Marching Band Techniques: Back to Basics Review
Date
June 24-July 17, 2025
Online
Course Code
8415B
Credits
2
Tuition
$764
Course Description
Marching Band Techniques is a course designed to develop skills, obtain knowledge, and study the application of methods, techniques, styles and systems related to the total spectrum of teaching and administering marching bands. The course will emphasize the pedagogy of developing marching band music fundamentals, stimulate creative thinking, and present specific systems of conceiving, writing, and teaching a marching band at any stage of development.
Instructor
Daniel J. Farris is Director of Athletic Bands at Northwestern University, where he is responsible for conducting the “Wildcat” Marching Band and Concert Band, and teaching courses in conducting and music education. He has been the Assistant Conductor of the Northshore Concert Band since 2006. Mr. Farris holds degrees in Music Education from James Madison University and the University of Illinois.
Prior to moving to Northwestern, Mr. Farris served as Assistant Director of Bands at Illinois State University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He was also the Director of the Walt Disney World Collegiate All-Star Band in Orlando, FL, and taught in the public schools of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Bands under his direction have performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Bands of America Regional and National Championships, the Dublin, Ireland St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and numerous bowl games.
Mr. Farris has been an active clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor throughout the United States and Canada. He is a member of the National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma/Kappa Kappa Psi, and serves as a faculty adviser of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Iota Chapter.