Council member-at-large position, you do not need to attend auditions. Please complete the application to be considered.

Student Leadership Job Descriptions

This is not an exhaustive list of expectations, but is provided to give applicants a general idea of each position. All student leaders are members of the WMB Council.

Drum Majors

Those selected for this highly-esteemed position have responsibilities that are musical, instructional, ceremonial, and logistical. Drum majors serve as a liaison between the band and the staff, conduct the band in rehearsal and performance, assist in the instruction and cleaning of visual and musical technique, take responsibility for field set-up and break-down, fulfill other duties as requested, and represent the band and the university in the best possible manner at all times. It is expected that drum majors are of the highest caliber in terms of musicianship, confidence, marching skills, maturity, and leadership. Since drum majors also conduct the band in the stands during football games, a working knowledge of football will be necessary. This is an area that can be remedied if necessary before the season begins.

We may return to the two-rank system of drum majors: Head Drum Major and Assistant Drum Major. Everyone who auditions for drum major will be considered for BOTH ranks. Applicants will not specify one or the other. There is no pre-requisite to be Head Drum Major beyond those for all student leaders. All those auditioning for drum major will be considered for this position, including first-time drum majors. The adjudicating panel will select the best candiate for the position. This rank brings additional prestige to the role of drum major, help to streamline rehearsals and performances (no switching over or trying to decide who's doing what), and will give the band a clear single point of focus when necessary.

Head Drum Major

This is the most prestigious position within the student leadership, and carries additional responsibilities.

The Head Drum Major (HDM) serves as the primary (center) conductor for the Wildcat Marching Band during the featured field show and rotates with the assistant(s) for the pre-game and special event shows (Alumni Band, Halloween, etc.).
As such, this person is the primary conductor during rehearsals as well. A strong grasp of the WMB rehearsal procedure will be necessary to fulfill this role successfully.
The HDM works with the staff (director or other designated person) to refine conducting skills and style and is responsible for coaching the assistant(s) in this area. Musicality, clarity, and uniformity of style are the areas of focus.
Depending on the candidate's strengths, other responsibilities may be delegated as well. This may include visual warm-ups, musical warm-ups, section coaching, et al.
When an assistant is on the center podium during rehearsal, the HDM will take his/her place on the field to help clean drill and visual technique.
Whether with the collective drum majors or alone, the HDM will be called upon to act as the representative of the WMB at events or when special guests are present.

Assistant Drum Major(s)

In addition to the responsibilities shared by all drum majors, Assistant Drum Majors (ADMs) have many similar responsibilities as the HDM, with some exceptions.

One or two people will fill this role, depending on the annual needs of the band. ADMs will conduct the band from the side podiums during the featured field show and will rotate with the others for the pre-game and special event shows (Alumni Band, Halloween, etc.). While the HDM will be the primary conductor during rehearsals, ADMs should be prepared to fill this role at any time if necessary. During the teaching/cleaning of the pre-game show in particular, ADMs may take over primary conductor responsibility.
ADMs will work with the HDM to refine conducting skills and style. This will happen during sectionals, especially earlier in the season. Despite not being in the center during the featured show, ADMs will still be responsible for conducting all the music in an appropriate manner. It is NOT the philosopy of the WMB that side drum majors simply "beat time." We expect ADMs to meed the musical needs of the performers in front of them just as much as the center drum major.
During rehearsals, ADMs will serve as field staff, aiding in the teaching and cleaning of drill and visual technique. A strong understanding of how to read drill charts and coordinate sheets will be necessary.
During run-throughs and as necessary during rehearsals, ADMs will conduct from their field positions.

Section Leaders

The concept of the sound and the marching style of the WMB are determined through communication among the section leaders, instructors, and marching band director. Depending upon strengths of candidates and needs of the band, there may be multiple section leaders for some sections. Responsibilities include:

Accuracy of rhythm; accuracy of pitches
A section sound with a matched tone and pitch
Proper interpretation and style of all music
Consistency and uniformity of playing style
Proper care and maintenance of instruments and uniforms
Uniformity and style of all marching and posture
Daily attendance (conveyed to drum major or graduate staffer responsible)
Section cohesiveness

Colorguard Captain

The visual heart of the Wildcat Marching Band lies in the colorguard. The Captain is responsible for:

Coordinating with instructors to encourage and maintain uniformity of the colorguard
Coordinate maintenance of equipment
Helping members who are struggling or behind to catch up
Maintaining a consistent style in terms of marching and carriage
Daily attendance for the guard (conveyed to drum major or graduate staffer responsible)

The captain may be called upon to help write and/or teach carriage, and to assist in uniform and equipment selection.

WMB Council Member-at-Large

Members-at-large serve as representatives of the band on the WMB council. Students who fill this role exhibit many of the qualities we look for in a drum major, section leader, or colorguard captain, but either are not interested in those positions or not the best fit this year (either way, the applicant indicated an interest in this position on the application). After the other positions have been filled, it is determined how many members-at-large will be selected, and the staff makes its best effort to select a representation of a cross-section of the band. Members-at-Large go through leadership training with the entire council and have an equal say in the WMB council and can be considered for all officer and chair positions. Members-at-large are NOT instructional positions and not a de facto section leader unless individuals have been directed to assist in this way. They a representatives to the council.. Generally, it is expected that all those applying for other positions also apply to be a member-at-large.

WMB Council Positions

As indicated previously, all student leaders are members of the WMB Council. Applicants will be asked to address strengths in certain areas to be considered for chair positions. Rather than splitting the council into committees, the chairs will recruit assistance as necessary from the other members (and beyond, in some cases). Here is a list of anticipated positions along with the areas for which they will be responsible:

Recruiting/PR: Summer recruiting, website, Facebook, recruiting tables, ideas for new approaches
Finance: Collection of money (supplies, banquet, etc.), putting together deposits, keeping track of those who have paid and still owe money
Alumni/Historian: Alumni database, update histories, photos, videos, Alumni band (with Events)
Library: Flip folders, replacement of parts, scanning music
Uniforms: Replacement of parts, distribution/collection, maintenance, proper care and wearing, ensuring we have backups for travel etc.
Events: Band Day, Away trip, Band Extravaganza, Alumni band (with Alumni/Historian)
Social: Band buddies, band camp activities, superlatives, Savage Beast, new activities (movie nights, intramurals)

When indicating interests/strengths in any of these areas on the application, new ideas are encouraged. Think outside the box.

Other positions (not addressed on the application):

KKPsi representative (usually president)

New member representative (elected at band camp)

Audition Requirements

Drum Major

COMMANDS

In small groups, the drum major, captain, and section leader candidates will form a block. Each drum major candidate will call commands and fix marching errors. Please use the following sequence, giving feedback to the marchers as appropriate (commands are in the handbook):

Attention
Dress Left, Center, or Right; Ready, Front
Right or Left Face (can use more than one if necessary to point them in the right direction)
Mark Time
Forward March
Shift Left or Right
Backward March
Halt
Parade Rest; Relax

MARCHING TECHNIQUE

While you are a member of the block mentioned above, the committee will evaluate your marching technique.

CONDUCTING

A score and a recording of Downtown are available below. You are expected to prepare the piece and conduct a live ensemble. The conducting portion will be first this year so you can conduct members of the pep band and any additional volunteers from the WMB. Begin with a standard two-bar silent count-off (see Mrs. Goodwin for help with this if you are unsure how to show this).

We are looking for more than just patterns. You will be evaluated on communication of the music, dynamics, cues, releases, etc. You are strongly encouraged to conduct from memory.

INTERVIEW

Please prepare a verbal statement addressing the following:

Why do you want this/these position(s)?
What makes you the best candidate for this/these position(s)?
What unique qualities do you bring to the table?

Your interview portion will open with your statement. This will give us a chance to evaluate how you carry yourself as well as the content of your answers without putting you on the spot. There will likely be some follow-up questions after your prepared statement.

EVALUATION

You will be evaluated on:

Marching: Posture/Carriage
Rhythm/Snap; Knowledge of Fundamentals
Confidence
Potential; Overall Ability
Commands: Volume
Knowledge of Fundamentals; Rhythm
Awareness (of marchers and space)
Clarity
Confidence
Potential
Overall Ability
Conducting: Posture
Style/Articulation
Tempo
Cues
Independence of Hands
Confidence
Eye Contact
Communication of Music (emotion)
Control
Potential
Interview

Audition Requirements

Section Leader

MARCHING TECHNIQUE

In small groups, the drum major, captain, and section leader candidates will form a block. Each drum major candidate will call commands for the group. During this time, the committee will evaluate your marching technique and ability to respond to commands.

MUSICIANSHIP

Instrumentalists: please prepare the assigned excerpt from Downtown as described below. You should audition on the instrument you plan to play in marching band, even if it is not your primary instrument. When applicable, please play the 1st and/or top part (tubas play bottom).

Flute, Clarinet: mm. 1–8; 20–36
Alto Sax, Trombone: mm. 1–9; 17–34
Tenor Sax: 1–9; 19–40
Mellophone: 1–4; 13–16; 21–33
Trumpet: 1–4; 17–34
Baritone: 1–4; 17–40
Tuba, Bari Sax: 1–4; 9–12; 29–49
Snare, Tenors, Bass Drum: 9–29 (bass drum play all parts)

Audition Parts :

INTERVIEW

Please prepare a verbal statement addressing the following:

Why do you want this/these position(s)?
What makes you the best candidate for this/these position(s)?
What unique qualities do you bring to the table?

EVALUATION

You will be evaluated on:

Marching: Posture/Carriage
Rhythm/Snap; Knowledge of Fundamentals
Confidence
Potential; Overall Ability
Playing: Accuracy of Notes
Accuracy of Rhythms
Tempo
Dynamics
Articulation
Musicality
Posture and instrument position
Tone Quality and Intonation
Confidence
Interview

Audition Requirements

Colorguard Captain

MARCHING TECHNIQUE

FLAG WORK

Perform the ending flag feature from this year's winterguard show.

INTERVIEW

Please prepare a verbal statement addressing the following:

Why do you want this/these position(s)?
What makes you the best candidate for this/these position(s)?
What unique qualities do you bring to the table?

EVALUATION

You will be evaluated on:

Marching: Posture/Carriage; Rhythm/Snap; Knowledge of Fundamentals; Confidence; Potential; Overall Ability
Routine: Precision/Tempo; Facial expression; Control; Confidence; Potential
Interview

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2017 Student Leader Auditions

Article Index

Student Leadership Job Descriptions

Drum Majors

Head Drum Major

Assistant Drum Major(s)

Section Leaders

Colorguard Captain

WMB Council Member-at-Large

WMB Council Positions

Audition Requirements

Drum Major

COMMANDS

MARCHING TECHNIQUE

CONDUCTING

INTERVIEW

EVALUATION

Audition Requirements

Section Leader

MARCHING TECHNIQUE

MUSICIANSHIP

INTERVIEW

EVALUATION

Audition Requirements

Colorguard Captain

MARCHING TECHNIQUE

FLAG WORK

INTERVIEW

EVALUATION