Breathe Like a Pro: Mastering Stagger-Breathing in Marching Bands!
The simple truth is this: your band will not sound good if they don’t make a conscious effort to maintain a body full of air! In marching band, as directors, we must constantly monitor and be aware of this fact, and provide strategies for students to keep their bodies...
Lessons from Angela Duckworth on Marching Band and Grit
Introduction In music education, especially within the dynamic arena of marching band, the concepts of passion, perseverance, and grit intertwine to shape the experiences of students as they strive for musical excellence. Drawing parallels from Angela Duckworth's...
The Transformative Impact of Music Education in Schools
In today's swiftly changing educational landscape, the significance of music education in schools cannot be emphasized enough. It profoundly impacts students, fostering their cognitive development, emotional growth, and overall academic success. This extensive article...
An Olympian’s Playbook for Marching Band Success!
Chasing a big dream, whether it’s becoming an Olympian or leading a successful marching band season, can be grueling. One invaluable lesson comes from filmmaker and runner Alexi Pappas, who shared crucial wisdom she learned from her coach: the Rule of Thirds. This...
A Message to New Band Parents: Why Marching Band Shows Matter More Than You Might Think
As a former high school band director and now a full-time music arranger and composer, I’ve spent most of my career immersed in the world of marching band shows. I’ve written them, taught them, rehearsed them, and lived through the emotional arcs of hundreds of...
Learn Marching Band Drill Fast: 4 Game-Changing Hacks!
Learning drill is fundamental to any marching band performance, requiring precision, coordination, and practice. Getting your band members to move in perfect synchronization across the field can be challenging, but it’s achievable with the right strategies. In this...
Moving from Finale to Dorico: A Band Director’s Guide to Making the Switch
If you’re a band director, you’ve probably built a long relationship with Finale. It’s been the go-to tool for music educators for decades.But the future of notation software is here — and it’s called Dorico. If you’ve been hesitant to switch, you’re not alone. At...
Transform Your Marching Band: 13 Must-Try Tips for Instant Improvement!
Marching Band rehearsals can be... well... a lot. And you, as the teacher leading the rehearsal, have a lot of demands placed on you! Here are 13 tips to improve your rehearsals that you can implement today! Students must have all the things! Nothing slows down a...
Santa Clara Vanguard Design Team talks “The aVANt GUARD”
Members of the design team explain the concepts, the use of space, and colors, and the risk of it all. With Dan Morrison, Michael Gaines, Paul Rennick, Andy Toth, and Evan VanDoren. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rdaQjnbWak
New Marching Band Show for 2025! “From Frost to Flowers”
Award-winning marching band show featuring the music of The Cinematic Orchestra, Sergei Prokofiev, Dimitri Shostakovich, & David Holsinger!
Unleashing Potential: Embracing a Growth Mindset in Marching Band
Marching band is not only about playing music and marching in formation, but also an activity that requires dedication, teamwork, and personal growth. Moreover, one key factor that can greatly impact the success and development of individuals in marching band is...
Unplug to Recharge: 10 Vital Reasons Music Educators Need Rest!
As music educators, the end of the school year often brings a unique blend of exhaustion and a need for renewal. The intensity of teaching music, with its rehearsals, performances, and constant demand for creativity, can be particularly draining. Here are ten powerful...