How to be good drum major (field conductor) right ?

Hi everyone, my name is Junt Minalai from Bangkok Thailand.

This is my honors to writing this article to share my idea with everyone in Marching Band or Drum Corps world about Drum major topic.

I am conductor (Drum major) for Aimachi Marching Band from Nagoya Japan in this 5 years past (2003-Now) Ok friend, let talk and share some about Drum major thing.

Drum majoring is a performing art, as is music, dancing or any performing art. A great performance with an applauding crowd is very interesting and you will be fun with that.
Drum majoring is also a leadership art. Always work towards the goal of helping your band being the best it can be. If you do, you will proud and have a good moment in your life as a drum major position.

So the next question it gon na be………….

“How to be good drum major (field conductor) right ?

For art that no anything really right or really wrong so for me about drum major job this is tips that I always use for my conducting time.

For today marching band or drum corps show usually begins with a “Salute” from the drum major. The salute is traditionally the beginning of judging in a competition, and also signals for beginning or the end of a band’s or drum corps show.

You need to practice this one in front of the mirror that so important you are band or corps leader how great salute you do that make your band members have confidence for start the show.

“Commands”
project your commands voice, vocal. Commands are loud and easily understood that one of Characteristics of a Successful Drum Major.
Practice that many time as you can but don’t too shout the commands you will probably loose your voice. For me make lower sound for command way better than make higher sound.

“Conducting”
Conducting is a means of communicating artistic directions to performers during a performance. There are no absolute rules on how to conduct correctly, ( Wikipedia®)

For marching band or drum corps conducting too. The pattern for conducting have many way to do that that we call “style” you can choose one

But don’t forget that style should be clear easy to find down-up beat and make you band members easy to watch and clear enough to watch from very far spot on the field practicing or performing time. And also have many Pattern for conducting that you need to learn and know that like a simple time pattern 2/4 ,3/4 ,4/4 or Compound time, Complex time pattern etc ….so we will talk deeply in next time for this stuff.

“Confidence”
For yourself always tell you self and be your best friend to conducting or Commanding don’t be shy or loose your confidence always tell yourself

“I can do it, I am very strong Drum major” Everyday before go to practice imagine and think about your successful in show or contest day…..you are in nice uniform you turn around and do very strong salute …..And then start conducting with your confidence thought the show and at last you will turn around to audience again ……………..
wow did you here that how loud of applauding crowd for you and your band or drum corps …..wow that moment will keep in your memory and your heart forever……. right ?