Student Leadership Development

Student leadership is one of the most crucial aspects of any marching arts program

For inquiries on how to develop or structure a student leadership team, please CONTACT Dr. Wood directly. He does offer consultation and development appointments and rates of flexible based on program need.

Here is an example of a leadership structure Dr. Wood has developed - this structure began development Fall 2020 through present day:

Big Red Marching Machine Leadership Breakdown:

The Big Red Marching Machine Leadership structure was created and developed from Fall 2020 to present time. Here is the hierarchy of roles within the leadership team:

Roles:

Drum Major

Lead Section Leader

Section Leader

New Member Representative

Equipment Team

Marketing and Communications Team

Position Breakdown:

Drum Majors – 4 members selected through an audition process to lead in every aspect of the Big Red Marching Machine. Job duties include, but are not limited to:

·       Disseminate communications to the leadership team and to the band when requested by director.

·       Lead marching fundamental rehearsal – including fundamental stations.

·       Lead music sectionals or rehearsal.

·       Be prepared with every piece in the BRMM Set List.

·       Be available before and after rehearsal to provide support to leadership members who may need it.

·       Ensure all rehearsals are set up in a timely and orderly manner.

·       Oversee uniform inspections for the leadership team

·       Conducting daily with the drumline in sectionals

Lead Section Leaders – 1 member for each section selected through an audition process to be the primary point of contact for their section in the Big Red Marching Machine.

·       Disseminate communications to the section leadership and section.

·       Delegate teaching responsibilities to the other section leaders within their section.

o   Lead section leaders should not do all the teaching but should empower the leaders within their section to teach to their strengths.

·       Set up a weekly meeting with the section leadership to:

o   Plan weekly sectional strategy (who is doing what).

o   Discuss any inventory concerns – does a horn need to go to the shop, etc...

o   Ensure everyone is on the same page with the weekly BRMM schedule

o   Discuss any spots where members of the section leadership may need more support

§  Sousaphones, Drum Line, Color Guard, Redline Express, and Twirlers – ensuring that our equipment is where it needs to be when it needs to be there. BRMM Truck, storage unit, CEFCU Arena, Cook Hall 212, etc...

·       Oversee uniform inspections for your section.

Section Leaders – approximately 1 leader for every 10 students in the section selected through an audition process to be on the teaching leadership team.

·       Support all communications from lead section leaders, drum majors, and staff.

·       Teach marching sectionals.

·       Teach music sectionals.

·       Support the lead section leader’s directives.

o   Assume any BRMM related directives are from a director or staff.

·       Inspect the uniforms for your sections.

·       Assist with any inventory issues.

There will be a section leader assigned to each of the following task:

1.     Music Sectionals

2.     Marching Fundamentals

3.     Communication/Announcements/Attendance

4.     Social media

New Member Representatives – 1 representative from each section selected through an audition process.

·       Provide support to new members in your section.

·       Assist new members with the transition to college and to college marching band.

·       Provide content on our social media networks so incoming students know what to expect.

o   You will work closely with our Marketing and Communications Team

·       You are the support system for our new members, so they all feel included.

·       The lead NMR will oversee communications and be a support person for the NMR’s.

NMR Recommended Content:

·       A day in the life...content centered around what it’s like being in your section in BRMM.

·       What to expect for band camp – what is camp like in your section? What do we need to bring for camp?

·       Section traditions

·       This is not a limited list – you were selected for this role because you have a lot to offer this position, so whatever else you think would be good content for a new member, get it out there!

Equipment Team – a team selected from an application process that provides VITAL service to BRMM.

·       All communications will come from the Lead.

·       Ensure all rehearsal equipment is set up and torn down in a timely and efficient manner.

o   Be early.

·       Ensure all truck responsibilities are evenly distributed to each member.

·       Communicate with Prof. Mack for any equipment moves needed for Pep Band.