Student Leadership in High School Marching Bands

The purpose of this study was to investigate several factors related to student leadership in high school marching bands. Specifically, the study investigated the process marching band directors used to select student leaders, what qualities marching band directors searched for in student leaders, what type of leadership training marching band directors provided for their students, and whether there was a difference in the responses between directors of competitive marching bands and non-competitive marching bands. Participants (N = 47) for this study were high school marching band directors in the southeastern United States who completed a web-based survey using Qualtrics. Participants most frequently used interviews (n = 39, 83.0%) and auditions (n = 33, 70.2%) in their student leader selection process. Most participants (n = 40, 85.1%) stated that they looked for different qualities in the students they chose to be drum majors versus those they chose to fill other leadership roles (e.g., section leaders). For drum majors, most participants prioritized natural leaders, dependable people, good musicians, and basic conducting skills. For other leadership positions, participants valued dependable people, good musicians, and people with leadership personalities. Most participants (n = 42, 89.4%) provided leadership training to their students, and discussion-based activities were the main type of training activities. There were no statistically significant differences in the responses of competitive marching band directors and non-competitive marching band directors. Results of this study provide a descriptive profile of marching band directors' selection processes for student leaders. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.