I have a big Dilemma....need advise...

Welk · Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2002 4:18 pm Post subject:

Ok..so as you may know, i am part of a small royal canadian Air cadet marching band. And last years, we were pretty small (12). this years, we want to go to competition so it means we will be 18. But the thing is that last years, we had a drum major without any abilitie to spin the mace and no musical qualification except piano. this years...No one want to be drum major cause we all want to play in the band including me...but also we don't want him back...

I am actually lead trumpet. And the one with most trumpet experience. Should I atay in band...or go drum major...?

If i stay in band..i won't have control over the band but i'll help it with my pitch and sound... If i go drum major... i'll have control...so it won't suck... but i will not bve able to play in... what is the best? tell your oppinion plz

Nick
_________________
Nicolas Marcotte

52' Olds Recording LA
Wick gold 4X

-=0=-Music is what gives us the beat, but it is also what makes beat our heart -=0=-

_Don Herman · Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2002 7:58 pm Post subject:

Well, you're trumpet player, so you're already a control freak, by default!

If you like playing trumpet, why even consider switch to drum major? What dilemma is there?

If you want control, go to drum major. But, I doubt you alone, as drum major or trumpet player, will be the sole determining factor of how your group is judged. If you've the most experience as a musician, seems to me you should stay put and let them find somebody else to swing the big stick. I bet they can learn to swing it well enough in much less time than it takes to develop as a trumpet player. Chances are, as a vital and experienced member of the band, you will have a lot of input into how things go in any event. Suport the DM, and lead by example!
_________________
Don Herman/Monument, CO
"After silence, that which best expresses the inexpressible, is music." - Aldous Huxley

trjeam · Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2002 12:18 pm Post subject:

I agree with Don

I've always said that I would never be drum major because of the fact that I just love playing so much. I have the qualities to be a drum major but my passion for playing and hitting high notes is just too much for me to give up.
_________________
Jorge Ayala Jr: Trumpeter/Producer
http://www.facebook.com/JorgeAyalaJr
http://www.twitter.com/JorgeAyalaMusic

sean007r · Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2002 1:55 pm Post subject:

Why can't you do both?

If you do street marching then the trumpets are in front anyways.
Just change your format to a triangle front.

I'll try to show you here...

*
***
*****

If you do field shows you can just stand up front and do all the solos!

Besides, with a group that small what do you need a drum major for other than starting and stopping!

Just my 2 cents
TTFN
Sean
_____TTT_c_____/|
(___o-|||_o____) |

[ This Message was edited by: sean007r on 2002-08-29 16:56 ]

Welk · Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2002 6:37 pm Post subject:

What is a drum major for in a small band? Well... same thing...: start, stop, mark time, foward, conter march, double conter march...changing from quick time to slow time marching...converstion...and swinging the mace for good looking...
_________________
Nicolas Marcotte

52' Olds Recording LA
Wick gold 4X

-=0=-Music is what gives us the beat, but it is also what makes beat our heart -=0=-