I am applying for both section leader and drum major because I have a lot to offer in both positions in the band. I am a great leader, with a lot of maturity and know when it’s time to be serious, and when it’s time to joke around. Every day, I grow more and more with this band and leading this band as drum major, or leading the saxophones as section leader, would be an amazing accomplishment for me and I know I can do the job well. First of all, I will be putting all of my heart into this job, I’ve been in band for seven years, and I have grown with this band for two years.

I know the band can reach new heights if we work hard enough. With all the changes we are making next year, we are going to need strong leaders to aid the incoming freshman and to lead the entire band throughout the year.

As drum major, conducting requires a certain kind of insight and an understanding of music, which is something that I have started to develop during my seven years of playing an instrument. Addition to my experience with music as a whole, I also have three years of marching band experience.

Second, I am determined to succeed, and to improve myself and the band as a whole. It’s not good enough to be satisfactory, I want to exceed expectations. I believe in hard work, and never giving up; I believe in making a little improvement every day, because there’s ALWAYS room for improvement. We had an amazing year this year, getting two superiors, but we can’t just rest. We have to keep working, thrive to be the best we can be. I want to be that person to lead this band, and push them to be the best.

Lastly, my philosophy on leadership is simple: lead by example, always help, and never quit. Quitting is out of the question for me. Using excuses instead of giving your best, giving up on something (or someone), or abandoning your responsibilities are things I absolutely do not believe in. Promoting excellence in others starts with promoting it in yourself. I have found from being in the marching band that each member wants respect. I intend to give respect first and in doing that I believe I will receive it from my piers allowing this whole experience to be a perfect one.