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Harg wrote:Here is my essay is it good?

No.

Even so, I'm sure it'll do the trick. Best of luck in the selection process!

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I agree with James. DO NOT under any circumstances use an application essay to point out negatives about yourself. Also, DO NOT simply gripe about past problems and how they weren't "fixed." That's not the type of person the director wants as a section leader. Problem-solving is an important part of the job, but you shouldn't point out past mistakes of the previous leadership...it does make you look like part of the problem.

Use this opportunity to tell the director that you will be communicative and open to the his/her suggestions. Mention that you are good at taking direction, fashioning a plan to solve any problems, and then implementing that plan. I can assure you that an essay that focuses on that point will "stand out" from the others.

Tell the director you are the best choice for the job because you are willing to work as hard as necessary to perform the job with excellence. Then, and most important, when you get the job follow through on that commitment. Make a point to communicate often with the director. Inform him/her what difficulties (if any) you are having and seek their input. Also, don't forget to tell him/her about the successes you are having...don't turn every meeting with the director into a "gripe session" (they get plenty of those already)...they want to hear about what's working, too!

Now, make a revision and post it again. You will find the forum to be an excellent source of advice and/or criticism if you are willing to evaluate it honestly. Good luck!

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Hey man, good luck in the selection process...... I became the section leader of the sousas at my school but i didnt have to write an essay or anything.... either way good luck!!!

goodgigs wrote:Sur, you talk too much (take it from someone who knows!)
In My opinion,You only wrote one imporant thing in the whole essay;
" ________ has said that I would be a good section leader because I have a lot of influence over the section."

You almost said something else imporant, but I quote out of context.
"If chosen to be section leader I will lead by example."
Merily these two sentences should be enough to win you the position.
If they want a long essay, then find a way to feature them.

I would keep it short, sweet, and to the point--focus on what you would bring to the position. The past is past--no need to bring it up. If you are successful in getting the job, remember: you will be held to a higher standard and will be expected to be a role model for the whole band, not just your section.

Best of luck from a former section leader and drum major (30 year HS reunion in 3 weeks!)

JJ

Harg wrote: I want to reward people that check off with candy/donuts/whatever to give them a higher incentive to check off because in past years there hasn’t really been any reason for anyone to check off after bandweek.

Did anyone else read this and consider the irony of offering tuba players food to learn music?

Gave me a good chuckle this morning!

I NEED UR HELP GUYZZZZZ PLZ RESPOND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111!!!1eleven~`1!

Anyway...say what the problems are and how you'd suggest fixing them. Don't refer to other people by name, and keep it short and sweet. As a section leader candidate, show you have the ability to be concise and convincing -- you need that on the field, so prove you've got the stuff to do that up-front to get the job done.

Does the director actually read these or does this exist as a barrier to entry for those who need not apply? My guess is the latter of the two.

Anyhow, you only need three paragraphs: Leadership in the past, present, and future. Provide concise examples of each. This needs to be short, to the point, and filled with "action". This would hopefully foreshadow your future role in this capacity.

Regardless, I think it's a barrier to entry, as most directors really don't have time to read this stuff. I'm guessing he/she is looking to see if it is typed, and shows a modicum of effort.

Content: Already well covered. This is not a time to have dialogs about the past; only accomplishments should be mentioned. Talk about your successes.

Writing: For goodness sakes, run this by an English teacher! Learn how to use past tense and subjunctive mood! Learn to say "I" and not "myself" unless the reference is reflexive.

I had your position in High School for two years but not in Texas which probably means I did not have your position.

Along the way to becoming a tuba player, I was also an English composition major and made a living doing that sort of work (teaching both public schools and corporations). The keys to effective written communication are: be brief; write in point form, if you can, and pretend the reader will not read past the topic sentence.

Let us know how it works out.

Positional leadership is the lowest and least respected form of leadership ... go get the 360 degree leader by John Maxwell and read it. People should respect you because they want to, not because they feel they have to on some level.

Harg,

Your first two words blew it for me. I have hired alot of people for various position in my day and the first red flag were those two words, " I think". They lack your own self confidence in your ability to take on this position. Your opening needs to demonstrate that you are capable of taking command of the section. Using action words that illustrate previous accomplishments. "I have", I am the best candidate because", I am confident that I am the right choice for this position", etc.

Harg, If you have to think about being able to be the leader, you're not ready to assume the leadership role. Either you know you are ready, or it's best to pass on it, because if your not ready, life will be miserable. Self confidence is number one on the list for leadership skills. I did not see it anywhere in this resume cover letter. You are seeking a new management career position, not a bus boy job. Everything is to be positive, nothing negative about the competition or the previous team. What do you bring to the table.

Good Luck, This is real life stuff now, not a reality TV program