Today’s guest post is written by Bobby Lambert, the Bands of America Drum Major Institute Coordinator and Assistant Director at Marian Catholic H.S. in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

 

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I am delighted to represent the staff of the brand new Bands of America Drum Major Institute. This weekend in fact, I spent time with James Stephens, Assistant Band Director from Broken Arrow High School, planning some of the activities and lessons for our camp. It is an exciting venture into a new world of taking drum major instruction, something that has been around for many years, and putting it into 21st century technology and understanding.

 

For example, we are looking at Disney and their approach to entertainment and using that as a lens over our approach toward education. Simply put, we want to exceed the expectations of those coming to our camp not only this year, but for many years to come.  The exciting part of coming to this first camp will be helping to engineer future camps with student input and experience. These “pioneers” will, in essence, help design the future of what we hope will become a new standard in summer music education.

 

CoreTeachingPrinciplesWhile we want to move toward the future, we must begin with strong foundations—Leadership at its Core. The BOA Drum Major Institute will create opportunities that promote honorable Character, comprehensive Content, effective Communication and, the final ingredient for ensemble cohesion and individual enrichment, Chemistry.

  

Character

Beginning with self-analysis, students learn their strengths and weaknesses, wants and needs and finally, the paths they wish to explore. We work to create leaders for whom leadership is not an exercise or task, it is a natural extension of their being.

 

Content

The musical and visual knowledge possessed by the most effective drum majors is extensive. From score study and concise conducting patterns to visual acuity and showmanship, our program will provide instruction, challenges and growth.

 

Communication

Our program will help develop communication skills by examining the words we speak, the signals we give, the message that is received and the actions that occur as a result. Drum Major Institute participants will examine each aspect and work to find his/her own unique style.

 

Chemistry

In the most embracing and encouraging community in America, participants will examine with us this vital, often intangible portion of a successful ensemble. With the building blocks provided in this camp, we will explore the importance of group dynamics, define the variables that affect it and incorporate ways to influence the elements that matter most. 

 

Look for more information as we continue to build this experience. We believe this will be something very special. Join us and help us create the first ever BOA Drum Major Institute!

  

 

 

 

 

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Bobby Lambert

Bands of America Drum Major Institute Coordinator

Assistant Band Director, Marian Catholic High School, Illiniois