Section leader in marching band?

Question

So I applied and got Section Leader for trumpets in my Marching band.

Should I know anything specific as a Section Leader that I might not know?

I'm not as good as the old Section leader.

Answer 1

Know your music so you can help the ones that are having trouble with their music...Make sure you are always prepared, if you aren't then the others look up to you. If they see you not prepared what are they gonna think? Never talk down to the other members in your section, because every member is important to the big picture. If a member feels talked down to they will more than likely quit. Find something good to compliment them on to every critque, everyone wants to be complimented on their playing and not just critisized constantly. Also try to schedule sometime for your section to bond. Maybe a pool party or a movie night. The closer the section the more comfortable and successful you will be. :)

Answer 2

Being that you're only a freshman, you have no authority in the section, so don't try to tell people what to do. Let the current section leader lead. For now, what you can do is try to set a good example. Follow instructions and do everything to the best of your ability. Observe what your section leader does during band so you'll know what to do a couple years from now when it's your turn.

Answer 3

speaking as a clarinet section leader, all i can say is: be confident in your ability to lead your section!! know your music and be prepared to motivate your section through everything- when its hot and everyone is tired and wants to quit- motivate!! be positive! your section will look to you for everything. if they see you giving up, they will as well. from my experiences in my marching band, as a trumpet section leader, you tend to motivate much of the rest of the band since the trumpets are usually a huge part of the show. confidence and a positive attitude will go a long way!! good luck =)

Answer 4

Make sure that you know the music. It is great to have it all memorized. Make sure you know your moves perfectly. Offer to help outside of class anyone who wants to run over parts etc.

Be sure you never talk down to any of your section.