The Plano Band Leadership Selection Process systematically assesses and evaluates all candidates through an application/ballot
system in which self nomination or at-large nominations begin the process, including a popular vote. Qualified candidates are selected and an interview scheduled with the band staff. The band directors
select officers based on the applications, interviews, and popular vote. In some cases, audition results played a major factor
in selection.
Act primarily as visual and musical consultants for sections of the Plano
Senior High School Marching Band.
Function as marching band technicians together with the drum majors during
initial drill learning and regular visual rehearsals.
Call for section leaders to step out of marching positions to monitor and dissect section movement and playing.
Instruct section leaders to return to marching positions
Observe and assess rehearsal segments from the marching band practice field
tower.
Provide sections with feedback of strengths and weaknesses from the
marching band practice field tower.
Give confidence to and invigorate their sections through positive
reinforcement.
Chalk set points and difficult shapes as needed during marching rehearsals.
Evaluate section leader marching and playing tests Tuesdays after marching rehearsals.
Conduct and lead warm-up routines for their sections during rehearsals
and performances.
Call marching and/or playing section rehearsals as needed to acquire
maximum section vigor.
Build camaraderie through mandating commitment, integrity, and hard
work from all section members.
Build camaraderie through continuing and creating traditions for their
section.
Build camaraderie through organizing and providing social gatherings for
their section.
Designate a common place on the rehearsal field for section members to
meet during water breaks.
Hold daily section meetings at the end of each marching band rehearsal.
Meetings should be brief and highlight mostly positive actions during
rehearsal that day.
Take section attendance at the beginning of each marching band
rehearsal and performance. Report any section member absences to Band
President during first water break of each rehearsal, at the beginning of all
pep rallies, before any performance, and at the start of the first quarter at
football games.
Front Ensemble Section Leader will also be expected to:
a) Supervise daily, pit members to return all equipment to correct
storage arrangement as outlined by directors.
b) Replace all posts in doorways in Band Room and D Building before
going home each day.
c) Coordinate the loading of all pit equipment onto the equipment
trailer or truck.
d) Assign pit members for maintenance of instruments, restringing, and
damages. Report issues to Mr. Hernandez.
Teach and monitor marching fundamentals within their sections.
Serve as marching technicians during initial drill learning and regular visual
rehearsals when called to assist by the marching section captain.
Encourage and energize the Espirit de Corps of their section members.
Facilitate an atmosphere where section members work in partnership.
Rally section members to become the best musicians and marchers possible.
Develop pride and persistence among section members.
Listen keenly for detailed musical nuances throughout rehearsals,
performances, and video review sessions. Highlight areas of strength and
weakness, then advise section with methods for improvement.
Encourage daily advancement.
Establish daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals for section.
Report daily section attendance to primary section leader at the beginning of
each rehearsal.
Check student flip folders at the beginning of rehearsal every Thursday and at the
start of the first quarter at football games. Report any students missing flip folders to
Drum Majors.
Identify and mark section set points for all drill charts the day of receiving any
new drill. Inform section members that they are set points as they learn all
drill sets. Set points are marchers that are the most outside or inside points of
curves, are standing on yard lines or yard markers, are at the top or bottom of
diagonals, or are a rotation point.
Have during every rehearsal: binder w/drill charts, attendance sheets, pencil,
chalk from box, notepaper, and music.
Chalk set points and difficult shapes as needed during marching rehearsals.
Chalk will be stored on back sideline next to metronome.
Attend section leader meetings Mondays from 6:30-6:45pm.
Maintain and insist upon proper maintenance and polishing of all section
member instruments.
Evaluate the testing of drill execution and marching music memorization of
all section members. A specific testing schedule for the entire marching show will be given to section leaders.
Section tests will take place each Thursday after marching rehearsal. Section members will be required to play and march
with a partner matching tone, pitch, articulation, and dynamics.
All section leaders will be expected to play and march tests for their marching section captain on
Tuesdays after marching rehearsal. Marching captains will test with Drum Majors on Tuesdays after all section testing has been completed.
Provide physical and mental strength and stamina for their section every day.
The Principal Chair or Principal Player is held responsible for establishing minimum standards for their respective section as well
as designated lead/solo player in the section.
The position of Principal Chair involves predominantly musical responsibilities, however the Principal Chair may also serve as a
section leader. In conjunction with the director or conductor, the Principal Chair is responsible for coordination of the section,
seat assignment, and part assignment and rotation.
The Principal Chair may also conduct sectional rehearsals
