Although I was keenly aware of the extraordinary popularity-and-success of the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy, my first introduction to the DMA was an observation at a summer camp where Mr. Parks was working with 600+ drum majors. He asked me to say a few words to the enthusiastic…
Over the years I have been responsible for selecting countless drum majors to embrace the daunting, never-ending responsibilities connected with their successes both ON and OFF the podium. During one audition process there were several very qualified candidates vying for the vacant drum major position. After going through the rigorous…
The marching band season is now part of the 2018 – 2019 school year. This presents a newfound leadership opportunity for drum majors. While the excitement of standing in front of the band and conducting the selected show/music is no longer part of the leadership agenda, there is much to…
It is the time-of-year when we can all use a booster-shot of ENTHUSIASM to guarantee the ongoing positive momentum of our band members and – most importantly – of ourselves. With several weeks of marching band under-our-belts, it is vitally important for drum majors to focus their efforts on SOLUTIONS…
You attended DMA a couple of weeks ago. Band Camp is about to start. The big state convention is underway….so…. What do you do when you’re a drum major in Texas during TBA? SIMPLE: take a brush up session with two of DMA’S finest lead clinicians during the Texas Bandmaster…
(This post was first written as part of SARV BLOG. It is reproduced here with some edits by the author.) I loathe the end of the school year. I cannot stand goodbyes. I don’t even go to commencement because I might break down into tears. Frankly, I hate endings. There is, however,…
The best Drum Majors understand how sound delay affects their job, and they’re constantly working to compensate. In practical performance terms, this might be the hardest thing a Drum Major does.
1. The audition has already begun. Being a DM isn’t about being impressive at the actual audition. There is a consideration of your cumulative contribution to the band. Do you regularly set a good example for your peers? Are you always willing to help when needed? Is your reputation one…
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