How to lead a marching band
  • 1. What is the most important quality of a marching band leader?
A) Physical strength
B) Strict discipline
C) Musical virtuosity
D) Effective communication
  • 2. What is a typical rehearsal schedule?
A) Never longer than 1 hour
B) Varies based on competition schedule
C) Always 9 AM to 5 PM
D) Only on weekends
  • 3. How should you handle discipline issues?
A) Ignore minor infractions
B) Address privately and constructively
C) Publicly humiliate the offender
D) Immediately suspend the student
  • 4. What is the role of section leaders?
A) Only responsible for their own performance
B) Dictate all musical interpretations
C) Assist with instruction and morale
D) Replace the director entirely
  • 5. How do you motivate the band?
A) Positive reinforcement and achievable goals
B) Ignoring individual achievements
C) Threats of punishment
D) Constant criticism
  • 6. What is a 'dot book'?
A) Sheet music for the entire season
B) Personalized marching coordinates
C) The director's private journal
D) A book of band jokes
  • 7. What is 'setting a form'?
A) Polishing instruments
B) Arranging band members in a visual shape
C) Tuning instruments
D) Deciding on the show theme
  • 8. How do you teach marching technique?
A) Assuming everyone knows how to march
B) Ignoring individual weaknesses
C) Only focusing on advanced students
D) Progressive skill building and repetition
  • 9. What is the purpose of a visual critique?
A) Identify areas for improvement in marching
B) To publicly embarrass students
C) To assign blame for mistakes
D) To ignore visual performance entirely
  • 10. How do you select music for a show?
A) Ignore student input entirely
B) Choose only the director's personal favorites
C) Always select the most difficult music available
D) Consider band skill, audience appeal, and visual potential
  • 11. What is the best way to ensure musical accuracy?
A) Ignoring tuning problems
B) Consistent sectional and full band rehearsals
C) Relying solely on individual practice
D) Only practicing right before performances
  • 12. How should you handle parent involvement?
A) Ignore parent concerns
B) Allow parents to dictate decisions
C) Completely exclude parents from activities
D) Encourage supportive participation
  • 13. What is the role of the drum major?
A) Conduct the band and provide visual leadership
B) Dictate all aspects of the show
C) Play the loudest instrument
D) Only responsible for keeping time
  • 14. How do you manage budget constraints?
A) Spend all the money immediately
B) Prioritize essential needs and fundraise effectively
C) Ignore financial issues
D) Rely solely on school funding
  • 15. What is a critical element to remember when designing drill?
A) Random movement
B) Only interesting visuals
C) Musical phrases
D) Ignoring the music
  • 16. How often should the band take breaks during rehearsal?
A) Only when students complain
B) Never, to maximize practice time
C) Regularly to avoid fatigue and injury
D) Whenever the director feels like it
  • 17. What is 'corps style'?
A) A specific style of marching band show design
B) Always using the same uniforms
C) Playing only classical music
D) Never using props
  • 18. How should a director handle conflicts within the band?
A) Publicly shame those involved
B) Take sides without investigating
C) Mediate fairly and find a resolution
D) Ignore the conflict and hope it resolves itself
  • 19. What is the purpose of pre-game performances?
A) Showcase the director's talent
B) Confuse the opposing team
C) Entertain the crowd and energize the team
D) Only perform for the band's benefit
  • 20. How do you build a strong team environment?
A) Isolate individual members
B) Encourage collaboration and mutual respect
C) Ignore social dynamics
D) Foster competition and rivalry
  • 21. What is the purpose of post-performance evaluations?
A) To identify areas for growth after an assessment or performance
B) To ignore performance quality
C) To publicly criticize the band
D) To assign blame for mistakes
  • 22. How should the director handle criticism from judges or other directors?
A) Objectively consider the feedback and make improvements
B) Ignore all criticism
C) Argue with the critics
D) Take all criticism personally
  • 23. What is a good way to communicate show information?
A) Never communicating any details
B) Use multiple methods like email, websites and announcements
C) Relying solely on word-of-mouth
D) Hiding information from the band
  • 24. How do you ensure safety during rehearsals and performances?
A) Prioritizing performance over safety
B) Assuming students will be careful
C) Establish clear safety protocols and enforce them consistently
D) Ignoring potential hazards
  • 25. What is the importance of teaching leadership skills to students?
A) Leadership is innate and cannot be taught
B) Only the director should have leadership skills
C) Prepares students for future roles inside and outside of the band
D) It is not important
  • 26. What is the best way to develop a positive band culture?
A) Promote inclusivity, respect, and shared goals.
B) Allow cliques and exclusion to thrive.
C) Enforce strict rules and punishment.
D) Ignore social dynamics and focus solely on performance.
  • 27. How important is uniform maintenance?
A) Unimportant
B) Very important, to maintain a professional image
C) The school is responsible for cleaning everything.
D) Only important for the drum majors
  • 28. What is a good way to improve the band's sound?
A) Switching instruments frequently
B) Consistent work on tone quality and intonation.
C) Ignoring tuning problems
D) Just playing louder
  • 29. Why is it important to warm up properly before rehearsals?
A) To prevent injuries and prepare the body and mind for activity.
B) Warming up is a waste of time
C) Only necessary in cold weather
D) It's not important
  • 30. How do you encourage student ownership of the band program?
A) Only focus on the director's vision
B) Dictate every aspect of the program
C) Ignore student suggestions
D) Solicit student input and give them responsibilities
Created with That Quiz — a math test site for students of all grade levels.