How to be a good drum major
  • 1. What is the primary role of a drum major?
A) Playing the drums
B) Designing the drill
C) Leadership and musical direction
D) Fundraising for the band
  • 2. Which of the following is a crucial communication skill for a drum major?
A) Playing every instrument
B) Clear and concise verbal commands
C) Speaking multiple languages
D) Telepathy
  • 3. What does 'tempo' refer to?
A) The volume of the music
B) The key signature of the music
C) The speed of the music
D) The pitch 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 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) Argue with the band director
C) Skip practice for a rest
D) Memorize the show 5 minutes prior
  • 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 playing favorites
B) By being fair and consistent
C) By spreading rumors
D) By ignoring problems
  • 9. What does 'dynamics' refer to in music?
A) The color of the uniform
B) The formation on the field
C) The loudness or softness of the music
D) The type of instrument used
  • 10. A good drum major addresses mistakes by:
A) Yelling and belittling individuals
B) Blaming others
C) Ignoring them completely
D) Offering constructive criticism
  • 11. What is the purpose of a whistle?
A) To annoy the band members
B) To call for pizza
C) To scare birds
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) Complain about the weather
C) Motivate and focus the band
D) Review the halftime show from last week
  • 13. Which is most important regarding feedback?
A) Ignoring feedback completely.
B) Arguing with all feedback.
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) Take sides and escalate the conflict
B) Publicly shame the disagreeing parties
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 gossip with other drum majors
B) To imitate famous singers
C) To sing along with the band
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 type of instrument used
D) The clothing people wear to the game
  • 17. How should a drum major react to unexpected problems during a performance?
A) Panic and freeze
B) Remain calm and adapt
C) Blame the band director
D) Run off the field
  • 18. What is the role of eye contact with the band?
A) To intimidate the band members
B) To establish connection and ensure understanding
C) To avoid looking at anyone
D) To stare intensely at one person
  • 19. How can a drum major show appreciation for the band's hard work?
A) By demanding more and more without thanks
B) By criticizing them constantly
C) By never acknowledging their efforts
D) By offering positive reinforcement and praise
  • 20. What is the 'downbeat'?
A) A type of drum
B) The first beat of a measure
C) The lowest note in a chord
D) The last beat of a measure
  • 21. What is a good way to practice conducting?
A) Practice only in public
B) Practice in front of a mirror
C) Avoid practicing altogether
D) Practice with no music
  • 22. How should the drum major show enthusiasm?
A) By being completely silent and still
B) Through energy and positive body language
C) Through sarcasm and negativity
D) Through constant yelling
  • 23. What is the main objective of rehearsal?
A) To avoid practicing difficult sections
B) To nap and relax
C) To socialize and gossip
D) To improve the performance of the music
  • 24. What should a drum major do if they make a mistake?
A) Get angry and yell
B) Pretend it didn't happen
C) Acknowledge the mistake and correct it
D) Blame someone else
  • 25. What's a good way to stay organized?
A) Rely solely on memory
B) Throw away important documents
C) Keep a detailed notebook or planner
D) Procrastinate until the last minute
  • 26. What is the purpose of a uniform inspection?
A) To waste time
B) To publicly humiliate band members
C) To ensure a consistent and professional appearance
D) To check for contraband items
  • 27. What is the 'prep beat'?
A) The beat before the music starts
B) A type of drum
C) The last beat of a measure
D) The highest note in the song
  • 28. What kind of questions should a good leader ask?
A) Questions designed to intimidate others
B) No questions, only orders
C) Questions that promote discussion and understanding
D) Trick questions with no correct answer
  • 29. How can a drum major promote teamwork?
A) By encouraging collaboration and mutual support
B) By isolating individual members
C) By ignoring conflict
D) By creating competition and rivalry
  • 30. What is the most important quality a drum major should have?
A) The tallest hat
B) The loudest whistle
C) Integrity
D) Perfect pitch
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