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If your tryouts are in the late spring, it is a good
opportunity to begin a one afternoon per week "free workshop" for dance/drill
team hopefuls that can fulfill two needs in one. Not only will you offer basic training
that your drill team candidates will need, but can also be a proving ground for your
officer candidates.
Each officer candidate can be assigned to be in
charge of one workshop and be able to practice and be judged on her leadership prior to
officer tryouts. About three weeks prior to line tryouts, the team members and managers
should make posters to put up at school as well as writing announcements for the beginning
of school each day. Application forms should be made available in the school office as
well as the drill team office.
Once the actual week of tryouts arrives, it is down
to business. The following points are important:
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Secure qualified judges at least 4 to 6 weeks in
advance.
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Assign each candidate a number to wear all week as
well as tryout day.
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Hold a mandatory meeting with candidates and
parents to present costs, rules and requirements.
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Plan each day of tryout week and assign duties for
the officers.
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Impose strict discipline and a
"business-like" atmosphere that you will carry on throughout the year.
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Recruit a fellow teacher or administrator to assist
with calculating the scores on tryout day. As the director, your opinion should count at
least for 25% of the score, or one of the four judges.
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Be well prepared for tryout day itself. Make sure
the candidates have had a 'walk through' so they will know exactly what to expect. Have
score sheets, judges packets, pens, judges checks, refreshments for the judges, etc., all
prepared and in its place prior to the actual tryout time. Your organization will pay off
and allow you to have the greatest efficiency for tryouts.
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Duplicate/copy your score sheets and encourage all
candidates to pick up copies of their comment sheets. (Do not allow students to see other
candidates comments or scores). Those not making the team will see why they did not and
those that do will see areas in which they need to improve as well as their strengths.
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Stand firm with your decisions. If you have
prepared yourself properly and conducted tryouts accurately, there is nothing to fear or
hide.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the
beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt.
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