I attend a 1 A school, (which, for those of you don't know, is extremely small) and our band program is very unstable. Because our school is so small, we only have only 1 band director over the junior high and HS, and we are never able to keep a director for more than 2 years. Last year we got a wonderful band director but in the middle of marching season his kidneys failed and he had to leave. We managed to struggle through the rest of the first symmester by ourselves. In January, when we came back form Christmas break we had a new band director. She underestimates all of the high school band and the only music she gave us to play was some easy music that we could all easily play. The only contest we got to compete in that whole year was solo/ensemble. It was my freshman year, and the first time I really played snare and I played a Class 2 piece from some book i found in the back of our band hall. I got ranked a 1. My friend Amy who was also in band told me I should've played a class 1, but I didn't think I was ready. This year I'm trying to take advice from other people on what to do with our drum line. Since I'm now section leader, it's all up to me to help the others in our drum line because our band director doesn't know how to play the drums whatsoever. Im really under a lot of pressure with all this responsibility and this is just my first year in band! If anyone has any suggestions for me or any tips, please let me know.

I feel for you and I am sorry that so much was ask for you in a that short amount of time. It is a great responsibility for you and you should do your best to lead and be on top of things. Always know your scheldues and be the one the other kids would come to for the info. Its sux that so much was asked of you so quickly but some times the bad things can bring out the best in people. Try to do your best, be there for everyone on the line.

sorry if i cant help more we have 14 band directors and we are very well cared for. Stick in there never quit. good luck!

First of all I have to say that I wish that I was able to help you out personally. There's no reason for you to have to deal with that much stuff right now. As you probably know, this web site is a good place to be when you need some help. Any of the guys and gals here would be more than happy to throw some advice your way. It's a shame that the smaller schools are the ones that get dumped on. It's been that way for a long time in a lot of districts in Texas, and in other states as well.

Also, I'd like to point out that you have a lot of heart for assuming this role in your band. You could just as easily had quit and given up. The fact that you're not laying down says a lot about your character.

If there's something specific that you need advice on don't hesitate to drop me a line.

Good luck.

Your just going to have to work that much harder. Your going to have to practice a lot and have the music and exercises memorized before everyone else so you will be able to help out the others who are new who are not at talented as you. Really work with everyone and make sure they understand everything.

I would call a meeting of all of the drumline members and ask them what they want their line to be. See if they really want to take their line to the next level and if they do, then you should attempt to get an instructor to come in and really push your line. If they don't really want to work, keep trying to get them to. You can't make them do anything if they don't want to.

aslong as u dont freak out too much and just make sure that your making drumline more fun for the rest of the people instead of making it worse then it was last year.

If there was one thing I learned from being the section leader of my drumline, it was to take responsibility for your actions and the actions of others. There have been too many times in my line where people would get out of control and make not only the line look bad but the band organization. Of course, consequences came along w/ those actions and needless to say there was action taken not only by myself but our percussion director. Maintain order and stability within your line and your outcome will be success.
You must remember that dedication must come from all the members of the drumline. As committed you are to your leadership role, so must the rest of the drumline be in their role as a member of the drumline itself.
Like in anything, communications between others is a must. Don't just be acquainted with them. As mentioned by x3drumbum3x, have meetings with your drumline and set a plan of action in the direction that everyone can agree on. At times different approaches clash with each other but in the end what really matters is if it is going to better the line or not.
Another thing to take into consideration is don't heavily depend on others to do what you have to do. There's a reason why the section leader is called the Section Leader. Not to say try to do everything yourself, but know that you are in charge.
I guess the last thing I would have to say is that through all of the things you are experiencing, it is all a learning process and it will only make you a better person not only as a percussionist but as an individual in society. Always remember what you learn from the experiences you go through and put it into action. Have fun this coming year and the best of luck to you and your drumline. You know we are all here for you to support you.

ok thanks for all the support u guys! ill try to keep all of that in mind, again thanks.

No problem, never hurts to ask.

There's another route you can take as far as looking for playing opportunites...depending on where you live you can join an Independent Indoor Drumline for the winter months and a Drum Corps for the Summer Months...it doesn't take care of you in the fall...but that could be your break.