DSA Dragon’s Fire Band
Student Staff
An effective student staff is vital to the success all band programs. Students are selected, through an audition process, for their musical skills, organizational skills and leadership potential. High demand and great responsibility are placed on these students, who will have the opportunity to learn lessons that will help them to achieve success in any future endeavor. Specific positions and responsibilities are listed below for each student staff position. Students selected for these positions will undergo extensive and rigorous training during the summer months with the Director of Bands and should be prepared to devote more time to the band program than their peers.
Drum Major
The Drum Major is the highest ranking student leader of the band and will provide leadership and training for a student staff consisting of administrative officers, Captains and Section Leaders. The Drum Major will assist the Director of Bands and the professional band staff in music, marching and drill instruction and will be responsible for conducting the band during rehearsals and performances. The Drum Major will be expected to understand the challenges faced by each section of the band through thorough study of the marching drill, choreography and music that each band member is expected to perform. The Drum Major is responsible for esprit de corps within the ensemble and will work closely with the entire student leadership staff to plan activities that will enhance rehearsal and performance aspects of the marching band experience for all members of our band family.
Librarian
The Librarian is responsible for the organization of the band’s music library. This student will help organize and distribute sheet music to the section Captains. This student will also collect and reorganize music when a performance in finished. Record keeping will be done to assure sheet music is not lost or damaged.
Brass Captain
The Brass Captain is responsible for all aspects of rehearsal and performance within the brass section. The Brass Captain has oversight over Section Leaders within the brass section and is responsible for ensuring an effective rehearsal and performance atmosphere for all brass players. All captains work closely together to enhance the esprit de corps of the band. All sectionals and extra rehearsal time must be coordinated through the Brass Captain, who will seek approval from the Drum Major and Director of Bands.
Section Leaders Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
Woodwind Captain
The Woodwind Captain is responsible for all aspects of rehearsal and performance within the Woodwind section. The Captain has oversight over Section Leaders within the Woodwind section and is responsible for ensuring an effective rehearsal and performance atmosphere for all players. All captains work closely together to enhance the esprit de corps of the band. All sectionals and extra rehearsal time must be coordinated through the Woodwind Captain, who will seek approval from the Drum Major and Director of Bands.
Section Leaders Flute, Oboe/Bassoon, Clarinet and Saxophone
Percussion Captain
The Percussion Captain is responsible for all aspects of rehearsal and performance within the Percussion section. The Percussion Captain has oversight over Section Leaders within the section and is responsible for ensuring an effective rehearsal and performance atmosphere for all players. All captains work closely together to enhance the esprit de corps of the band. All sectionals and extra rehearsal time for percussionists must be coordinated through the Percussion Captain, who will seek approval from the Drum Major and Director of Bands.
Section Leaders Snare, Tenor, Cymbal, Bass Drum and Keyboards
Color Guard Co-Captains
The Color Guard Captain is responsible for all aspects of rehearsal and performance within the auxiliary section. The Color Guard Captain has oversight over Rank Leaders within the Color Guard and is responsible for ensuring an effective rehearsal and performance atmosphere for all Color Guard members. All captains work closely together to enhance the esprit de corps of the band. All sectionals and extra rehearsal time must be coordinated through the Color Guard Captain, who will seek approval from the Drum Major and Director of Bands.
Section Leaders
Section Leaders report directly to the Captain of their particular section. Their responsibilities include coordinating all sectional rehearsals and insuring that the members of their section know all of the basic technique and fundamentals for their instrument. The Section Leader is responsible for insuring that each member is following a regular routine of practice that will lead to improving performance throughout the season. Regular assessments of field and stands music will be expected and remediation is to be provided for any student not performing up to standard. Section Leaders will positively encourage each member of their section to work to their highest level of achievement.
Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets, Saxophones, Trumpets, French Horns, Trombones, Euphoniums, Tubas, Snares, Tenors, Cymbals, Bass Drums and Keyboards