Drum Major Application Essay

This is the essay I turned in with my drum major application. I thought it was pretty good myself, so go ahead. Indulge.


For years and years, the tradition of excellence has been carried in the arms of our band’s drum majors. As our school rises to that of epitomizing glory, only the best should be placed at the forefront of our band. Those who hold the standards of greatness and compassion, and have the makings of a great leader, should be the ones marching at the head of the Davis High Marching Band. Those qualities previously mentioned, coincidentally, parallel my own traits in many ways. Strong leadership skills, compassion, understanding and experience are just a few of the reasons I could make a great drum major.
Ever since childhood, the mantel of leadership has been placed upon my shoulders. Throughout my life my family and friends, have rallied behind me looking for direction. Even today, family members both younger and older than myself have looked to me for guidance and support. With outstanding determination and a fortress of upstanding values, I have successfully led myself and those around me to a better place in life. These personality traits are extremely difficult to find in a sea of followers that engulf us today.
I also have the great gift of compassion and understanding, which has been one of the most powerful tools of friendship and communication I have ever had the opportunity to use. I have never met a person that I have not been able to relate to and find common ground with. With this gift of tolerance and the ability to put forth a basic feeling of warmth all around, I feel that this is a great quality of a drum major.
Even in my religious experience I have been placed at a leadership position, as deacon’s president, and teacher’s president, and as a District leader at the soon to come Aaronic Priesthood Training Camp. I also have experience in marching band, as last year I aided the trumpet section with my leadership skills as a Squadron leader. My experience as a leader has grown exponentionally throughout my life, as I use my past positions to learn how to greater benefit those I influence now and later in my career.