The Key to Making Your Band Sound Better Right Now!
It's that time of year. Your first football game is behind you. Your first contest is around the corner. You can perform a good two thirds of your show without anyone running into each other. Things are on track! There's just one problem. Now things have...
6 Game-Changing Strategies to Elevate Your Marching Band Rehearsals
Introduction Whether you're a seasoned band director or a novice, these strategic tips are designed to enhance your performances and make your marching band rehearsals more efficient. We'll explore everything from leveraging click tracks for accurate tempo changes,...
Let your students take risks!
I had the pleasure to chat with John Denis, Assistant Professor of Music Education at Texas State University. He has a real passion for helping young teachers be successful, and as such, not only does he mentor some of the brightest young students entering the teaching profession, but has taken to the podcasting community to reach a wider audience!
“Program Notes: The Beginning Band Director Podcast” isn’t just for directors of the beginning band (6th Grade), nor is it for purely new to the profession teachers. His podcast site is chock-full of awesome information and thoughtful interviews on a variety of subjects that might be the very thing you need to climb over whatever teaching “wall” is currently in front of you!
In Part 1 of this multi-part podcast, we cover a few topics, including the basics of how to learn drill, and creating an environment where your students are willing to take risks for the sake of their own improvement, among other side-topics and “rabbit trails”. I had a great time chatting with John, and I hope you’ll have a good time listening in!
How to Master Stagger-Breathing Techniques 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...
13 Tips to Improve Your Marching Band Today!
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...
Unlocking Potential: The Power 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...
6th Place for Santa Clara at the 2024 DCI World Championships
After a year away, Santa Clara Vanguard returned to Indianapolis, securing an impressive sixth-place finish in the 2024 Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championships. This accomplishment reaffirmed their status as one of the elite corps in the marching world,...
4 Tips for Learning Drill with Your Marching Band
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...
An Olympian’s Strategy 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...
Santa Clara Vanguard & “Vagabond”
Learn about the Santa Clara Vanguard’s 2024 production, “Vagabond”! Complex design, an intriguing concept, innovative backpacks, and no props make this a memorable production. Featuring Daniel Morrison, Michael Gaines, Paul Rennick, Andy Toth, and Evan VanDoren, moderated by Tim Hinton.
Marching Band & Grit: Insights from Angela Duckworth
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 Power of Growth: Developing 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...