I agree that you have to work on your conducting and giving orders and all that, but a Drum Major is also an excellent musician. You must be able to explain rhythms to the members of the band and also tell them how their parts fit into the overall sound of the band. Many people see the Drum Major as simply a "metronome" of the band. That is absurd because you must be more knowledgable of the music in general than anyone else out on the field (minus the directors lol) And the directors will ask you what you think about how this sounds, etc. You must be able to answer them will an intelligent opinion of what you think. Basically, the Drum Major is the most well-rounded musician on the field and you have to be able to show that.

just keep working on your cunducting,but don't spend all your time on that,also work more on being a leader but don't be to bossy because me and kim don't want to put up with that

You could start by trying to become a section leader to make sure you like the leadership type of role. I'm a marching section leader and i also hope to be drum major next year. Try to start learning conducting and ask your current drum major if they can help you and show you some things that you may need to know later.

Don't be come too bossy though cuse i HATE that. some of the people that arent even section leaders do that and it annoys the crap out of me.

Just really work on leadership. That makes a huge difference in the band directors eventual decision. Also make sure you can teach well, that's what won me drum major at my school.

if your school does try outs (like most, when you must conduct for them), I have an awesomeending for you! Say the song's last measure is in four, then on beat three have your arms in an x (with palms facing out), and going to four make your hands close as you head out to regular position (make your arms from the x to have them straight up, like regular, by closing like this, you will use style and use regular ending procedure. Try it our, it looks really fancy and will impress your directors. Goog Luck. (Sorry, but considering that you go in on beat 2, I have no idea how to get your hands in the x for beat three, w/o looking sloppy by bringing in in an x slowly for beats 2 and three) (i just saw my director end like this once, and it looked awesome. Again GOOD LUCK beetlejuice

hello! allot of the time, the size/class/prestige of your band depends on how hard it is to become drum major (especially if your following a really good one). i must say that i would'nt get my hopes up, b/c it is a very hard position to get. but there are things you can do to prepare:

-conduct to everything at all times!
-be social, yet EXTREMELY disciplined in band (including concert season).
-always get good grades in school (this may be a factor in your audition!)
-show good leadership and dedication at all times.
-make sure your directors know you can be firm and handle the band when needed.
-perhaps most importantly, EARN THE UTMOST RESPECT FROM YOUR FELLOW BAND MEMBERS!

follow all these things and you will be a very good candidate for drum major! GOOD LUCK!!!