I've just been hired at a local high school as their brand new drumline and front ensemble instructor. I was talking to a member from a former drumline I used to teach about this new gig...she started laughing and told me she would upload a video of their tenor player. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFC1gwnllMY

Obviously there is a lot to fix here. Any advice would be appreciated.

Well, yeah, there's a lot to be fixed. Believe it or not, though, I've seen players that are much, much worse. Honestly, it looks like this kid's biggest problem is simply lack of direction. He's staying in time and is trying to do what he thinks is appropriate -- he just doesn't know better.

Don't worry about specifically what needs to be fixed. It wouldn't hurt to address everything so every player in your line has no doubt about the technique details you want them to use. Develop (or buy/borrow/steal) a technique guide and implement an exercise program for the entire ensemble focusing on the basics.

PS: I know you didn't post the video, but I might suggest asking for it to be pulled or at least given a nicer title. It doesn't reflect well on you to be associated with a vid calling out the "worst tenor player". It's our responsibility as instructors to lead by example, part of which is showing respect for others, even to students in other ensembles. And imagine how awkward and demoralizing it could be for one of the students in your new line to stumble across the vid. The kid's obviously got enthusiasm that could be an asset. Don't let it get squashed.

PPS: Please, PLEASE tune those drums!

That's a horrible video, I can't believe what anonymity can do to people. If you define technique, a student will learn it.

Wow- that's a pretty unfair shake for that kid.

Two things stuck out to me right away- the parts are below the clearly higher ability of the hands and that player was directed to watch the drum major, so all of their playing is reactionary, which makes it more difficult to be a confident performer in this activity.

There is a good chance that program is one of the hundreds around the country that aren't fortunate enough to have a drum staff.

I give that kid all the credit in the world for trying because they damn sure are and that title is pretty far off. There is way worse garbage on that site of people that think they're good and are awful compared to this kid.

The best advice I can give the OP is to give that team a chance before you dismiss them.

I couldn't agree more with SkyDog or Snarepaint. I've drummed with guys that have way worse chops than what this guy is attempting to put out.

The first thing that I think you've done wrong, OP, is you're going into it with a negative attitude. You allowed the opinion of a player on your former line to waiver your opinion. In looking at this video, as an instructor, I would feel three things:

• I'd be excited that you can help this line achieve things greater than what they could imagine, it's obvious that this is going to be a very different and new experience for them, considering their lack of instruction is sticking out tremendously.
• I'd be furious with the player on your former drumline that posted the video with that title. Whether or not that's your opinion is COMPLETELY irrelevant. Think of it this way - if that student SAW that video, and knew that it was posted by a member on the drumline that YOU used to teach, what kind of attitude does it look like you've instilled in your former drumline? Don't get me wrong, I don't honestly think that you've done any of that, but when you're at the high school level, you're dealing with kids that are developing their interests in life, and any source of discouragement can really shake the amount of joy that they get out of certain activities.
• Finally, I'd be inclined to pull out all of my basic exercises. This is obviously a drumline that can use the "8 on a hand," "Sixteenth note timing," and "Double-Triple" exercises. And the best part is, they're going to notice a HUGE difference in their playing, as soon as you start to teach it to them, which means that they are going to LOVE you as an instructor. You're going to be able to go into this program and make it your own, and that's an exciting thing.

Congrats for finding a line that needs your help, and a line that you can really help develop. I think I could say, along with most people on here that are instructors, that finding a line that is undeveloped is more fun than just getting into a line that already has hands and has a mentality that you won't be able to alter very much to benefit them.

Good luck, and happy instructing!
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