Applying or auditioning to be the next AHS Band Drum Major?

  • Be sure to check the calendar for training dates and the audition day.
  • All ​Drum major applicants will need to make sure that they have submitted the full leadership application with teacher recommendations by the deadline, and indicated YES on the drum major question.​
  • Drum major applicants will need to attend all of the designated training dates to be considered for the audition.
  • Durm majors who are selected will need to attend the Leadership Camp with the AHS band leadership team AND drum major camp. Go to the Leadership Applicant page for more information on the SASI training.

About the High School Drum Major

A drum major is more than just a time keeper with a mace. A drum major is also a leader, a teacher, and the top student representative of the band. An effective drum major is an excellent musician and can demonstrate excellent marching technique. Drum majors can conduct both with and without a baton. The drum major is responsible for leading the band through physical and musical warm-up exercises, and making sure they are to the field on time for rehearsals and performances. The drum major helps rehearsals run smoothly and sets the standard for discipline and conduct for the entire band. A drum major must also be willing to learn to be a better drum major, and take direction from the band director. The drum major must be reliable and honest.  An excellent drum major has the ability to inspire the band.
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Drum Major Eligibility Requirements
  • Must be enrolled in a band course at Atascocita H.S. now and for the next year.
  • Must have been in the marching band during the previous season.
  • Must be in the 10th-12th during the current school year.
  • Must be passing all classes they are enrolled in.

Role of the Drum Major
The drum major is the most visible position in the marching band.  The drum major exemplifies the spirit and dignity of the entire band.  Duties of the drum major include but are not limited to:
  • Consults with the director before each rehearsal for instructions concerning the rehearsal plan
  • Leads the band through warm up routine
  • Assists in the teaching of marching technique
  • Assists individual band members when the need arises
  • Demonstrates as an example difficult maneuvers and proper posture
  • Assists in maintaining discipline and positive morale in the band at all times
  • Assists with general inspection of the band in uniform
  • Responsible for making sure the band is assembled in the proper formation at the proper place and at the proper time for all performances
  • Responsible for moving the band from one area to another in an orderly fashion at performances
  • Be the example at all times in punctuality, dress, leadership, alertness, marching, attitude, and morale
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Desirable Qualities of a Drum Major

The drum major must:
  • have a strong dedication to the band program
  • have a high level of musical ability
  • be intelligent and have the capability to think quickly under pressure
  • possess outstanding leadership qualities
  • be personable and get along well with others
  • be very dependable and have a great attendance record
  • be able to accept constructive criticism 
  • be enthusiastic in his/her dealings with the band
  • exhibit a good attitude and must encourage good morale within the band

The drum major is held to a higher standard than other positions in the band. If you submit the application materials you are showing that you understand what will be required of you, should you be selected for the position of drum major. Submit your application materials only after you fully understand the responsibility and requirements of the drum major position.

If you are selected as drum major for the new marching season, you will need to attend a drum major camp (we prefer Stephen F. Austin State University drum major camp on the military track).  Parents/Guardians will need to arrange transportation to and from that camp, and make plans for the students to stay on campus at the camp. Click the link above to get more information on the Drum Major Camp (if you are selected). 

If you have any questions please contact the directors.

The Drum Major Audition Process


Part 1: Teaching
  • For 1 minute, candidates will draw a random fundamental out of a hat/bag/box, and they will get 1 minute to teach that fundamental to the other candidates.
  • We are looking for the students who are not only knowledgeable about the skill, but also display comfortability teaching others.
Part 2: Drum Major Salute
  • Drum major candidate will display a creative drum major salute that they have come up with on their own.
  • This is a good opportunity for judges to look for poise and stature while using a drum major mace.
Part 3: Marching
  • Candidates will each get an individual opportunity to receive a set of marching and conducting instructions, and they will march what is given to them.
  • Each candidate will individually come in to the audition room and receive a list of instructions that they will march themselves, which includes:
    • Two tweets, kick step, 6 to 5 march
    • Two or three fundamentals to execute - countermarches, etc.
    • Halt at the end and mace conducting for 16 counts with a cut-off and close.
  • Judges will look for 1) how well candidates march, and 2) how well candidates take instructions and execute them.
Part 4: Interview
  • Judges will have a predetermined list of questions beforehand, and candidates will be asked important questions that pertain to the growth of the band program and the candidate's character qualities.
  • This section is super important for the drum major selection process. We can teach mace work and marching to anyone, but this section is where the candidate's character qualities will be put to the test with scenario-type questions.