Ryko wrote: ↑Tue Nov 13, 2018 6:26 pm
I always feel so humbled when people bring up this topic every couple of years or so. People always compare awards and scores in order to provide a justified ranking. Although it's a wonderful notion to pay respect to these accolades; people often get overlooked even though they have better records. We are reminded that even though these accomplishments seemed important at the time, they often will be forgotten and replaced with new champions. This is why I have shifted my focus onto teaching and inspiring future generations to enjoy the moments that life has to offer, and to become the best version of themselves.
Agreed!
Well stated Ryko
Early on in my DM teaching career, I focused solely on the sheets and how to get the highest possible score.
Not necessarily wrong, but an extremely myopic perspective on the role of drum major.
As if the drum major is purely defined by a professional tournament adjudicator!
(tongue in cheek of course)
As you said, there are great leaders that don't necessarily manifest by the way of routine score.
And the converse is true too - high scoring drum majors aren't always very good leaders.
The scores may provide an indication thereof but not a direct correlation.
I think the mark of a great leader is not
purely in solo competitions (though they help), but how they inspire their ensembles to perform to their maximum potential.
This is true for both street and field in their unique contexes.
I've offered the following article to several I have helped out in the past.
I really do believe that when the ensemble succeeds, the drum major succeeds.
And the sky is the limit when it comes to applying principles learned from marching band/drum major.
I have experienced that in my life as many others have as well.
That is the best reward.
It's the reward that keeps on giving and blessing others wherever drum major alumns go
http://www.onlinedrummajor.com/Infopages/maxenergy.html