Marching Band Directors Workshop
OVERVIEW
The Directors Marching Band Workshop is comprehensive. Several nationally famous clinicians present a wide variety of topics designed to expand knowledge and skills for band directors of all styles and sizes of bands. This program is designed and monitored by an advisory board of active and participating band directors. The curriculum is appropriate for young directors looking for a “grass roots” resource, or for seasoned directors looking for new ideas. The relaxed and informal atmosphere lends itself to exchanges of ideas and opportunities to discuss personal issues. Optional college credit and Illinois CPDU units are offered.
WORKSHOP AGENDA
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Teaching fundamentals for flags and colorguard concerns
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Basic teaching techniques for marching percussion
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Rehearsal techniques for marching fundamentals
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Music rehearsal techniques for marching band
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Motivational and leadership concepts
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Basic drill design techniques
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Group psychology
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Discussion groups, exchanging ideas and solutions to problems
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Observation and discussion of video tapes of various marching bands
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Percussion topics for band directors
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Modern body movements and choreography
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Special considerations for large and small bands
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Recruitment, public relations and marketing ideas
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Parade marching
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Question – answer sessions with the experts
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Solutions to typical marching band problems
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How to teach and clean drill
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Identifying and solving posture problems and stylistic inconsistencies



2018 Smith Walbridge Marching Band Director Workshop: A Restrospective
July 10-13, 2018
1-2 graduate credits
Coordinator: Patrick Benson
7408A
1 Credit Option
Tuition $340 per credit hour
Less Smith Walbridge 50% scholarship - $170
Student Cost: $170, due in full with registration
7408B
2 Credit Option
Tuition $680 per credit hour
Less Smith Walbridge 50% scholarship - $340
Student Cost: $340, due in full with registration
*Participants must register with each hosting organization in addition to registering for graduate credit through VanderCook.
*Registration/Notebook Due Date: ​Please submit registrations and notebooks to Patrick Benson, postmarked no later than one month after the last day of the event.
Click HERE to download the 2018 VanderCook Summer Registration Form.
Click HERE to download the 2018 MECA Continuing Education Retrospective Information Sheet.
Click HERE to download the 2018 MECA Continuing Education Retrospective Notebook Rubric.
Click HERE to register for the 2018 Smith Walbridge Band Director Workshop: Workshop Registration