One of the most important things you can do for your
officer candidates is to make sure that they are properly trained and informed.
Sometimes we assume that the underclassmen have observed the leadership skills
of previous officers and have just absorbed this knowledge on their own.
As a director, you need to have several sessions with them to insure that they
know how to select music, scale music, implement choreography phrasing and then
be able to deliver effective teaching skills with proper terminology.
All of this should take place over several seminars with the officer candidates,
handing them plenty of printed material and offering an opportunity to implement
these skills.
Following the seminars with your officer candidates, it
is important for them to now apply the skills that they have learned. In
order to rate or judge the candidates skills level in choreography, dance
terminology and teaching, have them role play as officers with the current team
members or dance/drill team classes for you to evaluate. By taking the
time to properly instruct your officer candidates, you will find that they are
better prepared as leaders. In addition to the previously mentioned
seminars and skills tests, it is recommended to have a personal interview with
each candidate to allow them to express some of their personal philosophies or
to clear any questionable issues or reservations for them as a leader.
These interviews may not necessarily be scored, but allow you as their director
to personally evaluate their potential as a leader.
If you feel that it is important for candidates to make
notebooks as part of their evaluation of their creative skills, they could be
given subjects such as, "Ideas for Spring Show" (plan theme, routine
and music ideas), "Ideas for Contest Routines" (including music,
props and costumes), or planning a "Team Building" activity.
Before the tryout day itself, make sure that each candidate
is aware of exactly what is required of them. Have one former officer in
charge of being the "backstage manager" to coordinate the candidates
to enter and exit the gym so you can focus your attentions on the judging panel
and any questions they may have. Make sure to have a school administrator
or another teacher present to do tallying of scores and to be a witness of the
procedures of tryouts. Give your judges a short, written overview of the
tryout procedures and what they should expect to see. Try to stay on
schedule so that no one will be rushed.
To announce the results, you can use several methods.
It is important to make a personal announcement to the candidates. It is a
courtesy to allow the candidates families, friends and other team members to be
present for the announcement. Invite them to be a part of your prayer or
spirit circle before the announcement. Each officer is presented one at a
time with her baton, pin or whistle by one of the outgoing officers.
Leave the group in suspense about the captain until all officers are all
recognized. Then, after all of the elation of making officer has
died down, announce the officer that is selected captain. This gives each
candidate the joy of being selected as an officer and a second surprise for
captain. Some teams will hold the announcement of captain until after
summer camp to see which officer has taken the best leadership role.
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRILL TEAM OFFICER CANDIDATES
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Has completed at least one/two years of
varsity drill team
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Has an overall grade average of at least
85 or above
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Has good or perfect attendance records at
school
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Has good organizational skills and is a
"team player"
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Is physically fit and well toned
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Has good knowledge of dance terminology
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Shows proficiency in dance, music and
choreography skills
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Has a good attitude towards herself,
respects the director and team members
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Must choreograph an original routine
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Must perform a jazz and kick routine with
other candidates
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Must be emotionally balanced
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Must be willing to accept criticism and
offer constructive criticism when needed
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Must make a notebook that develops an
idea for a contest routine
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