An effective student staff is vital to the success of any marching band program.  Students are selected, through an audition process, for their musical skills, organizational skills and leadership potential.  High demand and great responsibility are placed on these students, who will have the opportunity to learn lessons that will help them to achieve success in any endeavor in their future.  Specific positions and responsibilities are listed below for each student staff position.  Students selected for these positions will undergo extensive and rigorous training during the summer months with the Director of Bands and should be prepared to devote more time to the band program than their peers.  Some student staff positions will also require that the student attend a summer camp away from the Stafford area in order to hone their skills.

Emily
Drum Major

The Drum Major of the Mountain View Marching Band is the highest ranking student leader of the band and will provide leadership and training for a student staff consisting of administrative officers, Captains, Section Leaders and Rank Leaders.   The Drum Major will assist the Director of Bands and the professional band staff in music, marching and drill instruction and will be responsible for conducting the band during rehearsals and performances.  The Drum Major will be expected to understand the challenges faced by each section of the band through thorough study of the marching drill, choreography and music that each band member is expected to perform.   The Drum Major is responsible for esprit de corps within the ensemble and will work closely with the entire student leadership staff to plan activities that will enhance rehearsal and performance aspects of the marching band experience for all members of our band family.

Brett
Brass Captain

The Brass Captain is responsible for all aspects of rehearsal and performance within the brass section of the Mountain View Marching Band.  The Brass Captain has oversight over Section Leaders and Rank Leaders within the brass section and is responsible for ensuring an effective rehearsal and performance atmosphere for all brass players.  All captains work closely together to enhance the esprit de corps of the band.  All sectionals and extra rehearsal time must be coordinated through the Brass Captain, who will seek approval from the Drum Major and Director of Bands.

Nick
Woodwind Captain

The Woodwind Captain is responsible for all aspects of rehearsal and performance within the Woodwind section of the Mountain View Marching Band.  The Captain has oversight over Section Leaders and Rank Leaders within the Woodwind section and is responsible for ensuring an effective rehearsal and performance atmosphere for all players.  All captains work closely together to enhance the esprit de corps of the band.  All sectionals and extra rehearsal time must be coordinated through the Woodwind Captain, who will seek approval from the Drum Major and Director of Bands.

Stephen
Percussion Captain

The Percussion Captain is responsible for all aspects of rehearsal and performance within the Percussion section of the Mountain View Marching Band.  The Percussion Captain has oversight over Section Leaders and Rank Leaders within the section and is responsible for ensuring an effective rehearsal and performance atmosphere for all players.  All captains work closely together to enhance the esprit de corps of the band.  All sectionals and extra rehearsal time for percussionists must be coordinated through the Percussion Captain, who will seek approval from the Drum Major and Director of Bands.

Bree
Color Guard Captain

The Color Guard Captain is responsible for all aspects of rehearsal and performance within the auxiliary section of the Mountain View Marching Band.  The Color Guard Captain has oversight over Rank Leaders within the Color Guard and is responsible for ensuring an effective rehearsal and performance atmosphere for all Color Guard members.  All captains work closely together to enhance the esprit de corps of the band.  All sectionals and extra rehearsal time must be coordinated through the Color Guard Captain, who will seek approval from the Drum Major and Director of Bands.

Section Leaders report directly to the Captain of their particular section.  Their responsibilities include coordinating all sectional rehearsals and insuring that the members of their section know all of the basic technique and fundamentals for their instrument.  The Section Leader is responsible for insuring that each member is following a regular routine of practice that will lead to improving performance throughout the season.  Regular assessments of field and stands music will be expected and remediation is to be provided for any student not performing up to standard.  Section Leaders will positively encourage each member of their section to work to their highest level of achievement.

Rank Leaders will report directly to the Captain of their particular section.  Their responsibilities include coordinating all rank rehearsals and ensuring that the members of their rank know all of their basic marching techniques and marching drill maneuvers.  The Rank Leader is responsible for regular assessment of the rank members in the areas of basic marching and drill and for providing remediation for any student who is not performing up to standard.  Rank Leaders will encourage each member of their rank to perform to the highest level possible.

Applications for selection as a member of the MVHS Band Student Staff will be accepted during the spring of each year.  Please check the Band Calendar for dates and times.  Students who have at least one full year of successful marching band experience will be eligible to apply for these positions.  An outstanding academic and disciplinary record and recommendations from your current and former teachers will be weighed heavily with demonstrated musical ability during the student's entire time in the band program.  All candidates for student leadership will be expected to complete a series of essays and will have a personal interview with the Director of Bands.  Some positions may also require an audition where the student will demonstrate their performance ability in the area of interest.