Margie

It could be that Katie got the DM position, even though she is a very good clarinet player, but Margie is there in that section and plays very well too, so it's ok for Katie to be DM. But, Margie can't do Color Guard because she's the best clarinet and she's needed to play the first part. The color guard will be fine without her, but the clarinet section will be severely disabled if she wasn't there. My best advice is to discuss this with your band director, have your parents around, and talk about it. Don't get argumentative, don't get an attitude. It will make it worse. Try to understand his rules a bit better, and get an explanation. Then remember that he is the band director, and you need to have respect for his decision, even if you don't agree with it. The Katie/Margie story is similar to what happened, but what I'm having trouble understanding is that I went out for guard, placed near the top, was told I was needed on horn. I was disappointed but went along with BD's decision. The next year I was allowed to try out again - same thing - but while I was told I was needed on horn, another girl playing the same instrument (first chair) tried out and was allowed to be DM. I'm only trying to understand why this is OK.

Can he keep me from guard and let another person who plays the same insturment be drum major?

At my school only band students can be in CG. There are no rules. Anybody can try out for guard. Even tho he let me try out and I've made the team (twice) the band director won't let me because of the instrument I play. He says he needs me to play during marching season. Without rules, is he allowed to keep me from being in guard? I'd like to hear from color guard instructors or band directors about how you handle these situations. Thanks