STUDENT LEADERSHIP At Century High School, we advocate a system of student leadership utilizing a lead by example, "role model" approach for all band members. Elements of this model include the following:
1. Lead by example. Be a "role model" for all band members. 2. Anticipate problems and be solution minded. 3. Break down walls of cliques and assimilate all band members into our band family. 4. Serve to help others in our band be successful, and we will be successful as a group. 5. Treat others the way you want them to treat you. 6. Look for the best in everything. 7. The only person's behavior we can control is our own. 8. Integrity is doing the right things and making the right decisions, especially when nobody is watching me.
Student leaders are encouraged to continually work on improving our system to create a positive environment within which the students can self-evaluate and achieve quality work. One of the primary ways our program will achieve quality performances is if our student leaders continually work with the staff to improve our system of teaching and learning by communicating in ways that build trust.
The success of our program is directly related to the effectiveness and commitment of the student leaders and their ability to inspire hard work and lead their peers to excellence. All of the finest equipment, all of the hours of planning, all of the creative ideas, hard work, investment of time, and all of the best wishes of our supporters have very little meaning if our seniors and leaders fail to inspire quality performance. Even more important than their ability to perform is the ability of our leaders to set a good example as human beings and to encourage others to follow their lead.Please understand your important role within the organization and strive to fulfill it to the best of your ability.
CHAIR PLACEMENT It is necessary to place students in each section according to their level of performance. Each complete section will be present at the appropriate try-out time. The directors will pick out a first chair and seat the remainder of the students based upon their current level of skill. (Seniors may be given priority if the directors feel it is appropriate.) The first chair player must be capable of playing solo parts. NOTE: The second, third, fourth chair players etc. will not necessarily be seated next to chair number one. To ensure that all parts are played strongly, these players may be seated throughout the section at the discretion of the directors.
SECTION LEADERS/PRINCIPAL PLAYERS Section leaders/principal players are selected by the directors and are typically the first chair player in each section. Duties of the section leaders include: tune the section, call and run sectionals, check and encourage good posture, behavior, and responsibility, and serve as a good role model for other members in the section.
CHALLENGING Band students that wish to try out for the next higher chair in the section may challenge the player currently holding that seat. The directors conduct the challenge. The directors will choose a piece of music unfamiliar to both students. The students will be given the same number of days to prepare the piece. Each student will play for the directors. After the directors have heard both players they will decide the "winning" student and make any necessary changes. Two weeks must elapse before a re-challenge may take place.