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Drill teams always in the spotlight

© Kathryn Morton

If you've never heard someone call your team a derogatory or cruel "nickname," you are very lucky. Almost every team I've encountered has at least some small smudge on its name. There may be rumors, malicious "jokes," or blatant verbal attacks. My own high school drill team was no exception. Almost every day, I overheard (or was actually told) something negative about my organization. This frustrated me because the majority of these comments were overexaggerations or complete falsehoods.

Whenever you gather a group of young women together, people will look for flaws - perhaps out of jealousy, suspicion, or spite. While it's not realistic to expect that any organization, drill team or otherwise, will have a spotless reputation, you CAN work to build a positive one.

Many drill teams have constitutions that outline the group's policy for grades and conduct. I found an excellent article by Mrs. Joyce Pennington, owner of American Dance/Drill Team School, about writing or rewriting a constitution. Please click here to visit the site.

I've brainstormed a few of the key elements in creating and maintaining a good repoire. First and foremost is to remember that drill team members are leaders in the school. Like it or not, the spotlight is on you even when you're not on the field or on stage. Classmates look to you as an example.

Be responsible. Drill team requires that you be to practice on time, bring certain costume pieces, return paperwork ... and if you're not doing this on your drill team, START! It will make the experience so much better if you're organized and responsible. The key to this responsibility is discipline. Here's an article by Garnder McCollum about the subject, titled Discipline is something you do for someone.

Also, don't accept less than the best where morals and character are concerned. Being arrested for driving while intoxicated is not going to reflect well on your team ... not to mention that it's dangerous. Smoking in public or abusing drugs isn't exactly healthy or attractive, either.

Even if you don't have the IQ of Albert Einstein, you can still put your best effort into schoolwork. In Texas, the University Interscholastic League, which sets standards for extracurricular activities such as athletics, band, forensics, and drill team, requires that students be passing all regular-level classes to be eligible to participate in competitions, performances, and games. If for no other reason, it's important to do well in school so you can still dance with your team.

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