Communicate with School Administrators and Parents
By Joyce E. Pennington

One of the many challenges a drill team director encounters is making the best communication decisions when dealing with your principal, school board or parents.  Many times directors will choose to build a wall between themselves and their administrators as a result of fear, intimidation or confusion.  The wall of non-communication can only result in a negative outcome.

It is best to go in at the beginning of the year and present a list of goals and changes you want for you team in the coming year.  Present him with a 3 ring binder marked "drill team" and enclose any list of rules, demerits or constitution for your team.  Throughout the year, send copies of any communications given to your team to parents.  Make sure to include a monthly schedule of events.  This will provide a helpful reference in case that parents might call with a question.  It will also make him feel important and involved.

A good line of communication with parents is most important.  They must hear from you because the story is not always relayed in context via your team members.  Meet with your team parents at least twice a year (much more if you have special events or trips).  Remember that they are footing the bill for their daughter to participate in drill team and deserve to know what is planned for the team.  Answer their questions and be prepared.  Be confident and sure of your decisions and do not avoid discussing certain subjects.  Evasiveness can only create doubt in their minds.  Send home memo's and schedules (by mail).  Involve parents with those projects that can require assistance. Many parents enjoy getting involved.

Keep the lines of communication open with parents and administrators.  Be open, honest and do not avoid or delay responses.  This can only complicate the situation.  With the support of these two groups, your drill team program will be most successful. 

MUSIC AND BAND COORDINATION

1.  MEET YOUR BAND DIRECTOR
   
   Most band directors are extremely busy trying to produce a quality performing group while teaching music.  It is, therefore, essential to plan ahead and respect his/her time requirements.  At the same time, your drill team can greatly enhance the scope and general effect of the band shows.  A good drill team is good for a band and vice versa.
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2. BAND ARRANGEMENTS
   
   Find out what music your band director is planning to play and give him/her a list of music that you would like to use.  Please note that the arrangements heard on all camp tapes have been played to provide the best length and tempo for camp routines.  Your band will have to play the music the same way, or you may need to adjust your routine accordingly.   Decide on the music you will be using for football season as soon as the  camp music is available so you can order the band arrangements for the band.  Your band director will appreciate your promptness.
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3. TEMPO AND LENGTH
   
   If your band director asks you, "how fast", you no longer need to shrug your shoulders and answer, "oh, just medium."  Band directors  and recording specialists measure tempo in beats per minute (BPM) and you should learn to communicate to them on their terms in order to get your best results.  Using a variable speed tape recorder, determine the right speed and count how many beats occur in 15 seconds, then multiply times 4.  This will give you a close determination.  Repeat this step at least twice to insure accuracy.  Now you can answer with, "132 BPM's, please!". Band directors and flag/rifle squads utilize a different terminology than drill teams in that music is in "bars" instead of "8 counts".  For the sake of translation:
   
       If the piece is in 4/4, 1 eight count = 2 bars.
       If the piece is in 2/4, 1 eight count = 4 bars
       If the piece is in 6/8, 1 eight count = 4 bars
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4. PERFORMANCE
   
   Try to compliment the band show in your charting and routine selection. In charting show, be sure everybody can hear the beat and do not separate team members at different distances from the drums or primary source of rhythm.  Sound takes over 1/2 second to travel the length of a football field.
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5. MUSIC REPRODUCTION
   
   Your cassette tape quality can be the key to any performance with pre-recorded music.  Make sure to start with a high quality cassette that has been designed for the best music recording.  Next, make sure that the recording equipment that is used is the best.  Ideally, you should put the recording in the hands of a professional to obtain the best sound for your performance.
   
   If possible, you should always make the effort to have the best sound system possible for your performance.  A good sound that makes the audience feel like moving or clapping will give your performance a boost.  Generally, good speakers are more important than the tape player or power source.  Horns are good for projecting sound over a long distance, but they will sound "tinny" and lack bass.  For better quality, use "full range" speakers with bass, mid-range and high frequency speakers.  If you use a "house system", the sound is directed towards the audience and you may not be able to hear well on the actual performing area.  In this case, you may need additional monitor speakers aimed at the performance area.   Whenever possible, check the sound system and your tape level before a performance.  Sound check should be made before the audience arrives, otherwise, you may give away an important aspect of your showmanship.  Always bring a back-up tape of equal quality or your performance in case something happens to the first one.