As Drum Major Academy founder Rick Wilson explains, "drum majoring is a performing art, as is music, dancing or theater." Your best performances come when you enjoy yourself. As a leader of the band, your drum major's passion will also influence the band members; a leader who is enthusiastic can inspire greatness in a band.
A drum major needs to be able to communicate clearly with the band and be understood at all times. According to "Inc." magazine, the best leaders master communication by following through on actions, using clear language and avoiding metaphors, giving honest feedback and inviting participation. A drum major who can master these skills will be better prepared to lead a band than one who does not communicate well.
Conducting is the primary task with which a drum major is trusted, so you'll need a drum major capable of leading the band through its music, no matter how complicated it may be. At the least, your drum major should be capable of conducting in common time signatures such as 4/4, 3/4, 2/4 and 6/8. Another vital skill is being able to maintain a steady tempo. Keeping a proper, consistent tempo is a key component in ensuring your band plays its music to the best of its ability.
A drum major will set an example for the rest of the band, so you need someone who will be willing to be the first to arrive and the last to leave for practices and competitions. This requires a large investment of time, so a drum major who lacks the requisite dedication may be frequently absent. This will hinder the band's progress and may inspire a poor attitude from the band members.