I need help on making a decision. Last year I was in the front ensemble and had a really good time, but this new season is coming up and I'm wondering if I should march cymbals instead. The pros and cons are that; if I would remain in the pit I would be captain, but the pit at my school is pretty much filled with kids who can't really play so they get stuck in percussion. I would like to march, and maybe actually get recognition (because the pit gets nothing). Any thoughts?

Perhaps you could be a motivating factor in the pit getting recognition for its talent. There's no reason why you can't motivate a change in that department is there?

Personally, I'd lean toward playing in the pit. Unless you've got a bad-*** cymbal line -- which is VERY uncommon at the high school level -- the opportunities to make more of a musical contribution are up front.

Also, as section leader, it's a golden opportunity to lead by example. Learn some fun exercise pieces and share them enthusiastically with your peers. Be serious about your show music. Push yourself to be better and raise the bar for your instructor(s). If at least one person follows you, it can start a snowball effect.

If you (and your section) stand out in a good way, your staff can reward you musically -- like more prominent musical roles and more instructional attention to really dial things in. Amazing things happen when players push themselves, freeing instructors to teach and fine-tune instead of motivate.

There was another recent thread on these forums where someone asked what they could do to get newbies excited about being in the pit. Look it up and check it out. I'd suggest checking out videos online of Andrew Markworth's pits with Carolina Crown and Rhythm X. He has a fun exercise book and those guys always look like they're having a blast (while playing good stuff).

As for recognition... Earn it. Kick some ***. Throw down clean notes. People will notice. (At least among us percussionists.) When you start hearing judges' comments where judges are gushing about your pit, your peers should get the hint, if that's something you care about.

Thank you for the advise SFZ541 and Skydog, but the reason I'm having thoughts about leaving the Pit is not because of motivational issues
I was already the section leader because of some reasons with the previous section leader not being able to perform with the band.
At my school there is no cymbal line, which is another reason I want to make one with my friend who is also as experienced as me.
Its kind of sad to say this but, the pit isn't really that good, there may be one or two people who I would consider okay, I don't want to sound egotistic but it was my friend and former "section leader" and I who held the pit up to the drumline, who is very good for highschool, we did receive best percussion in our class of AAA. And I'm afraid that when my friend and I go to cymbals and the former section leader graduating, the Pit won't be as good, unless the freshmen are pretty good

Do whichever one would make you happier and feel the least amount of regret! The last thing you want is to be with a section for a whole season, but then longing to be in the other mid-way through haha.

The best section leaders see what you just said as an opportunity instead of a problem. If there's a bad pit, take up your arms and establish a tradition of excellence. It can be done, mainly by what SkyDog said. I did it myself only two years ago.

It sounds like if you leave your pit there won't be much of a pit left at all. If your primary concern is the welfare of the band and its ability to compete in your class, I would say a good pit is much more important than a cymbal line. Most competitive bands don't march cymbals because you can mount cymbals in the pit and accomplish much more with a larger pit from a musical standpoint. As for recognition, in the pit you are right up front! It's the only section of the band where the audience can actually see your eyes. If you are up there playing a tough marimba book and performing it well, you will get recognition.

I like to think of playing in the pit as a Broadway Show percussionist. You say you will only have two cymbal players where in the pit you could have both crash cymbals and the suspended cymbal. Also you will be playing another instrument such as drum set, Timpani, various mallet instruments. A good pit percussion section turns the battery section into an accompaniment and you and the rest of the pit are the lead voice or melody. So to answer your question you will be noticed much more in a good pit than just playing cymbals in the battery.

If you can, have some private sectionals with the pit and get it together and tight. It will be more fun when everyone plays the parts musically and in tempo. That is when work becomes fun. Your Band Director may offer you time to use the music room for your practice since you are the pit captain. Ask and find out. This also may improve your younger players if you can help with their technique on the various instruments.

You answered your own question when you say last year you played in the pit and had a good time! Why not improve on that with the new players have some sectionals and you will be recieving the exposure and be noticed right in front of everyone else.