Students set sight on BLT

Auditioning for placement on the Band Leadership Team

Flashback+to+fall%2C+band+students+perform+at+the+football+game+during+marching+season.+As+students+prepare+for+next+marching+season%2C+Band+is+going+through+the+final+phase+of+picking+the+Band+Leadership+Team.+According+to+Assistant+Director+Tyler+Elvidge%2C+applicants+must+exemplify+good+character+and+integrity+before+being+considered.+

Ava Peinhardt

Flashback to fall, band students perform at the football game during marching season. As students prepare for next marching season, Band is going through the final phase of picking the Band Leadership Team. According to Assistant Director Tyler Elvidge, applicants must exemplify good character and integrity before being considered.

Grant Milleson, Staff Reporter
February 7, 2022

Already looking ahead to the next year, band students have set their sights on leadership roles for the upcoming marching season.

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“The Band Leadership Team is a group of students who audition for placement in any one of numerous positions to assist the directors in instruction, logistics, and overall environment of the band program through section socials, rehearsals, and other various activities,” Assistant Director Tyler Elvidge said. “Students are observed and evaluated on their strengths such as self-awareness, empathy, social skills, and motivation.”

The audition process began on Friday after students have signed their intent form and will end in March.

“I decided to audition for BLT because I want to help build a stronger and more connected community,” junior Josh Graves said. “I also want to give back the amazing leadership that I have received from other members ever since I joined the program.”

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I want to help build a stronger and more connected community. I also want to give back the amazing leadership that I have received from other members ever since I joined the program,

— Junior Josh Graves

Students are able to audition for roles such as drum major, section leader, visual capitan, and more.

“I’m auditioning for color guard captain and squad leader because I’ve been in guard for 3 years and next year I’ll be a senior and I thought it would be fun to try to be captain,” junior Isabelle Raade said. “I also love everyone in my section, we’re like family and I love to see them grow as people and in skill.”

According to Elvidge important traits such as integrity and character are prerequisites for the audition.

“Of course, there are other ‘non-auditionable’ factors to consider like integrity, character, dedication, accountability, attitude, and professionalism,” Elvidge said. “We remind students that ‘want’ and ‘desire’ will not be used as determining factors or considerations in the audition process.”

Those auditioning must present a speech to the class, and demonstrate their knowledge of marching and musical technique.

“I am auditioning for Drum Major, Section Leader, and Squad Leader,” Graves said. “My position on the leadership team will help me set an example of and encourage positive traits that will benefit the band. It will also allow me to collaborate with the other leaders in band to help create a stronger community.”