We give you access to the top designers, instructors, and marchers in Drum Corps International! Marching Arts Education presented two months of interviews and instruction, a total of 128 webinars! These great conversations are now available for you to watch at any time. Twenty-seven DCI corps shared the “EXPERIENCE” of marching DCI and being a part of a corps. Educators and designers will find valuable advice and great ideas from these top Marching Arts Professionals they can use with their own groups. The Marching Roundtable is an Official Media Partner of Drum Corps International.
INSIDE THE CIRCLE
WITH MATT HARLOFF
One of our activity’s top instructors shares great tips for you and your team.
Hosted by Iain Moyer, we present the top minds in designing and instructing for Front Ensembles.
Week of June 1st-5th
Phantom Regiment: Leadership Team Q&A
- Calling all current/aspiring student leaders! The Phantom Regiment leadership team share practical advice on being an effective leader, creating an effective team, involving more members in the leadership process, and advice for those aspiring to these positions. With Claire Wilcox (Conductor) , Hannah Reese (Guard Captain), Megan Raughter (Front Ensemble), and Kevin Belobrajdic (Horn Sergeant – Euphonium). Fran Kick, renowned expert on student leadership and motivation, facilitates this conversation. WATCH Here.
Phantom Regiment: Fundraising and Engagement with the PR Marketing Team
- The Phantom Regiment marketing team is one of the best in the activity and shares their strategy, process, and tips for promoting a world class performing arts organization. Watch until the end to receive a special one-time code to use in The Phan Shop! With Robert Cawthorne, Robin Lanning, Zach Ashcraft, Liset Garcia. WATCH Here.
Discussion with the Phantom Regiment Brass Staff
- Four members of the Phantom Regiment brass staff share concepts behind their work and collaboration and explain what makes the Phantom Regiment sound come to life! With Courtney Lawrence, Ryan Adamsons, Jennifer Hepp, and Stone Wang. WATCH Here.
Phantom Regiment Color Guard and Movement Staff
- The color guard and movement staff at the Phantom Regiment shares stories about past Phantom Regiment shows from 2005-2008 and current days! With Courtney Allyson Mills, Adam Sage, Stephanie Chavez, and Michael James. WATCH Here.
MadU Leadership: Building Trust in Teams
- Take a peek inside the Madison Scouts’ leadership program and learn how the corps builds effective teams within and beyond the membership. The Madison leadership program has become a signature element of the corps’ experience, as well as a prominent independent offering of Forward Performing Arts — the Scouts’ parent organization. With Nick Monzi and David Lofy. Running time: 1 hour. Watch Here.
- Join members of the Scouts staff to learn about best practices for mindfulness in this time of uncertainty. Health and fitness education is embedded within the corps’ MadU virtual program, and is an essential element of any member’s experience with the corps. With Karl Koemmpel and Dan Hoffman. Watch Here.
MadU Design: A Team Approach to Collaborative Design
- The new Madison Scouts design process is built upon a foundation of collaboration. Learn more about how the team makes the magic happen in this session on overall show design. As part of MadU, students are learning in extensive detail about design processes, programs, and creative thinking across a series of unique masterclasses. With Program Coordinator Jason Robb and Scouts Design Team Members. Watch Here.
MadU Performance: Laying a Foundation for Excellence
- The MadU virtual learning program has created a unique opportunity to continue building performance skill sets and team dynamics for the vast majority of the 2021 corps membership. Learn more in this session about the corps’ preparation process, focus on education, and opportunities for new students to learn and audition! With Nick Monzi and Scouts Caption Leadership. Watch Here.
The Battalion Percussion Experience
- Members of the Battalion percussion staff take you through their technique, philosophy, and unique aspects of the Battalion percussion ensemble. With Mike Williams, Shilo Stroman, Hallie Schield, Matt Hauser, and Malia Odekirk. Watch Here.
The Battalion: Brass Instrument Repair and Cleaning
- Battalion brass staff member and repair technician Pearce Nitta shares the basics of repairing and cleaning brass instruments. Pearce has many years of experience repairing brass instruments. Watch Here.
The Battalion: Developing a Student Led Culture
- Past and present Battalion head drum majors talk about how they helped shape the culture of a new organization. They discuss how taking the time to define the culture you want, goal setting, and working with other student leaders can help shape your season. Fran Kick, a renowned leader in student leadership and motivation, facilitates this conversation. With Kylie Howard, Andy Blomfelt, and Collin Moore. Watch Here.
- The Founders of The Battalion share the inspiring story of how they started a drum corps. This session includes everything from finances to education practices and how they have found success on and off the field. With Dallin Hatch, Luke McCollum, Alyssa McCollum, Katherine Steinacker, Mark Hartman, and Shilo Stroman. Watch Here.
The Breakdown with Michael Rosales: Horn Visuals and Lines
- LET’S MOVE! Wind players, percussionists, guard performers, or fans learn movement skills and fun visuals YOU can take back to your own group. One of the most sought after choreographers in the country, Michael Rosales is the Lead Choreographer for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum Corp and Choreographed the 2019 Production of BLAST! The Music of Disney which toured Japan. This session begins with a fitness warm-up and stretch with Derek Hessing from Marching Health. Then Michael leads us through a fun class learning choreography without instruments. Dress comfortably and get ready to sweat and have fun! Watch Here.
Inside the Circle with Matt Harloff: Tuning Tips for your HS Marching Band
- Have your best season ever! Improve your intonation with tips from the guru from Avon HS and the Carolina Crown Brassline! Matt Harloff shares his expertise with practical ideas you can use right away with your own group. Watch Here.
Front Ensemble Friday: Ian Grom – Conquering the Blank Page
- Ian Grom of Pulse Percussion shares an impromptu live composition lesson/walk thru of his process for starting a chart from ground zero. Ian creates a musical theme for a concept that he comes up with on the fly to simulate the pressure/fear of failure that occurs in the creative process. Watch Here. See all Front Ensemble Friday Webinars
Week of June 8th-12th
Blue Stars: The Visual Program Cheat Sheets – A Helpful Guide
- Blue Stars Visual Staff members Kyle Castro and Roger Marquis discuss concise concepts and techniques to take any program to the next level visually. They share helpful documents for whether you are a seasoned veteran in the marching arts and want a quick reference and new approach, or if this is your first exposure to the activity and you need a crash course in the basics. Watch Here
Blue Stars: Making Sectionals Count
- Get more done in less time! Blue Stars Brass Caption Head Travis Larson how’s you how to equip your staff and students to run efficient and effective sectionals. Watch Here
Blue Stars: Modern Visual Design – How to Stay Relevant as a Band Director
- Blue Stars Visual Staff members Aaron Barnes, Kevin Ford, and Luke Zamprelli discuss the tools that every band director should know to translate the visual intent to your students and audience. With such uncertainty surrounding the fall marching season, if limited drill writing responsibilities fell to you, here’s how you can handle it. Watch Here
Blue Stars: Behind the Scenes of a World Class Drum Corps
- Ever wonder what has to happen behind the scenes to facilitate a World Class drum corps experience? Blue Stars Directors Brad Furlano, Lizzie Miller, Russ Gavin, and Kyle Winn, with special guest Chef Sue Wilson, discuss the ins and outs of spring training, tour life, and all things drum corps. Watch Here.
Jersey Surf: Preparing Your First DCI Hornline Audition
- Preparing for your first DCI audition can be stressful. The Jersey Surf Brass Staff talk about how to choose appropriate repertoire, what a brass staff listens for in an audition, and how to balance preparing camp repertoire with audition material, as well as a few tips for folks learning a new instrument for drum corps. With Chris DeVona, Evan Rzodkiewicz, Margaret Fagan, and Tyler Wiernusz. Watch Here.
Jersey Surf: Community, Mindfulness, and the Member Experience
- One of the core objectives of the Jersey Surf percussion program is to provide a top-quality experience for their members and staff. In this session, the percussion team explores this objective through the lens of mental health, performance mindset, and giving everyone a voice within the group. Hear how, after 30 years in the activity, the Surf continues to “Share the Love” on the world class stage. With Brad Schoener and Tom Wilson. Watch Here.
Jersey Surf: Before the Dots – Charting a Course for Success
- Visual Designer Mitch Rogers and Jersey Surf Program Coordinator Tom Kershaw discuss what information needs to be prepared, planned, considered, and collected to fully realize your visual program. Watch Here.
Jersey Surf: Overcoming Challenging Conditions to Create World Class Visual Experiences
- Jersey Surf Visual Caption Heads Michael Lombo and Mike Duborow discuss the Jersey Surf’s approach with working to train younger, less experienced members and how to strategically plan your daily visual focus when precious rehearsal time is limited. Watch Here.
Spirit of Atlanta: A Day with the Delta Diamonds
- The Spirit of Atlanta Guard staff takes you on a walk through what it looks like to be a member of the Spirit color guard during move ins and tour. Hear from color guard members on what their experiences have been like! James Gabonay (Designer), Nikki Szymanski (Caption Head) and the SoA Colorguard Captains take you through the SoA program and prepare you for auditions. Watch Here.
Spirit of Atlanta: Quick Tips for Front Ensemble
- Five great ideas you can use right away! Matt Filosa (Front Ensemble Caption Head, Arrangers and Sound Designer) and the Spirit Front / Audio staff show and discuss 5 quick videos from proper stance behind the keyboard to setting up Mainstage for your synth player. Watch Here.
The System: The Legacy of Freddy Martin, Jim OTT, and the Spirit of Atlanta Brass
- Spirit’s hornlines are legendary! We give you the information you need to bring your own group to the next level. On this webinar, the Spirit of Atlanta Brass leadership talk through the history of the hornline and the pedagogical approach. With Andy Poor (Caption Supervisor), Freddy Martin (Caption Supervisor) and Daniel Scott (Caption Head). Watch Here
Spirit of Atlanta: Designing For Your Identity
- The Spirit of Atlanta Design Team talks through how to design for your ensemble’s brand identity and brand. This includes content choices, coordination, collaboration and celebration. With Sal Salas, Jamey Thompson, Gilles Ouellette, James Gabonay, Mike Martin, Adam Wiencken, and Matt Filosa. Watch Here.
The Cadets: Meet the Design Team
- Imagine what YOUR design team could do with this inspiration! Meet the Design team at The Cadets, learn about their experience, how long at Cadets, and how The Cadets Design Team goes about working together. Led by Tom Aungst. Watch Here.
The Cadets: Meet the Caption Managers
- Get tips on how to organize your staff and be more effective and efficient. Meet the Caption Managers at The Cadets. Learn about their roles and responsibilities and how they interact and oversee all activities with the Educational Staff With Dr. Matt Stratton. Watch Here.
The Cadets: Meet the Member Leadership
- What is the role of the Section Leadership at The Cadets? Plus an introduction of the member leadership, and introduction of The Cadets Drum Majors. With Fran Kick and the member leadership team. Watch Here.
The Cadets: Meet the Management / Development Team
- Get to know the leadership of The Cadets, learn about their history in the activity, and their role with The Cadets. Learn about current development efforts from the Development manager and how you can play a role in the future of The Cadets.. Led by Denise Bonfiglio, CEO / Director. Watch Here.
The Breakdown with Michael Rosales: Building Off The First Class
- An hour of moving, learning, and growing in our ability to move! Wind players, percussionists, guard performers, or fans are welcome to join us to learn movement skills and fun visuals YOU can take back to your own group. One of the most sought after choreographers in the country, Michael Rosales is the Lead Choreographer for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum Corp and Choreographed the 2019 Production of BLAST! The Music of Disney which toured Japan. Michael leads us through a fun class which includes a stretch and strengthening warm-up. Dress comfortably and get ready to sweat and have fun! Watch Here.
Inside the Circle with Matt Harloff: JUST PLAY! with Matt and Ben Harloff
- Get out your horn and play for an hour with the gurus of Inside the Circle and Carolina Crown Brassline. Matt and Ben Harloff guide you through a warm-up and then give you the opportunity to play some music you know and love! Watch Here.
Front Ensemble Friday: Jim Ancona – Four Mallet Octaves
- Advanced four mallet techniques that were once reserved for high-level solos are making their way into all levels of pageantry. Jim Ancona of Carolina Crown works on some one-handed octave exercises to facilitate muscle memory with the subtle changes in the size of the spread. The he demonstrates octaves hand-to-hand, spread apart and a hand-to-hand, stacked. Watch Here.
- See all Front Ensemble Friday Webinars
Week of June 15th-19th
- How do you create a show that looks, sounds, and feels like no other group? On this webinar we meet the Mandarins design team and discuss their show design process, what the concept parameters are, music vs visual first, why they do what they do, and how they set their expectations and engagement of all captions throughout the process. With Ike Jackson, Mario Ramirez, Peter Beckhart, Key Poulan, Ben Pyles, and JW Koester. Watch Here
So You Want To Be A Member Of The Mandarins
- The perfect information session for anyone considering marching! This session features the Mandarins caption managers (brass, percussion, visual & color guard) discussing what they look for during the audition process, how they go about the audition process, the interaction between music & visual, and what a typical audition camp looks like. They will also discuss how they transition into the regular season, how they set our expectations for the summer, and how the summer is managed. With Mario Ramirez, Ben Pyles, Tim Snyder, Santiago Sabado, and JW Koester. Watch Here
Meet The Mandarins Corps Members
- An insider look at the life of a corps member, featuring members of The Mandarins, both veterans and rookies from all sections. They discuss how they prep for the audition process, what happens during the winter camps, what to expect for spring training and tour, and great insight into their experiences. With Carson Kimber, Amelia Ikuta, Cristian Vista, and Amanda Lopes. Watch Here
Meet The Mandarins Organization
- A look inside a world class organization, featuring a cross section of people throughout the organization. These important members of the Mandarins discuss their various programs, where they are now, a little of how they got here, and where they expect to be moving towards in the future. With Ike Jackson, Jim Tabuchi, Santiago Sabado, Dr. Dan Fong, and JW Koester. Watch Here
Impulse: Creating the Impulse Vibe
- Since its inception in 1999, Impulse Drum and Bugle Corps has stood out for its unique attitude and culture. This session discusses the original attitude of the corps and how it has evolved to the “Impulse Family” it is now. Additional items covered are how they maintain this sense and how important it is to the members, both past and present. With David Alvarado Giottonini, Chris Mathis, and Yosuke Miyoshi. Watch Here
Impulse: Accepting Attitude Instead of Ability
- Impulse is dedicated to accepting members with the drive to learn as the primary qualifier for the Drum Corps. Impulse has always prided itself on the education of all levels and works hard to have a staff capable of teaching new players as well as seasoned vets, building each up to new levels. With David Alvarado Giottonini, Kyle Spraker, and Yosuke Miyoshi. Watch Here
Impulse: Designing an Impulse Show
- Impulse has had many styles of the show since its inception that have focused on Audience Engagement. This session focuses on the Impulse process of show design from conception through execution. With Daniel Zeilinger, Chad Kohlmier, and Aaron Zeilinger. Watch Here
Boston Crusaders: Creating Long Term Sustainability
- Executive Director Chris Holland and Board Treasurer David Simon explain how BAC turned into Inspire Arts & Music and how that set the stage for long term sustainability with the drum corps. It also brought renewed energy to their city of Boston mission, something that is independent though related to their DCI legacy corps. Watch Here
Boston Crusaders: Helping Members Have Ownership In Your Program
- You can reach new heights when your members take ownership of the program! Colin McNutt shares some conceptual and practical things he does with creating ownership and stakeholder standing with each individual part of the whole from day 1. This approach has proven effective in professional and college sports and corporate America, and Colin will give you advice you can use right away with your own group. Watch Here
Boston Crusaders: Student Leadership Team
- Meet the Boston Crusaders Student Leadership Team and get insight into the part they play in creating amazing performances and great experiences for all corps members. Watch Here
Boston Crusaders: Storyboarding and Storytelling
- The Boston Crusaders have become one of the master storytellers in the marching arts! Keith Potter and Ryan George give us an insider look at how they storyboard their shows and bring these stories to life in such engaging ways, working together musically, visually, and aesthetically to create BAC. Learn tips you can use with your own team and in your own process! Watch Here
Southwind History and our Program – 40 Years of Drum Corps
- Corps Director Lawrence LeClaire and Program Coordinator Terry Sanders explain how 40 years of drum corps history at Southwind helped them in their current comeback and how they work together to be more organized for more success. With Lawrence LeClair and Terry Sanders. Watch Here
Southwind: Improve Your Band’s Visual Program
- Have your best and most effective show yet! The Southwind visual team shares insight into how to improve your band’s visual program. With Caption Head DJ Fitzgerald. Watch Here
Southwind Brass: Learning the Basics of Sound Production
- Imagine the great sounds your group can produce this Fall with a few great ideas from the pros! Brass Caption Head Paris Foreman discusses the basics of sound production, sharing information that will help you take your group to the next level. Watch Here
9:00 pm Eastern – Southwind Percussion Team- Expectations of Members in Drum Corps
- Do you have what it takes? The Southwind Percussion Team explains the expectations of members in drum corps and introduces their summer VLOG learning series. With Elanders Frazier, John Gaal, Robert Dickens, and Ryan Reed. Sign Up Here
1:30 pm Eastern – Movement for Musicians #1
- LET’S MOVE! Katie Hopkins and Conrad Isenhour from Marching Band Movement take you through an hour of warm-up, training, and choreography. Get ideas and training that you can take back to your own group! Dress comfortably and get ready to sweat and have fun! Sign Up Here.
3:00 pm Eastern – Inside the Circle with Matt Harloff: The Approach After This Long Break
- Many directors are wondering how to best proceed after this long break away from their students. Matt Harloff, the guru behind the Avon HS and Carolina Crown winds, shares advice and processes you can use with your students for maximum success this Fall. Watch live and ask questions during the webinar!. Sign Up Here.
4:30 pm Eastern – Front Ensemble Friday: Iain Moyer – A Marimbists & Arrangers Guide to Vibraphone
- Once operating in the shadow of the marimba, the vibraphone has seen a resurgence of importance in pageantry. Inhis session, Iain Moyer of Boston Crusaders will explore what makes the vibraphone a different playing experience (particularly for those more familiar with performing on marimba) AND highlight unique ways of scoring for the instrument outside of it’s stereotypical functions. Watch live and ask questions during the webinar! Running time: 1 hour. Sign Up Here.
- See all Front Ensemble Friday Webinars
Week of June 22nd-26th
Heat Wave: Introduction to First Year Drum Corps Experience
- Here’s how to have a great start in the activity! Drum Corps captures students who have a passion for the marching arts, yet these students are often confronted with many challenges. Heat Wave helps them on their journey to be their best, both on the field and off. With Jeff Carstensen, Alex DeLoach, Stathis Linardos. Watch Here
How Heat Wave Fits into the Florida Story
- Heat Wave is the latest drum corps to be a part of the long tradition of Florida drum corps. Current staff explore how Heat Wave was founded to continue the tradition and how the corps has survived through many challenges. Here’s advice we can all use to make our programs resilient and long-lasting. With Jeff Carstensen, Alex DeLoach, Stathis Linardos and Mike Abendschein of Florida Marching Arts. Watch Here
Heat Wave: Brass Fundamentals for the Young Player or Woodwind Player
- How can you take a student who has little to no brass experience, and help them contribute in a meaningful way to your brass section? Introducing the younger and nontraditional horn player to the horn arc can be a unique challenge, but we give you tips to make it work for you. With Stathis Linardos and Joe Galvin. Watch Here
Heat Wave: Show Design for Smaller Programs
- Make the most of what your students can do! Find out how to design a strong, competitive show for the smaller marching ensemble with Stathis Linardos, Heat Wave Program Director and Assistant Director of Florida State Class Champion Calvary Christian, and Michael Martell, Fine Arts Director at Calvary Christian. Watch Here
The Pacific Crest Color Guard Program
- How to create a new direction and great success! Visual Coordinator Gabe Escobedo is joined by Caption Manager Carla Hernandez and members Brittany Whitlow, Ariel Gutierrez, and Cuong Bui. Only a few vets had returned from 2018, but the staff and members collaborated at a high level to bring a new direction to the Pacific Crest color guard program. Watch Here
The Pacific Crest Brass Program
- Improve your brass section by miles in one year! Like the other sections, the brass educational staff was new to Pacific Crest in 2019. Caption Head Sean Phelan had just completed several years teaching at the Madison Scouts, and arrived at Pacific Crest just in time to help us prepare for the 2019 Rose Parade. He and Assistant Caption Head Nathan Pratt are joined by Sam Perez, Mira Swartzlander, and Bianca Dulong as they discuss their development of the 2019 brass program and its success. Watch Here
The Pacific Crest Visual Program
- Great advice on improving YOUR visual program! Caption Head Rudy Ruiz has been teaching at Pacific Crest since 2012. He became caption head in 2018. The visual staff remained largely intact from 2018 to 2019, but Rudy’s approach has developed over that short time. He is joined by instructor Matt Lackey and members, Olivia Webster, Brendon Yee, and Ashley Kocour. Watch Here
9:00 pm Eastern – The Pacific Crest Percussion Program
- Information to take your percussion program to the next level! Meet Co-Caption Heads Nathan Carroll and Brianne Kikuchi . They are joined by members, George Jackson, Trevor Thompson , and Jack Wurth. Of all the sections in the corps, the percussion section saw the greatest level of improvement from 2018 to 2019. This improvement was even more impressive because only three members in the entire battery section had returned from the prior season. Watch live and ask questions during the webinar! Sign Up Here
River City Rhythm: Starting an Organization from the Ground Up
- River City Rhythm Executive Director, Bojan Hoover, along with founder and Director of Operations Beau Hansen, discuss how River City Rhythm started in 2009 with a small dream, and gradually grew into the multifaceted performing arts organization that it is today. Learn what has worked for River City Rhythm, what the organization has recently been up to, and what you might see out of this Minnesota corps in the future. Watch Here
River City Rhythm: Bringing your Leadership to the Next Level
- Ready to take your ensemble leadership to the next level? River City Rhythm alumni drum majors Michael St. Ores, Peyton Grunzke and Devon Lawrence provide information on various topics including group culture, conflict resolution, mindset, and more to develop efficient, influential and talented leaders within your ensemble. Watch Here
River City Rhythm: Improving Our Social Emotional Well-Being From Home…A Drum Corps Model
- For many of us, spending our summer performing and/or teaching across the country were some of the happiest times of our lives. What can we learn from Drum Corps that can help us improve our own social emotional well being from home? We take a look at many of the aspects of Drum Corps that we can use to find happiness right now. With Stephen Collins. Watch Here
9:00 pm Eastern – River City Rhythm: Advice and Strategies for New Designers
- Join Mike McIntosh, Drew Shanefield, and other members of the River City Rhythm design to strategies for new designers in the marching arts. This session will be geared at educators that are at the beginning stages of their design careers as well as current students looking to learn about the design process. Using their years of experience in all levels of the activity, the RCR team will give you strategies that you can use to set your band up for success and help you navigate some of the challenges you may face in designing your first shows. With Paul Weber and Tyler Shipe. Watch live and ask questions during the webinar! Sign Up Here
Gold: I Want To March Drum Corps! Now What?
- Everything you need to know! Bill Fritz and Ryan Johnson discuss the new drum corps performers, how to prepare, first-time marchers, brass for woodwind players, and stepping stones to the top drum corps in DCI. Watch Here
Gold: The Percussion Audition Process – Demystified
- Tips to help you show up prepared! Eric Shriver of Gold explains the individual audition and what to expect. Watch Here
Gold: Applying Fundamentals to Choreography
- We give you a key to improving your color guard fast! Joey Valenzuela of Gold discusses blending body and equipment by applying fundamentals to choreography. Watch Here
- We look back at four years of Gold shows, then discuss what’s next, what’s Gold’s identity, how have they built their culture, and what can a student expect coming to Gold? With Bill Fritz, Ryan Johnson, and James Rocillo. Watch Here
- LET’S MOVE! Katie Hopkins and Conrad Isenhour from Marching Band Movement take you through an hour of warm-up, training, and choreography. Get ideas and training that you can take back to your own group! Dress comfortably and get ready to sweat and have fun! Find Out More Here.
Inside the Circle with Matt Harloff: JUST PLAY! #2 – with Matt and Ben Harloff
- Get out your horn and play for an hour with the gurus of Inside the Circle and Carolina Crown Brassline. Matt and Ben Harloff guide you through a warm-up and then give you the opportunity to play some music you know and love! Watch Here.
Front Ensemble Friday: Brian Dinkel – The Growth Mindset
- At the top echelon of the marching arts, the talent level of the performers continues to reach new and incredible heights – and as an instructional community, it is important to continue to focus on the development of our students. In this session, Brian Dinkel of the Concord Blue Devils explores strategies that will foster an environment of learning, and a culture of personal growth and engagement – in the midst of the competitive season and beyond. Watch Here.
- See all Front Ensemble Friday Webinars
Week of June 29th-July 3rd
The Music City Brass Experience
- Advice you can use with your own winds! This webinar features an interactive preview of Music City’s digital brass book featuring breathing, buzzing, flexibility and a brief interview with staff and members. See demonstrations of specific exercises you can adopt with your own group, explained by a staff member and demonstrated by a corps member. This session also includes an interview with a staff member and a corps members about woodwind players in drum corps and how drum corps enhances our student’s music education experience. With Krista Kearney and Jonathan Valentine. Watch Here
Music City: Timing Tips and Primers for Superior Consistency
- Great advice for your percussion section! Jesus Sanchez of Music City shares an overview of how to improve your rhythmic accuracy and consistency by knowing what to listen for and when to listen for it. Double your chance of success by doing half of the work. Watch Here
Music City: Advice on Improving your Color Guard Technique
- Get advice from the pros to help your guard go to the next level! A look into the Music City Color Guard’s technique and training program. At Music City they focus on endurance and stamina as well as incorporating lower body into the technique. This will include great advice on how you can incorporate these techniques into your own training program! With Geoff Goelz and Kelsey Hernandez. Watch Here
Music City: Effective Design For Percussion Arranging
- Have your most effective show ever! The program coordinator and percussion design team discuss the process of how to coordinate effective percussion arranging with visual ideas. They start from the beginning of the creative process and walk you through the arrangers workflow to deliver the intended concept. With Shane Gwaltney, Matt Penland, Tyler Sammons, and CJ Barrow. Watch Here
Seattle Cascades: Inside the Cascades Family
- Hear from the members! Join Operations Director Jeremy Bennett and corps members Shelby Turcotte (drum major), Michael Lewis (drum major), Nathan Peterson (baritone), and Amber Vosk (trumpet) to learn what the Cascades family means to them. Get a look inside the corps from members’ perspectives, hear why they chose to march with the Cascades, and what it is about the corps that made them come back. Watch Here
Seattle Cascades: Developing a Leadership Training Program From Scratch
- This roundtable discussion features Educational Director Dr. John Wilkerson and members that have participated in leadership training based on Jon Gordon’s book, “The Energy Bus.” Members explain how concepts from the book have contributed to their growth as leaders and what it means to “feed the positive dog” in the marching arts. With Michael Lewis, Shelby Turcotte, Anna Kramer, Landon McCullough, and Isabelle Carson. Watch Here
Seattle Cascades: Design Decisions After the Designing is Done
- Have you ever wondered why or how drum corps make drastic changes to their shows in the middle of the season? In this session, Seattle Cascades designers and instructional staff members explore the thought processes and logistics behind such changes. Since wholesale changes are usually not plausible for high school bands, the team also discusses practicalities and tips for directors needing to make design adjustments mid-season. With Chuck Naffier, Darryl Pemberton, Micah Brusse, Michael Alsop, and Brian Greenleaf. Watch Here
Seattle Cascades: “Imagine the Future” – A Vision for the Future of the Seattle Cascades
- Successful marching arts organizations acknowledge where they are and have a vision for where they want to be. Members of the Seattle Cascades Board of Directors, Letha Nelson and Suzanne Roman, discuss the corps’ new initiative, “Imagine the Future,” alongside Corps Director Brian Smith, Educational Director Dr. John Wilkerson, Operations Director Jeremy Bennett, and Tour Director Brandon Clemons. Watch Here
Blue Knights: Keeping Your Membership Engaged
- Keep your members engaged! The Blue Knights have been masters of online engagement with members this spring and summer. Jordan Helwerda, Austin Greene, and Daniel Belcher present an interactive conversation about the strategies and procedures they have used to great success, and which you can adopt for your own group! Watch Here
Guardians: What Does It Mean To Be “Open Class?”
- Why is Open Class perfect for many students? The Guardians present a discussion on what actually makes a drum corps open class, and what the difference is between this distinction and other levels of the marching arts. They also give advice on “Getting more from less.” – A discussion about how staff and students are able to accomplish tasks at a high level with fewer supporting resources (smaller/younger alumni, working with students coming from a challenging socio-economical situation, and how these topics shape the Guardians version of the activity.) With Jasmine Avecilla, Brian Like, Adam Chrobak, and Phil Wingfield. Watch Here
- Drum corps and marching band can work together! The Guardians present an interview with a band director, addressing students marching drum corps in high school and their eventual return to their scholastic program. Then they present information on the time commitments for camps and summer touring, worries about the quality of education, and student health/safety. Students and be productive members of drums corps and marching bands. Watch Here
Guardians: Hiring Service-Oriented Staff and Why That Is Important
- Advice on putting together the right instructional team! Guardians discuss their hiring practices, what they look for in support-staff roles, and how they utilize them. They also discuss the importance of having a diverse staff to meet the needs of a diverse membership. With Caleb Brown, Adam Chrobak, Phil Wingfield, Jonathan Bolton, and d’Lainey Forrester. Watch Here
- How Guardians cultivate their version of a “family” atmosphere, why it is okay to try and reinvent the wheel sometimes, and how being “different” plays into the future goals of the drum corps/collaborating organizations. This discussion includes how and why Guardians borrow concepts from sports/pop-culture as a way to create connections between and to the members, embracing new technology for learning, but also the utilization of “unplugged” education techniques. With Adam Chrobak, Tony Mencio, Brian Lyke. Watch Here
3:00 pm Eastern – Inside the Circle with Matt Harloff: Coaching and Motivating Your Staff and Students
- Bring passion and emotion to your team! Matt Harloff shows you how to coach and motivate your students, build a stronger and more cohesive staff, and keep yourself excited and moving forward in your own career. Watch live and ask questions during the webinar! Sign Up Here.
4:30 pm Eastern – Front Ensemble Friday: Ian Hale & Jason Ihnat – Split It Up
- In the marching arts, the battery section has been known for the visually stimulating and musically intriguing concept of splitting rhythmic figures down the line or between players. Ian Hale and Jason Ihnat of the Boston Crusaders will discuss the orchestration techniques and pedagogy for implementing split parts in the front ensemble. Watch live and ask questions during the webinar! Running time: 1 hour. Sign Up Here.
- See all Front Ensemble Friday Webinars
Week of July 6th-10th
- Percussion Tips from the Pros at the Cavaliers! How does a show evolve throughout the season? What values guide the editing process? How does one decide what is essential and what can change, and how should this be communicated across sections? The Cavaliers percussion staff and designers talk through these questions and more as we look behind the scenes at the editing process for one of DCI’s top drum corps. With Michael McIntosh, Bret Kuhn, Clif Walker, Jesse Backes, and Russel Wharton. Watch Here
Cavaliers: Team Process Towards Visual Excellence
- Be smart with planning for greater results! The Cavaliers show you how as they discuss structuring rehearsals at various points of the season and how the role of staff evolves throughout. Plus incorporating rehearsal techniques for the whole visual ensemble. With Brian Soules, Patrick Forrester, Bradley Klemmensen, Gino Hernandez, and Michael Huebner. Watch Here
Cavaliers: Creating a Culture of Positivity and Self-Motivation in your Program
- Guard Caption Coordinator CJ McCrory, weapon technician Ethan Marcus, and dance technician Darren Martin discuss techniques, coaching styles, and the importance of teamwork to encourage positivity and a hard-work ethic in your group. Watch Here
Cavaliers: All of the dAah, All of the Counts
- Have your best brass section ever with advice from the pros at the Cavaliers. We present a glimpse into the modern brass program of the Cavaliers, with Drew Dickey, Michael Martin, and Kevin LeBoeuf. Watch Here
Legends: Creating an Accessible, Attainable, & Entertaining Production
- Your show design can check ALL the boxes! Legends is known for accessible and entertaining shows that are designed at the right level for their performers. Corps Director Ibe Sodawalla, Program Coordinator John McFarland, and members of the design team Dr. Lindsey Schueller, Landon Ewers, and James Pluth share their secrets with you! Watch Here
Legends: Building the Total Percussionist
- Drum corps builds the total musician! Landon Ewers, Director of Percussion for Legends, talks with Ibe Sodawalla about the program and instruction that their members receive. Legends was proud to win 2019’s DCI Open Class top percussion award. Watch Here
- Teach marching basics online in an effective and engaging way. Dr. Lindsey Schueller, Visual Designer and Visual Supervisor for Legends, shows you how to be productive and keep your members engaged and improving in a virtual format. Watch Here
The Legends Experience: Our Culture and Compass
- Create a culture and environment that allows students to grow and flourish! Ibe Sodawalla, CEO / Corps Director, Noah Koch, Tour Manager, Traci Glasscock, Food Service Manager, and Jack Murphy, Drum Major, explain how they guide students through the drum corps experience in life changing ways. Watch Here
7th Regiment: The Art of Rehearsing
- Through the format of his visual block, 7R Visual Manager Alec Smith shares some of the strategies 7R uses to give their members a successful drum corps experience. See what it takes to make the most out of 7R’s Open Class schedule through mastering the art of rehearsing. Whether you’re looking for tips on how to create productive rehearsals, or a prospective member looking to nail your 7R Audition – come rehearse with us! Watch Here
7th Regiment Brass: Come to the Dark Side….Making the Switch from Woodwinds to Brass Instruments
- A long, long time ago, in a band room far away, there was a woodwind player who wanted to perform with a drum corps. 7R Brass Manager Rachel Rubino and our brass team share tips, tricks, and advice with students and band directors alike on how to successfully navigate the transition from woodwind to brass performance. Watch Here
7th Regiment: Creating a Positive Environment in your Ensemble
- A positive environment is essential from the top to the bottom of your organization. The well being and success of every individual depends on it! 7R Visual Coordinator and Guard Designer Rachel Lowery provides tips and pointers to creating a place that everyone wants to be a part of! Watch Here
7th Regiment: Pulling Back the Curtain
- Knowing what to expect is always a key when trying something new. Executive Director Kevin Lowery, drum major Fiorella Contreras and other members of 7th Regiment “pull back the curtain” of drum corps life with 7R. They discuss their experiences of audition camps, All Days, life on the bus, the “first show”, and more, while providing insight into the total drum corps experience. Watch Here
- We take you back to the very first DCI Championships in 1972! Our panel of DCI legends and luminaries WHO WHERE THERE on that first night share stories as we watch some performances from 1972 DCI finals from Whitewater! With Brandt Crocker (legendary DCI announcer), Steve Vickers (Drum Corps World), Gary Dickelman (Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights), Scott Pierson (Santa Clara Vanguard), and Jack Meehan (Troopers). Watch HERE
Inside the Circle with Matt Harloff: JUST PLAY #3
- Get out your horn and play for an hour with the gurus of Inside the Circle and Carolina Crown Brassline. Matt and Ben Harloff guide you through a warm-up and then give you the opportunity to play some music you know and love! Watch Here.
Front Ensemble Friday: Matt Jordan – Integrating Electronics
- Create a seamless program that’s on the cutting edge of the activity! Matt Jordan of Music City Mystique and The Bluecoats shows you how to integrate electronics into the front ensemble design process. Watch Here.
- See all Front Ensemble Friday Webinars
Week of July 13th-17th
Steve Rondinaro and Dennis DeLucia
- This team has represented DCI on broadcasts for 25 years! Steve and Dennis share stories and highlights from their years working together and great friendship. Watch HERE
Who is Phenom Drum & Bugle Corps
- Jordan Nelson (Ensemble Founder and Corps Director) discusses what makes Phenom a unique and special place to march. Topics will include: A brief history of Phenom, what is the focus of this ensemble, what does it mean to be ‘regionally’ focused, transitioning from SoundSport to Open Class, and much more. Watch Here
The Phenom Membership Experience
- Hear from members of this new corps! Malia Cawley (Horn Sargent), Rachael Cohen (Mellophone Section Leader), Edithann Burdick (Drum Major), and Jordan Nelson (Corps Director) discuss the Phenom membership experience. Learn how the Phenom member-first attitude can help your program with retention, motivation, and success. Watch Here
Phenom: Chasing Excellence in Everything
- Jeff Whipple (Visual Caption Head) and Jordan Nelson (Corps Director) discuss how chasing excellence in everything we do as an ensemble is how we approach and measure success. Learn how simple and member driven techniques can make a major difference in the day-to-day operations of your ensemble. Watch Here
Phenom: Designing Productions for the Members
- Mike Krill (Music Arranger), Jeff Whipple (Visual Caption Head), and Jordan Nelson (Corps Director) talk through their unique process of designing a show that is focused on member success and educational outcomes. Learn how these techniques can enrich your program beyond the marching field. Watch Here
Troopers: I am, and you are, a Trooper till the end
- What is the member experience like at the Troopers? Hear stories and the reason why members come back every year, from a diverse group of current members of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps. with Ally Goelz, David Mitchell, Daija Simmons, Brandon Topolski, and Lance Reutlinger. Hosted by Fran Kick. Watch Here
Troopers Educators Go To Costa Rica
- In January 2020, the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps sent Educators down to Costa Rica, through a partnership with Banda Comunal La Fortuna, for a cultural exchange initiated by Alvin Martinez (Brass Faculty). While the Troopers were able to provide a clinic and an audition experience for the students and families of the region, these Instructors would soon learn that the benefits for this trip would leave an everlasting impression on them. In this session, these Educators share their first impressions, thoughts on the student and community engagement, the clinic and audition experience, and reflections after the journey home. The Troopers are proud to have Lauren Teel (Percussion Caption Manager), Samantha Madayag (Color Guard Caption Manger), Anthony Clark (Visual Caption Manger), Tim Leonelli (Brass Caption Manager) and Alvin Martinez (Brass Faulty) to share their stories of this international venture. Watch Here
- A historic look at one of America’s favorite corps! A fascinating look at the history of the Troopers, with pictures and video footage of this great drum corps. Watch Here
Troopers: Design Discussion with Paul Rennick and John Meehan – A Look Back From 25 Years
- Paul and John first wrote together in 1993, Sky Ryders, and discuss the design changes since that time, stories of interaction during that time, and coming back together with the Troopers. Watch Here
A Live, On-Air Episode of Bluecoats Brass Podcast
- BEING A DRUM MAJOR IN DCI! The Bluecoats Brass Podcast is a new media project of Bluecoats that takes listeners behind the scenes of the brass program at Bluecoats. Episodes feature interviews with brass staff members, designers, and students. This special episode of the Bluecoats Brass Podcast was aired live as a part of Bluecoats day of the DCI Summer of Learning, and will be rebroadcast in the usual format. Learn more at bluecoats.com/podcast and subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts! With Bob Chreste, Willie Veenstra, Peyton Grunzke, and David Davenport. Watch Here
Bluecoats Set Design with Michael Raiford
- Improve your group’s set design! Michael Raiford is an award winning, world-renowned designer and the scenic designer at Bluecoats. Hear from Michael about how Bluecoats approaches designing a set for a drum corps show that is practical, packable, and beautiful. Watch Here
Creating an Anti-Racist Culture at Bluecoats
- Recently the Bluecoats organization has committed to advancing an anti-racist culture at Bluecoats. The first step was the formation of the Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council. This council recently published four action steps that the Bluecoats organization will pursue on it’s path to advancing a more inclusive and anti-racist culture. Hear from members of this Advisory Council and the Executive Team at Bluecoats about this important endeavor. With Bryen Warfield, Mike Scott, Ric Brown, and Ebony Rose. Watch Here
How Music & Choreography Come Together in a Bluecoats Production
- Hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world enjoy the beautiful, entertaining, and trend-setting productions mounted by Bluecoats each and every summer. We hear from the composers, arrangers, choreographers, and Bluecoats Artistic Director Jon Vanderkolff as they discuss their approach from idea, to a program that intertwines music, choreography, and visual art into a 10 minute program that audiences love. With Jon Vanderkolff, Jim Moore, Tom Rarick, Matt Jordan, and Dean Westman. Watch Here
Inside the Circle with Matt Harloff: Just Play #4
- Matt and Ben Harloff ask you to Just Play along with CrownBrass, so get your instrument for breathing exercises, flexibility exercises, and lots of fun. Watch Here.
Front Ensemble Friday: Lauren Teel – Creating an Ensemble Sound
- Balance, timing, and sound quality all make up the ensemble sound. Lauren Teel of the Troopers talks and demonstrates each component and how to develop them as both a member and instructor. Watch Here.
- See all Front Ensemble Friday Webinars
Week of July 20th-24th
Carolina Crown: Your Best Foot Forward
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A discussion on the preparation, training, and design needed to excel in today’s visual world.– Staging and Drill with regard to social distancing– Creating a “signature” visual style or approach– Usual virtual tools to implement marching and movement technique– Performer Perspectives on off-season preparation and developmentWith Rick Subel, Jeff Sacktig, Michael Kennedy, and Kevin Morrison. Watch Here
Carolina Crown: All Hands On Deck!
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A quick look into the working elements of Carolina Crown’s approach to percussion.– How they are approaching sectionals and rehearsals online– Samples of their online rehearsals– The front ensemble – what about instruments at home?With Dan Schack, Tom Hannum, Jim Ancona, Travis Peterman, Dean Johnson, and Andrew Monteiro. Watch Here
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Carolina Crown: Inside the Circle with CrownBRASS
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Meet the members and staff of CrownBRASS as they talk with you about their experiences with Crown and share tips for improving and developing your confidence and skills while at home this summer. With Michael Klesch, Taylor LaPrairie, Michael Kennedy, Jesse Saldana, and Haley Emerson. Watch Here
Carolina Crown: Where We Came From; Where We’re Going
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Designing in an ever-changing world.– Maximizing your creative output with changing trends– A constant state of developing your craft– Looking both backward and Forward; Working in the present– “You Gotta Do the Work!”With Rick Subel, Jeff Sacktig, Michael Klesch, Thom Hannum, and Jim Coates. Watch Here
The Academy Brass: Strategies for Online and Distanced Learning
- Academy High and Low Brass Coordinators, Sarah Wagner and Kelli Duncan, along with Brass Caption Manager, Lisa Tatum discuss some teaching strategies and tools from the Academy Brass program that you can use with your band whether meeting in person, online, or a hybrid situation this fall. They walk through some of the platforms they have found helpful, as well as give examples on how to create assignments students can successfully complete at home. Watch Here
Real Talk with Some of The Academy Leaders
- A panel of student members and leaders from the Academy Drum & Bugle Corps discuss what it means to be a leader in the organization. They also discuss some of the things that make being a part of the Academy great! Panel members will include: Ethan Andrews, Ashley Flood, Jack Hansen, Rheaven NeSmith, and Johnna Smith. Watch Here
The Academy: Evolving Your Identity
- As the activity continually evolves and takes new and unique artistic shapes, how can you keep continuity with your corps brand while expanding, adapting, and staying fresh and current? Mark Richardson, corps director, Lindsey Vento, artistic director and coordinator, and design team members Jaime Holly, Ryan Springler, Matt Ray, and Travis Chiles chat about the steps, plans and approaches they take to continue to define and shape who The Academy is and will be. Watch Here
The Academy: A Non-Linear Approach
- What does it take to build a confident performer? More importantly, what does it take now? Stare into the abyss with Matt Ray and Ryan Springler, visual coordinators and caption heads at The Academy, as they ponder truth, beauty, and the role of the post-apocalyptic visual program. Matt and Ryan encourage you to use your staff in different ways, taking advantage of their skills and different ways to present information to your students for greater success. Watch Here
Old School DCI Night: 1972 Part Two
- By Popular Demand, we are back with more Old School Drum Corps! Watch the 27th Lancers, Kilties, and St. Andrew’s Bridgemen! We take you back to the very first DCI Championships in 1972! Our panel of DCI legends and luminaries WHO WHERE THERE on that first night share stories as we watch some performances from 1972 DCI finals from Whitewater! With Brandt Crocker (legendary DCI announcer), Steve Vickers (Drum Corps World), and Gary Dickelman (Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights.) WATCH Here
The Breakdown with Michael Rosales: Babylon Hip Hop Choreography
- Celebration Night! We stretch and then learn the Babylon Hip Hop Full Corps Choreography from the amazing World Championship program by the Santa Clara Vanguard! Wind players, percussionists, guard performers, or fans are welcome to join us to learn movement skills and fun visuals YOU can take back to your own group. One of the most sought after choreographers in the country, Michael Rosales is the Lead Choreographer for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum Corp and Choreographed the 2019 Production of BLAST! The Music of Disney which toured Japan. Dress comfortably and get ready to sweat and have fun! Watch Here.
Front Ensemble Friday: In Conversation with Kevin Shah
- Through the use of Broken City Percussion score examples…Kevin will speak about his creative process and illustrate arranging challenges and their eventual resolutions. Q+A session with attendees to follow. Watch Here.