-- Posted by sdkarr at 7:26 pm on April 20, 2008 so i'm trying out for assistant drum major for next year. any drum majors out there that can give me some advice. We have to conduct the band on the Star Spangeled Banner and a song of our choice, then the S.S.B again in front of a pannel -- Posted by USCGstud at 7:27 pm on April 20, 2008 I've been Drum Major in HS all 4 yrs my freshman i was Asst. cuz I was good.   Um    go in there and show them how u hold ur self .... meaning like don't go in like i'm tried but I want to lead a band. -- Posted by Casey Burns at 7:32 pm on April 20, 2008 Practice a lot. -- Posted by xalliexcutiex at 7:44 pm on April 20, 2008 You already know what you have to conduct? What about sightreading? My band gives the drum major candidates a random piece of music with several time changes and they have about 5 minutes to go over it and then they have to conduct in front of the band directors. You're lucky that you already know what you have to do! All I can suggest is practice, practice, practice. Good luck! -- Posted by icaruscomplex at 5:50 am on April 21, 2008 Make sure you have a well-defined ictus.  Can the band follow you?  Can the kids in the back see your pattern? The SSB is in 3/4, if I recall correctly.  Define this pattern well. Look serious.  Smile and respond at points, but if it looks like you're goofing off and don't care, you won't get chosen.,