Picking the right music can make or break your season. The best marching band shows don’t just sound good—they tell a story, pace your visual design, grow your students’ skills, and keep everyone fired up from band camp to finals. Below are the five questions I ask...
Introduction I understand how crucial the marching band season is to your overall band program. For many students, it’s the highlight of their year. Their success, or lack thereof, shapes their perception of their band experience and sets the tone for your...
Writing and arranging music is one of the most rewarding parts of being a composer, band director, or arranger. But when you’re working with existing songs — especially for marching band shows — understanding copyright law is essential. In my years writing and...
The right music can make your marching band show unforgettable. It’s what sets the tone, drives emotion, and connects your students to the story you’re trying to tell. As a former band director and current composer, I’ve learned that choosing music isn’t just about...
Every band hits a wall sometimes. The notes are there, but the spark isn’t. Rehearsals feel flat, kids look tired, and the excitement that used to fill the room just… drifts away. If that sounds familiar, don’t panic. You’re not doing anything wrong—you’re just due...
Every director knows that keeping students engaged in music—whether in concert band, jazz, or marching band shows—is one of the most important (and most challenging) parts of the job. Over the years, I’ve learned that the best retention strategies aren’t complicated....
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