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