Maverick Stampede Student Leaders

All past members of the Maverick Stampede are eligible to apply for a leadership position.  These positions also generally include a stipend of ~$100-$400, depending on responsibilities and efforts associated with the position and duties assigned by the director.  Stipends are in addition to any athletic band scholarship awarded (if applicable).  At the discretion of the director (although rare), stipends, titles, and privileges of student leaders may be reduced or revoked in the event leaders do not follow-through with their responsibilities and obligations.  If you are NOT willing to take-on extra responsibilities associated with a leadership position and its title, do not apply.  

Selection of leaders are based on the application/interview/audition process AND past participation in the Maverick Stampede, academic standing, and commitment to the program.  Students should read and know the specific responsibilities associated with each position before applying.  

Appointed leaders are required to attend short weekly meetings (as necessary) during the fall season, most of which will take place directly before or after regularly scheduled rehearsals.  There are also a few pre and post season meetings or activities where attendance is required. 

NEW - Leadership Application Process:

Prior to 15th/Final week of Spring Term Classes - all steps below must be completed by Wednesday at 5pm of the 15th/Final week of classes (the week prior to Final Exam week).

1. Review the revised (Spring 2020) CMU Maverick Stampede Leadership Titles, Roles, and Responsibilities document.
2. Schedule a meeting (phone, video, text, in person) with a prior past leader who served in the position you desire.  Ask them questions about their duties and experiences associated with their position.
3. Record a Video - Using a smartphone or personal computer, record an introduction, performance audition, and interview video.  High definition resolution (video or audio) is not necessary.  Segments (intro, performance, interview) do not need to be in all one sitting (you may splice together as you please).  
   • Introduction - state your name, marching band/instrument/section, and what leadership position you are applying for.  
   • Performance - perform 30-60 seconds of music (our Guard routine) from something used/performed in a past Stampede season.  It would be best to perform something that you can assume will also be used in the upcoming season (ie. school song, cadence, routine), and something that is also technically demanding that may set you apart from other candidates (ie, something more difficult than Kool-Aid, like the Fight Song or Hot Time).  Music should be memorized and the video angle should demonstrate this.  It would be best to perform on your marching instrument, but if this is not possible, a concert instrument or drum pad is also acceptable.  You should be performing alone and not with others, but otherwise, this can be very informal.
   • Interview - After performing, continue by giving brief answers or statements to ALL OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS (some may be very short responses):
     • WHY you are seeking this specific position?
     • What makes YOU a better candidate to serve the band in this position than other students (that you may or may not know of) who may be seeking the same position?
     • What have you learned about your ability to be an effective leader from past experiences and/or what leadership-related skills do you need to continue to work on to be most effective. 
     • If NOT chosen for your desired position, what other positions you would be willing to serve in for the band.  
4. Fill-out this online leadership application form (Google Form), including a place for you to add a YouTube link of your video (above). 

All applicants will be notified via an email response on or around the end of the 15th/Final week of classes.
All leadership candidates should be prepared to attend a mandatory pre-summer (1st) leadership retreat/meeting that will take place from 3-8pm on Wednesday during Final Exam Week.  This meeting may take place remotely (virtually via Zoom) if necessary and at the discretion of Dr. Hinkle.  Failure to attend this meeting may immediately forfeit your ability to serve on the fall leadership team.

Further instructions for Captain applicants - Band Captain, Drum Major, Visual Captain:  

• Students seeking these positions are encouraged to meet 1-on-1 (more extensively than above) with a past Captain for details associated with this specific position and associated audition.  Before applying, they should also communicate directly with Dr. Hinkle prior to the 15th/Final week of classes to discuss their potential candidacy for these positions.  
• Conducting & Marching auditions - via Zoom on Thursday of 15th/Final week of classes, starting at 3pm.
• Detailed instructions here (New for 2020 forward)