Marching Group Reflection

As a major participant in my school’s music program, I have been given quite a few leadership opportunities. In the marching band, I am the music and drill manager and attended weekly student leader meetings and I am an officer for my school chorus. The biggest issue we tackled at the student leader meeting was effective leading. My section leader was often absent, and as the only other student leader from my section, I took on his role when he wasn't there. I lead very actively and found it was a great success. Students from other sections often came to me when they had questions instead of their own leaders because I gave them direct answers or did what was needed to get answers. When someone was wrong, I told them politely; when someone
did a good job, I told them I was proud of them; when there was confusion on the field, I stepped up to notify staff. I was very active in my leading in band. In chorus, I found it much more difficult to be an effective leader. Our chorus is twice the size of our marching band and not everyone puts in equal effort. In chorus class, sometimes the mood gets playful and our productivity slows. When the teacher buckles down to get serious and work, often, students find it difficult to make that switch, me included. I don't lead in this situation, and usually if I were to try, it would be helpful. I'm not an effective leader in chorus class. But, in the afternoon when Women's Choir rolls around, officers get to lead warm-ups and sectionals before the teacher is ready for us. We take turns each rehearsal who gets to lead, and I find we have the most productive rehearsal when I lead. When other officers lead rehearsal, it usually has a let's-just-get-this-over-with vibe where we run through all our repertoire and waste time. When it’s my turn, everyone gets down to business and even points out flaws they notice so we can fix them together. It makes me feel good to be productive and work hard to make beautiful music. I've found it's easier to be productive when those you are leading care and want to be lead. This shouldn't stop anyone from trying to lead a reluctant group. It may take more work, but it's more rewarding and I'd like to work harder to stay focused in my class to be a better leader.