Determine leadership

Consider the best way to lead based on the size of your band, THON program, and team. Do you work better alone or with a partner to help you manage tasks? Teams for UConn and Ohio State's bands do well with two co-captains. Or would you benefit from a group of leaders? For example, Penn State Blue Band's team has a small group of about 6 within their THON team, to help with overall tasks, family relations, finance, and communications. Get started, and see how the workload is and what you may need help with!

Band structure

What about integrating your team into your band’s organizational structure? Does your band have student leadership committees or outreach groups? Could this get more people involved and provide more oversight to help the team succeed? Both UConn and Central Florida’s teams have systems like these.

Communicate with Dance Marathon staff

It’s good to connect with someone on internal staff for your THON program. I’ve kept in touch with my registered student organization (RSO) director each year and they are a great resource for planning and being in the know about events, incentives, and fundraising ideas. If your program has Hero Meetings or something for all THON participants to attend, make a connection there! At captain meetings, you can also look for people to stay in touch with.

Keep track of time

Some programs have deadlines for team signups and/or solo member registrations. Keep an eye on these so that you have time to set up your team and recruit your new and returning team members.

Communicate with your directors

Establish a working relationship with your band directors early. See what their preferred communication method is, so you can share what you are doing. Consider asking for their help and ideas for promoting the team you’re building! It’s always easier when you can have a second opinion and someone to vouch for you. It's important to help people know who your team leaders are, but getting started can be tough, and having a director to back you up helps a lot at the start.

Gaining their support can open doors for announcements at rehearsals, access to resources, and approval for promotional ideas. It can even work in your favor for recruiting. Ohio State’s team captains were able to set up a recruitment contest, where any section that registered 5 members for the THON team could have the entire section pelt the band directors with water balloons! It got them over 30 new team member registrations!