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