Dear Section Leader(s),
I want to congratulate you for being chosen by your band director(s) for this leadership role. Becoming section leader is one of the best thing that could happen to you in band. Now that you’re officially section leader, now what? Your main goal is to make your section better musicians, keep them out of trouble, have a bond with the people within your section, and to play the show the best that they can. Here are some tips on being a good section leader:
1. Lead by example.
This is one of the biggest tips of being a section leader. Not only will it let your section know what to do but it is also a very kind method of leadership. You were more likely chosen for this role because of your playing and marching skills; now it is your turn to pass them on to the people within your section and the new rookies.
2. Learn your music.
Make sure that you know the music to the best of your ability. As a section leader, you’re expected to know it before anyone else does. If you don’t know your music, how can you help the others within your section with their music?
3. Hold sectionals.
Sectionals are the time when your section is the focus and not the entire band. Find the difficult passages in the music and go over them with the section and help them with the notes or the rhythm. Make sure your section knows exactly what they’re trying to fix. If they don’t know what to fix, make sure to tell them and show them how it is supposed to be.
4. Help your section when they need it.
Let them practice, but if you see someone struggling with a part or playing it wrong without realizing it, go and help them. As for marching, if you see someone struggling or not understanding a marching technique, pull them to the side and show them.
5. Keep your section under control.
This does not mean order them around but when they get out of hand, let your section know. If necessary, seek help from the band director. Remember, rehearsal time is limited and very essential to the success of the whole band. Keep your section quiet and focused so that they don’t miss anything important.
6. Remember the team.
No matter what goals you have for your section to accomplish, don’t lose sight of what is best for the entire band. Each section must work together to achieve what is best for the entire ensemble. Being section leader is a privilege, not a right. Also keep in mind that with great power comes great responsibility.
