Troubled Drumlines 101
(Or, "When Good Lines Go Bad II)
Cheesy title aside, I've been browsing this forum and I noticed that a lot of the problems that people are having or have had in the past are the same as problems that I have had in my three (almost four) years in a drumline. I remember reading someone's post which suggested that someone post an all-in-one topic addressing some of these gripes for easy reference later. I like to think I've been through a lot as a four-year member and 3-year captain of my school's drumline, so I think I can offer some advice on a few of the gripes I've seen posted in this forum. So without further ado...
1) I think that I should be on "x" drum but Bobby Teenager got the spot because he's older/better looking/taller/etc. than I am. What do I do?!?!
If your drumline is anything like the norm, you have auditions for parts. Make sure that you aren't just sore because you got beat out for the spot and are looking for a scapegoat to blame it on. If you really, REALLY feel that the audition was unfair, then talk to your director about the situation. Ask to see the scoresheets of the audition, ask him to explain why so-and-so got the spot over you.
I'm going to be honest, though; if the player got the spot through an audition, I'm going to be surprised if the director decides to change his decision and award you the spot. So my next advice to you, if the above doesn't work, is to suck it up and take the spot that you're given. A drum is a drum. They all work the same way for the most part. Two sticks striking a head. If you can play one drum, you can play any drum, that's my philosophy. Enjoy the time you have in your drumline and don't get depressed because you didn't get a spot. You will have other opportunites, just keep working and enjoy yourself. Every spot is important to a good drumline from bottom bass to center snare.
2) Our captain is really stupid and nobody wants him/her to be captain anymore. I think I would be a good replacement but my BD refuses to give me the C. What do I do?!?!
Gonna say this once: you don't need a title to be a leader. Most of the time, this complaint is followed by, "Well I already do everything a captain does, so why shouldn't I be captain?" You just answered your own question. You do everything a good captain should do, so what does it matter. How is being the captain going to improve your ability to be a leader? You either have leadership or you don't, and that's the truth. Hopefully, if your BD has any brains, he'll be able to see who the true leader is and will rightfully award you the line captaincy. If he doesn't, don't sweat it.
If your ENTIRE LINE has a problem with the current captain, make sure you go to your BD as a group. There is strength in numbers and your united complaint will let him/her know that this is not an isolated feeling in the drumline. If your BD has any sense, he/she will make the right decision.
Bottom line: keep doing what you're doing. If you are as good a leader as you claim to be it won't matter whether or not you are captain. You'll earn the respect no matter what.
3) I think my line is racist/sexist/anti-Semetic, what do I do?!?!
You first tell your linemates that you don't like when they make cruel jokes at your expense. If they are just ribbing you, this usually ends it.
If that does nothing, you go to your director and explain the situation to him/her. If your director wants to keep his job, I am one-hundred percent positive he will address the line as a whole and issue a fair warning to cease the remarks immediately.
I can't imagine the problem going any further than that, but if it does, get the school's principal/president involved, as well as your parents. Take it as far as you need to go and let it be known that you won't tolerate any racist/sexist remarks. The problem will solve itself sooner or later, as long as you go as far as you need to go.
Important: keep your cool. Don't retaliate, it only hurts your efforts and drags you down to the others' level.
4) I'm the captain, and my drumline isn't doing what I tell them to do. It's very irritating, and when I try to punish them for not listening they just ignore me. What do I do?!?!
Let's get one thing clear; being the drumline captain does not make the drumline your property. Everyone should have an equal say in what the drumline should or shouldn't do, considering everyone (ideally) puts in the same amount of effort that you do.
This is a common misconception that I see first-time captains make. You aren't the captain to bark out orders, yell at people, or tell freshmen to do pushups when they make a mistake. You're there to help people, and to ensure that the drumline runs smoothly. When the director is not there, you are his mouthpiece. But you don't take it upon yourself to determine what the line should/shouldn't do without first running your ideas by the rest of the line and the director. Contrary to popular belief, the words "Captain" and "Dictator" are NOT synonyms.
Anyway, being a dictator is a sure-fire way to lose respect among your linemates. People who feel the need to constantly bark out orders without considering the ideas of others are the people who shouldn't be captains, because they are proving that they have no leadership. Set an example, but don't be an butt about it.
5) Bobby Bass is dating Sarah Snare. I don't want it to cause drama in the drumline. What do I do?!?!
What can you do? You can't control who people like and who they don't like, ESPECIALLY in High School. As long as the drama doesn't spill into rehearsal, you have nothing to worry about.
If there is a break-up and it starts interfering with the drumline, confront the two about it and explain the situation to them. Let it be known that they took the risk by dating within the line, and now they either have to deal with each other's presence or leave the drumline. That should clear things up. If it doesn't, talk to the BD. I guarantee the problem stops there.
I'll try to cover some more stuff as time goes on. If you want to ask any questions of me, post here and I'll offer you my advice. If you want to ask in private, you can always send me a PM or catch me on AIM (NBarretta34).
I hope this thread proves to be helpful and reliable for you all. Peace.
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