7 Strategies to Upgrade Your Marching Band’s Performance
Introduction When it comes to marching band shows, there are several basic concepts that every band program should focus on. In this blog post, we will explore these fundamental concepts and how they contribute to the overall success of a marching band performance. So...
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...
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!
New Marching Band Show for 2025! “Here We Grow”
Award-winning marching band show featuring the music of Michael Markowski, Karl Jenkins, and Steven Bryant!
New Marching Band Show for 2025! “My Human Heart”
Award-winning marching band show featuring the music of Philip Glass, Michael Daugherty, Jacob Collier, Coldplay, Kevin Day, & Frank Sinatra!
Conquering Imposter Syndrome: Creative Strategies to Defeat the Blank Page
This article explores the concept of imposter syndrome among composers, providing strategies for overcoming self-doubt and creative block, as well as techniques for finding inspiration and building a supportive community. Understanding Imposter Syndrome for Composers...
New Marching Band Show for 2025! “The Factory”
Award-winning marching band show featuring the music of Oliver Davis, Frank Ticheli, & Andrew Markworth!