How to be a good drum major
  • 1. What is the primary role of a drum major?
A) Playing the drums
B) Leadership and musical direction
C) Designing the drill
D) Fundraising for the band
  • 2. Which of the following is a crucial communication skill for a drum major?
A) Telepathy
B) Clear and concise verbal commands
C) Playing every instrument
D) Speaking multiple languages
  • 3. What does 'tempo' refer to?
A) The speed of the music
B) The key signature of the music
C) The pitch of the music
D) The volume of the music
  • 4. A good drum major should be:
A) Respectful and approachable
B) Always right
C) Dictatorial and unyielding
D) Silent and mysterious
  • 5. What is the purpose of a conducting pattern?
A) To visually represent the beat and meter
B) To confuse the band
C) To show off fancy arm movements
D) To signal for lunch break
  • 6. What should a drum major do before a performance?
A) Warm-up voice and body
B) Skip practice for a rest
C) Memorize the show 5 minutes prior
D) Argue with the band director
  • 7. What is 'marching technique' primarily about?
A) Wearing the shiniest shoes
B) Running as fast as possible
C) Uniformity and precision
D) Individual expression
  • 8. How can a drum major build trust with the band?
A) By ignoring problems
B) By being fair and consistent
C) By playing favorites
D) By spreading rumors
  • 9. What does 'dynamics' refer to in music?
A) The formation on the field
B) The color of the uniform
C) The loudness or softness of the music
D) The type of instrument used
  • 10. A good drum major addresses mistakes by:
A) Blaming others
B) Ignoring them completely
C) Yelling and belittling individuals
D) Offering constructive criticism
  • 11. What is the purpose of a whistle?
A) To scare birds
B) To give clear, attention-grabbing signals
C) To call for pizza
D) To annoy the band members
  • 12. What is the pre-game talk meant to accomplish?
A) Review the halftime show from last week
B) Complain about the weather
C) Recite the band director's life story
D) Motivate and focus the band
  • 13. Which is most important regarding feedback?
A) Ignoring feedback completely.
B) Only giving feedback, never receiving it.
C) Arguing with all feedback.
D) Being receptive to feedback from others.
  • 14. How should a drum major handle disagreements within the band?
A) Publicly shame the disagreeing parties
B) Take sides and escalate the conflict
C) Mediate and find a compromise
D) Ignore the problem hoping it will disappear
  • 15. What's the importance of a strong, clear voice?
A) To imitate famous singers
B) To sing along with the band
C) To gossip with other drum majors
D) Project commands effectively across the field
  • 16. What does 'articulation' refer to in music?
A) The type of instrument used
B) The way the band bus is decorated
C) The clothing people wear to the game
D) The way notes are started and ended
  • 17. How should a drum major react to unexpected problems during a performance?
A) Blame the band director
B) Run off the field
C) Remain calm and adapt
D) Panic and freeze
  • 18. What is the role of eye contact with the band?
A) To intimidate the band members
B) To avoid looking at anyone
C) To stare intensely at one person
D) To establish connection and ensure understanding
  • 19. How can a drum major show appreciation for the band's hard work?
A) By offering positive reinforcement and praise
B) By criticizing them constantly
C) By never acknowledging their efforts
D) By demanding more and more without thanks
  • 20. What is the 'downbeat'?
A) The last beat of a measure
B) The first beat of a measure
C) The lowest note in a chord
D) A type of drum
  • 21. What is a good way to practice conducting?
A) Practice only in public
B) Avoid practicing altogether
C) Practice in front of a mirror
D) Practice with no music
  • 22. How should the drum major show enthusiasm?
A) Through sarcasm and negativity
B) By being completely silent and still
C) Through energy and positive body language
D) Through constant yelling
  • 23. What is the main objective of rehearsal?
A) To nap and relax
B) To avoid practicing difficult sections
C) To improve the performance of the music
D) To socialize and gossip
  • 24. What should a drum major do if they make a mistake?
A) Pretend it didn't happen
B) Blame someone else
C) Get angry and yell
D) Acknowledge the mistake and correct it
  • 25. What's a good way to stay organized?
A) Throw away important documents
B) Keep a detailed notebook or planner
C) Procrastinate until the last minute
D) Rely solely on memory
  • 26. What is the purpose of a uniform inspection?
A) To waste time
B) To ensure a consistent and professional appearance
C) To publicly humiliate band members
D) To check for contraband items
  • 27. What is the 'prep beat'?
A) The highest note in the song
B) The beat before the music starts
C) The last beat of a measure
D) A type of drum
  • 28. What kind of questions should a good leader ask?
A) No questions, only orders
B) Trick questions with no correct answer
C) Questions that promote discussion and understanding
D) Questions designed to intimidate others
  • 29. How can a drum major promote teamwork?
A) By ignoring conflict
B) By creating competition and rivalry
C) By encouraging collaboration and mutual support
D) By isolating individual members
  • 30. What is the most important quality a drum major should have?
A) The loudest whistle
B) The tallest hat
C) Integrity
D) Perfect pitch
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