- February 6th: Introduction and Training
- February 20th: Interview and Field Trial
- March 20th: Formal Audition
The White Sabers is seeking a group of dedicated and passionate individuals to join the 2022 Drum Major Team. See below for details. Any questions should be submitted to Joe Stork, Ensemble Coordinator and Ben Chaffee, Corps Director.
Commitment
- Drum Majors are expected to attend all corps functions. Any scheduling conflicts must be communicated at the time of the interview portion.
- Drum Majors are expected to arrive at least 30 mins prior to the start of rehearsals to assist administration and staff with duties.
- Drum majors are performing members who are expected to pay dues in full as well as attend two bingos unless geography prohibits.
Skills
- Candidates will be viewed and feedback will be given by the staff and administration throughout the season. This will occur through individual lessons as well as direct feedback on performance in a small and/or large ensemble setting.
- Conducting experience is not required, however, ability to accept feedback on patterns and interpretation, as well as an eagerness to grow as a musician and leader, is.
- A strong voice and ability to control the rehearsal is necessary. It is important for leaders to understand how their tone is perceived. We want a firm leader, not a harsh one.
- Drum Majors will lead by example in everything they do in and outside of rehearsal. The persona displayed by the drum majors has a direct effect on that of the membership; positive interactions and attitude matter. This must be displayed toward members, staff, and administration at all times.
Duties
- Drum majors will be the primary communication of tempo, dynamics, emotion, and directions to the drum corps.
- Drum majors will be responsible for metronome programming.
- Drum majors will be in charge of running the metronome for various sections of the corps when rehearsal schedule dictates.
- Drum majors may be asked to move around the field with the metronome to assist in various rehearsal techniques.
- Drum majors will organize bonding events for the corps throughout the season.
- Drum majors will be responsible for mastery of the music and drill scores.
- At times, drum majors may be asked to help support staff with tasks. As a liaison between the administration, staff and members, it is important for candidates to demonstrate the ability to multitask.
Face of the Corps
- Throughout the season, the drum major is the most visible member of the corps. Positive interactions with other drum majors/corps members, along with being the voice of the organization at all times is a key component to being a great leader. This also provides the opportunity to reinforce the corps public image in the DCA and marching arts community.
- Volunteering for recruiting events and public performances outside of the DCA season is encouraged.
- Drum Majors are expected to pay tuition in full.
- Demonstrating the corps’ policies and procedures as laid out in the membership handbook will lead to great relations on and off the field. Furthermore, the ability to help members understand the purpose of this structure and how they fit in is an essential quality in a drum major.
The Process
Step 1: If you are interested please email JosephWStork@gmail.com and BenChaffee2112@gmail.com
Step 2: Show up to the audition dates.
Step 3: Act the part. As you become more comfortable with the corps, start helping with the unloading/loading of equipment, and start meeting members and staff during down time. Keeping members motivated and always having a positive energy about you is a sign of a great leader.
Please understand that we are looking for members who would be open to other opportunities within the corps, whether or not they are offered a drum major position.
Best of luck,
The Staff and Administration of the White Sabers Drum and Bugle Corps
