COVID-19 — All workshops have been cancelled

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser 0
0
Leadership
Mar 27, 2019

George N. Parks Drum Major Academy: There is no substitude

A tribute to George N. Parks We are all familiar with the classic line uttered by Tom Cruise in the popular movie, “Risky Business. The script unfolds to evidence: Without permission (in spite of his parent’s warning) the young teenage lad absconds with his father’s cherished Porsche. As he enjoys…
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Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser 0
0
The Importance of a Leader's Attitude.
Leadership
Feb 22, 2019

The Importance of a Leader’s Attitude

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…
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Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser 0
0
Drum Major Leadership in the Offseason.
Leadership
Nov 25, 2018

Drum Major Leadership After Marching Band Season

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…
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Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser 0
0
The Solution-Driven Leader.
Leadership
Oct 20, 2018

The Solution-Driven Leader

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…
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Heidi Sarver 0
13
Events
Jul 21, 2017

DMA At Texas Bandmaster Association Student Day

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…
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Heidi Sarver 0
14
Charlie Brown, Director.
General
May 18, 2017

It’s Not About A Title

(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,…
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TJ Kelly 0
14
DMA's First Blog Post.
General
Mar 19, 2017

Evolution of the DMA Blog

Since DMA has a brand new website—all of 14 hours old as of this post on Mar 19, 2017—we thought it would be a good idea to update our evolution timeline so everyone out there knows how we’re progressing. June 6, 2007, 9:00 AM: DMA BLOG went “live.” June 6, 2007, 9:16 AM:…
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TJ Kelly 0
16
Drum Major Academy Conducting on the field.
Mechanics
Jan 17, 2017

The Physics of Marching Band: Sound delay is a thing! Why selective hearing is a Drum Major’s best friend.

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.
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Evan Doyle 0
50
Drum Major Academy Conducting.
Education
Jan 17, 2017

How to Become Drum Major: 4 tips for a better Drum Major audition

Wondering how to become your school or ensemble's Drum Major? Here are 4 of the most important lessons you need for a better Drum Major audition. 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…
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TJ Kelly 0
47
What makes a good drum major? 7 Things Every Drum Major Should Do.
Resources
Sep 30, 2016

What Makes a Good Drum Major? 7 Things Every DM Should Do

What makes a good drum major? Well, every band is unique, but most drum major positions need the same few skills. After 40 years of training intensely motivated drum majors across the United States and the world, here's what we've learned. Here are the 7 simple things every drum major should do.…
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