Picking a Center Snare

[jeffsmith0992]

Hello all,

We just held auditions for our high school's next marching season (well just drumline). I have picked my snare players. My problem is that they are pretty equally skilled and I'm not sure who to pick for Center. What criteria should I look for?
Also can anyone recommend a piece that I could maybe use to compare skill and maybe make a decision based on that?

[billc36]

The best player isn't always the center snare. The best leader should be your center snare.

[DrummerJay322]

The best player isn't always the center snare. The best leader should be your center snare.

This, homie.

[Snare Playa]

Best leadership, best timing, best inner sense of tempo, most role model qualities.

[Snare Playa]

Best leadership, best timing, best inner sense of tempo, most role model qualities.

[jeffsmith0992]

Thank you all. This will be my first year as lead instructor. When I was in school our instructor based it on skill so I wasn't sure.

[Snare Playa]

That's how my school currently does it. I've heard that the smaller your program and for lack of a better word, worse, the skill of the line is, the more important it is to base center snare off of skill.

As skill of program increases, so does choosing a a center snare based on leadership rather than skill.

I'm not sure why this is, but I've heard of schools doing it it. Can anyone clarify why?

[VoteLobster]

As skill of program increases, so does choosing a a center snare based on leadership rather than skill.

I'm not sure why this is, but I've heard of schools doing it it. Can anyone clarify why?

I think it's a matter of finding someone to take charge when there's no staff present. Someone who can run a rehearsal well and know how to work on things, how to get the players' attention, act as a leader, etc. Someone who's skilled but has no work ethic or drive to push the members doesn't really help much, right?

[Snare Playa]

True, I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with that way of operation. I'm just pointing out that I've heard of schools doing it that way before. My entire post under than the first sentence was preceded by "I've heard". They are not my personal thoughts just something "I've heard" other schools doing,

[schorsquatch]

As skill of program increases, so does choosing a a center snare based on leadership rather than skill.

I'm not sure why this is, but I've heard of schools doing it it. Can anyone clarify why?

I think it's a matter of finding someone to take charge when there's no staff present. Someone who can run a rehearsal well and know how to work on things, how to get the players' attention, act as a leader, etc. Someone who's skilled but has no work ethic or drive to push the members doesn't really help much, right?

YUP

An effective drumline is much more than a pile of warm bodies with playing skills. You need someone who not only plays well, but also can handle the boots-on-the-ground issues and relationships, stay focused, and bring it all together.

Exceptional playing skill has not been the hallmark of my best leaders. Competent playing is a must, but the ability to draw the best out of the team is what transforms a good drumline into a great one.

Think of it this way: the upper level skill of the entire team will be limited by the (in)abilities of the worst player. So the skill differences between the few BEST players is kind of irrelevant for the overall performance. Rather, you want the person or people that can get the most out of the least skilled. Dig?

[schorsquatch]

Let me add one clarification too... I'm not a fan of having named "leaders". I think giving a title to someone leads to problems. With that being said, that is how our HS does it, so instead of complaining about it and making a big stink, I go with it and manage.

As for picking a center snare (or any leader for that matter), our school actually has an application process. People who want to be leaders actually apply for those positions.... they fill out a form, and write a short essay.

The BD and I discuss the drumline applications, and figure out who goes where. The process is conversational, but we factor in classroom attitude and performance, out-of-class activities (like teaching lessons or hosting drum club) participation in S&E, and stuff like that. We also look closely at distractions. Do the students have extra-curricular activities that will interfere?

Ironically, we encourage participation in DCI and WGI, but we also make it clear that such activities come with a price. Being on tour pretty much disqualifies you from a leadership position. Why? Because if you on tour, then you won't be at camp, and you won't be available to participate in critical leadership functions. DCI is DCI, it is not our high-school. So as great an experience as it is, we NEED someone whose focus is on the HS.

Hope this helps!(?)

[joe356]

I think it depends on what you mean by center snare. If you're speaking strictly in the "guy in the middle" sense, then yes it should be your strongest rhythmic center as well as your biggest sound. If you're talking about more of a section leader kind of role, consider the possibility that the two don't have to be the same person. As long as both of them are clear on what their role is, you'll be fine.