[Menvi-discuss] Being a student leader in band

[Winona Brackett]

Hello,

I am a junior (grade 11) in high school. I play trumpet and I'm in my
school's marching and concert band. My band director is letting his
students apply and audition for marching band leadership positions. I
would like to apply for Trumpet Co-Section Leader and Brass Captain. I
have asked my peers their opinions on how well I would do as a brass
captain or co-section leader and I've gotten different answers:

"You have the musical talent, you would be great."

"I don't think Brass Captain would be the best thing for you.You need
to be able to teach marching; control the entire brass section;
conduct them; warm them up; and have sectionals.I don't think it would
be a good idea to have two captains (a music captain and a visuals
captain), it would be confusing and could end badly if the two
disagreed with each other."

Those quotes are for both positions. If I was brass captain or trumpet
co-section leader, I would have to learn everyone's music ahead of
time so I would be able to help the students in my section learn and
memorize their parts. (Field show music and stand music). I know that
would take a lot on my part. I want to push and challenge myself, but
I also don't want to bite off more than I can chew.

What are your thoughts? As a blind individual, how do you think I
would teach visual block? (Marching basics, drill where they are in
the formation). Or, should I be the music section leader and have
another student be the visuals leader? I have talked to my band
director about having two leaders, and he seems ok with it.

All opinions are appreciated.

Thanks,
Winona
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