How to Be a Good Section Leader
Understand what being section leader means., Lead by example., Get on friendly terms with your section., Learn your music., Hold sectionals., Help your section when they need it., Hold your section to their promises., Be understanding., Don't be...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Understand what being section leader means.
Being a section leader is harder than being a non-section leader; not only do you have to worry about your music, but you have to worry about the music of your section.
It also doesn't mean you get to be some dictator; you have to help your section.
It's a lot like being an administrator on a website; you're a regular editor, but with a mop.
You are there to serve the people in your section, not to rule over them. -
Step 2: Lead by example.
Not only will this let your section know what to do, but it is also a very kind method of leadership.
You were most likely chosen because of your playing or marching skills; now is your time to pass these on. , When you become friends with your section, they'll be more likely to listen to you, and you'll get a better feel of their playing ability. , As section leader, you're expected to know it before everyone else.
If you don't know your music, how can you help others with their music? , Sectionals are time when your section is the focus, not the entire band.
Find the difficult passages and go over them with your section.
Make sure your section knows exactly what they're trying to fix; if they don't know what they're trying to fix, it probably won't get fixed. , Let them practice, but if you see someone struggling with a part or playing it wrong without realizing it, go and help them. , If someone said they'll learn a passage by next Tuesday, they better have it down when next Tuesday comes rolling by.
If they don't, ask them why they didn't. , If someone can't make it to the sectional because their grandma died, don't hold that to him.
People have lives outside of marching band. , You're still a member of your section, and your extra authority doesn't mean you can't take part in the rest of the section's festivities.
In fact, spending more time with your section only makes you a better leader. , This doesn't mean order them around, but when they get out of hand, let them know.
If necessary, seek help from another section leader or the band teacher.
Remember, rehearsal time is limited and essential to the success of the whole band.
Keep your section quiet and focused so they don't miss important instruction. , If there's a conflict between two sides, you will probably have to be the third party to step in and solve it.
If it starts to get physical, keep them apart and tell someone to get help from an adult as soon as possible. , If you're telling your section something completely different than the other section leader, it will only confuse your section. , No matter what goals you may have for your section, don't lose sight of what is best for the entire band.
Each section must work together to achieve what is best for the entire ensemble.
Your band directors and drum majors goals should take priority over your own.
Also, being a section leader is a privilege, not a right.
Remember... with great power comes great responsibility, as said by Uncle Ben. , Make yourself approachable and ask what you need to do to improve your skills, or how you handle situations. , There is nothing more irritating than having a leader that thinks they are right about everything.
You are human you make mistakes be a big enough person to admit your wrongs and move on. , You know how teachers rant about how we are wasting time by talking, but the teacher rants for 20 minutes wasting everyones time? Don't be that leader, say what you have to say quickly. , If your having a bad day tell your section and then push yourself to be positive.
This will increase productivity and will keep your director happy. -
Step 3: Get on friendly terms with your section.
-
Step 4: Learn your music.
-
Step 5: Hold sectionals.
-
Step 6: Help your section when they need it.
-
Step 7: Hold your section to their promises.
-
Step 8: Be understanding.
-
Step 9: Don't be afraid to goof around with your section
-
Step 10: as long as they're behaving themselves.
-
Step 11: Keep your section under control.
-
Step 12: Listen to both sides of a conflict.
-
Step 13: Be on the same page as your co-section leader
-
Step 14: if you have one.
-
Step 15: Remember the team.
-
Step 16: Always think about what you could do to improve yourself
-
Step 17: you are not perfect.
-
Step 18: Admit that you are in the wrong sometimes.
-
Step 19: Do not dwell on mistakes your section makes
-
Step 20: address the issue quickly then move on.
-
Step 21: Stay positive if you have a bad attitude the whole section will follow your lead.
Detailed Guide
Being a section leader is harder than being a non-section leader; not only do you have to worry about your music, but you have to worry about the music of your section.
It also doesn't mean you get to be some dictator; you have to help your section.
It's a lot like being an administrator on a website; you're a regular editor, but with a mop.
You are there to serve the people in your section, not to rule over them.
Not only will this let your section know what to do, but it is also a very kind method of leadership.
You were most likely chosen because of your playing or marching skills; now is your time to pass these on. , When you become friends with your section, they'll be more likely to listen to you, and you'll get a better feel of their playing ability. , As section leader, you're expected to know it before everyone else.
If you don't know your music, how can you help others with their music? , Sectionals are time when your section is the focus, not the entire band.
Find the difficult passages and go over them with your section.
Make sure your section knows exactly what they're trying to fix; if they don't know what they're trying to fix, it probably won't get fixed. , Let them practice, but if you see someone struggling with a part or playing it wrong without realizing it, go and help them. , If someone said they'll learn a passage by next Tuesday, they better have it down when next Tuesday comes rolling by.
If they don't, ask them why they didn't. , If someone can't make it to the sectional because their grandma died, don't hold that to him.
People have lives outside of marching band. , You're still a member of your section, and your extra authority doesn't mean you can't take part in the rest of the section's festivities.
In fact, spending more time with your section only makes you a better leader. , This doesn't mean order them around, but when they get out of hand, let them know.
If necessary, seek help from another section leader or the band teacher.
Remember, rehearsal time is limited and essential to the success of the whole band.
Keep your section quiet and focused so they don't miss important instruction. , If there's a conflict between two sides, you will probably have to be the third party to step in and solve it.
If it starts to get physical, keep them apart and tell someone to get help from an adult as soon as possible. , If you're telling your section something completely different than the other section leader, it will only confuse your section. , No matter what goals you may have for your section, don't lose sight of what is best for the entire band.
Each section must work together to achieve what is best for the entire ensemble.
Your band directors and drum majors goals should take priority over your own.
Also, being a section leader is a privilege, not a right.
Remember... with great power comes great responsibility, as said by Uncle Ben. , Make yourself approachable and ask what you need to do to improve your skills, or how you handle situations. , There is nothing more irritating than having a leader that thinks they are right about everything.
You are human you make mistakes be a big enough person to admit your wrongs and move on. , You know how teachers rant about how we are wasting time by talking, but the teacher rants for 20 minutes wasting everyones time? Don't be that leader, say what you have to say quickly. , If your having a bad day tell your section and then push yourself to be positive.
This will increase productivity and will keep your director happy.
About the Author
Kathryn Campbell
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow organization tutorials.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: