I know from my experience in the band that we wouldn’t be able to get anywhere as a group without strong leaders. The band needs people who are able to help those who need it. I feel that I would be a person who could help. I feel as though I am a person who others can come talk to for help or advice. I’ve been told by a teacher that I am pretty good at explaining things when I try.
I know it also takes discipline, and although I do enjoy cutting up sometimes, I can be serious when I need to be. I’ll admit I’m not the best marcher or musician in the band but I think I more than make up for that with my ability to stay focused when I need to and my desire to do my best when I’m in the band.
In my two years in the program I have learned that being a leader doesn’t mean just telling people how to make themselves better. You should talk to them as equals to avoid conflict no matter how frustrated you may be. This will allow more efficiency as well. The less time you spend in a conflict the more time you have to correct your mistakes. I feel that even if I acknowledge the possibility that we won’t succeed I can still show that I’m confident we will do nothing but our best. I think that I have the ability to see the big picture most of the time.
One of my best memories of band was sophomore year, on the bus on the way to the Contest of Champions. I made a speech before we got off. It was important to me to remind everyone that, win or lose, we could be proud of ourselves for going out there and doing our very best. Afterward, I remember some of the people clapping and cheering. One of the senior members of the band and my former section leader, Geremy, said “Yeah, my boy! Ha-ha” or something like that. It was just a great experience. I was really proud of myself that day.
If I am chosen as a leader, I know I’ll have done my job correctly when my section and I can co-lead one another. At that point, I feel my section can fully help...