You must have a strong music theory background in order to communicate with the band’s director and with the musicians, especially if they have questions or concerns about the score. [2] X Research source
Conductors should avoid marking time with their feet, since this could send mixed signals. Instead, just direct the band with your hand cues.
Consider if you’re willing to commit the large amount of time it takes to conduct a marching band. You should arrive early to practices and stay late to answer any questions or concerns the band or director may have. You may need to help out a musician in your free time or simply be there for support during stressful times. [3] X Research source
Respect is a critical part of conducting. The director must have confidence in your ability to carry out his or her directions. At the same time, musicians should not question your commands or musical ability. Instead, they should acknowledge your musical experience and leadership abilities. [4] X Research source
Realize that this won’t always be easy. You’ll need to be able to handle criticism, both from the director and from your peers. You must also be comfortable with discussing problems or concerns with fellow musicians.
Being enthusiastic and passionate about the band is critical in order to inspire your musicians. Showing your excitement and enjoyment of the music and performances will signal to your musicians that you appreciate what they do. They’ll also be more likely to invest time and energy into the band if they feel that they’re part of a larger community that cares. It’s your job to be the role model of that community. [6] X Research source
Obviously, you won’t always need to wear your uniform. For rehearsals and practices, wear something comfortable, but avoid looking disheveled. The band is still looking to you for guidance and you’ll still be interacting with the band’s director. Maintain a professional attitude regardless of the situation. You’ll also need to be physically fit since conducting is physically demanding. You may be required to conduct while marching forward or backwards, run up and down the field, and even carry a baton or mace while marching. [7] X Research source You might also have to run around on a large field, given the size and movement requirements of a marching band.
Practice your style in front of a large mirror. Remember that you’ll be raised up on the field and visible to the audience. Make sure your movements are comfortable and easy to execute while wearing your uniform. Developing a style can personalize your role as drum major, it’s not a vital part of conducting the band.
Try conducting other songs in your time signature to get use to how it feels. When you are completely comfortable with one time signature, practice several songs in another more challenging signature. You can also ask your director for any variations or pieces to practice.
Regardless of what time signature you’re conducting, keep your arms at a 45 degree angle with your palms slightly raised at about a 45 degree angle. You should practice choosing and hitting a focal point that will be the basis for your conducting patterns. When starting out, you might want to use a physical focal point, such as music stands set at waist level. This will allow you to become comfortable with hitting the same point when conducting.
You should bounce your hand just slightly when you hit the beats, regardless of what time signature you’re conducting. This lets your musicians know that you’re on the beat and not just moving towards it.
It’s important that you mark each beat by emphasizing or slightly bouncing your hands as you hit the beat. Otherwise, your musicians might be confused as to where your hands are moving in relation to the time.
Your gesture to cut off, or end the performance, should be one of your largest movements. You want to make sure that the entire band sees that the music is coming to a close. This is especially important if the band is dispersed across a large field. Your signalling cue can be as simple as using your index finger to point to a specific member or section. Use a gesture that feels comfortable to you and effectively communicates your directions to the musicians.
Don’t get carried away with overly large gesturing and emphasis. It will be difficult to maintain during a long performance and the band won’t be able to determine subtleties in the music.
