Students who wish to apply for the positions of drum major, section leader, colorguard captain, visual squad leader, or WMB Council member-at-large must apply by Wednesday, March 23rd at 11:59 PM.

Auditions will be held in person on Monday, March 28th (DM/Section Leader) and Wednesday, March 30th (CG Captain/VSL)
We will create a schedule for those evenings and post ASAP the day after the application deadline. WMB Council members-at-large will be selected after auditions and may have a separate interview with Casey.

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 leadership sessions later in the semester and/or over the summer, 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 audition. Please complete the application to be considered. It is possible interviews will be scheduled later if needed.
Since we believe in servant leadership, it is expected that all candidates are interested in positions to best serve the band and would therefore apply for member-at-large in addition to any other positions sought.

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 continue the equal rank system or 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 all positions. 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 (and use UDB app) 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
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 carriage
Daily attendance for the guard (conveyed to drum major or graduate staffer responsible) when rehearsing separately
Facilitate social harmony and bonding of the section

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

Visual Squad Leader

Visual squad leaders are effectively the marching section leaders for the band, but may work with squad members outside their own section. Visual Squad Leaders MAY also hold another leadership position in the band. The Visual Squad Leader is responsible for:

Uniformity and style of all marching and posture
Instruction, evaluation, and reinforcement of marching technique
Assistance with drill rehearsals from the field as needed

VSLs should already possess strong marching technique and the goal of improving the footwork of the band as a whole.

There is not necessarily a limit to the number of VSLs. We plan to select all those we feel would best execute the duties. We want WIDE representation from ALL marching sections of the band (woodwinds, brass, battery, guard)

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 are 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/Outreach: Summer recruiting, recruiting tables, outreach events, ideas for new approaches
PR/Marketing/Social Media: Upkeep of social media, website, work with media team to create marketing materials, etc.
Advancement: Fundraising and alumni outreach. Assist with Alumni Band, (603) Challenge, Giving Tuesday, etc.
Library: Flip folders, replacement of parts, scanning music, maintenance of physical and digital libraries.
Uniforms/Clothing: Replacement of uniform parts, distribution/collection, maintenance, proper care and wearing, ensuring we have backups for travel etc. Inventory and distribution of WMB apparel.
Equipment/Supply: Instrument/equipment distribution, truck/trailer loading, inventory and distribution of WMB supplies.
Operations/Logistics: Rehearsal setup, logistical needs, oversight of marching band infrastructure such as shed, trailer, and scaffolding.
Social: Band buddies, band camp activities, superlatives, Savage Beast, new activities (movie nights, intramurals)
Wellness: Provide the band with resources, encouragement, and check-ins for physical and mental well-being.
Academic: Provide the band with resources for academic support. Possibly coordinate with CFAR for presentation.
Historical: Update histories, photos, videos. Work with media team to create slideshow.

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

CONDUCTING

A score and a recording of Thnks Fr th Mmrs are available below. You are expected to prepare the piece and conduct a live ensemble. The conducting portion will be first 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 be some follow-up questions after your prepared statement.

EVALUATION

You will be evaluated on:

Conducting

Posture/Confidence
Style/Articulation
Tempo
Cues
Dynamics
Independence of Hands
Eye Contact/Expression
Potential

Interview

Audition Requirements

Section Leader

MUSICIANSHIP

Instrumentalists: please prepare the assigned excerpt from Thnks Fr th Mmrs 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/Picc.: mm. 5–38, 75–end
Clarinet: mm. 5–38, 75–end
Alto Sax: mm. 39–end
Tenor Sax: mm. 13–56
Bari Sax: mm. 13–56
Mello: mm. 13–29, 43–56, 76–end
Trumpet: 47–end
Trombone: 13–56
Baritone: 39–end
Tuba: mm. 13–64
Snares: 1–28, 73–end
Tenors: 1–28, 73–end
Basses: 1–28, 73–end
Cymbals: 1–28, 47–56
Front Ensemble (Play on mallet instrument or piano): mm. 57–end

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:

Playing: Tone Quality and Intonation
Accuracy of Rhythms
Accuracy of Notes
Tempo
Dynamics
Articulation
Musicality
Posture/confidence
Interview

Audition Requirements

Colorguard Captain

FLAG WORK

Perform the choreography to Fight Song short. You MAY add your own "flavor" or individual choreography if desired to demonstrate additional skills.

Audio File (8 clicks up front)

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:

Routine: Creativity; Precision/Tempo; Expression; Control; Confidence; Potential
Interview

Audition Requirements

Visual Squad Leader

COMMANDS

In small groups, the VSL candidates will form a block. Each VSL candidate will call commands. Please use the following sequence. 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.

TEACHING

Please bring a NON-MARCHER "guinea pig" with you and teach the following techniques:

Attention
Parade Rest
(and going between the two both ways)

INTERVIEW

Please prepare a verbal statement addressing the following:

Why do you want this/these position(s)?
What unique qualities do you bring to the table?
Briefly describe a marching skills station you would want to implement during the season

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 may be some follow-up questions after your prepared statement.

EVALUATION

You will be evaluated on:

Commands: Volume
Accuracy/Clarity; Pulse
Awareness (of space/timing)
Confidence
Potential
Overall Ability
Marching: Posture/Carriage
Rhythm/Snap; Knowledge of Fundamentals
Confidence
Potential; Overall Ability
Teaching: Preparedness; Clarity; Efficiency; Effectiveness; Confidence; Potential
Interview

APPLY by Wednesday, March 23rd at 11:59 PM.

2022 Student Leader Auditions

Article Index

Student Leadership Job Descriptions

Drum Majors

Head Drum Major

Assistant Drum Major(s)

Section Leaders

Colorguard Captain

Visual Squad Leader

WMB Council Member-at-Large

WMB Council Positions

Audition Requirements

Drum Major

CONDUCTING

INTERVIEW

EVALUATION

Audition Requirements

Section Leader

MUSICIANSHIP

INTERVIEW

EVALUATION

Audition Requirements

Colorguard Captain

FLAG WORK

INTERVIEW

EVALUATION

Audition Requirements

Visual Squad Leader

COMMANDS

MARCHING TECHNIQUE

TEACHING

INTERVIEW

EVALUATION