All instruments in a band typically have a section leader, who is usually the first chair in a band arrangement. Section leaders make sure that students adhere to the rules of the band, take attendance in the section, report problems to the director, issue and collect instrument rental forms, inspect uniforms and help keep the section area clean.
The percussion section leader has potentially the most important and difficult duties of any section leader. He or she must help organize the entire percussion section, which often includes numerous individuals on a variety of school-owned instruments. In addition, the percussion section leader needs to make sure that all of the percussion parts in a song are assigned, and this often involves assigning multiple parts and instruments to one person.
Percussion section leaders must also look after the abundance of equipment that the section might have. Cymbals, marimbas, tympani drums, snare drums, bass drums and triangles are all examples of the instruments in the section. Section leaders also oversee the usage of the instruments and aid in the loading and unloading of materials during marching band or concert season.
Because the conductor must pay attention to the whole band, the percussion section leader may need to take an active role in listening to and directing the percussion section. In addition, percussion section leaders may also lead practices and sectionals. The percussion section leader must assess the needs and limitations of the section and help it reach its full potential accordingly.