Jazz in an of itself is all American. It takes its roots from New Orleans and utilizes blues and swing to allow the performer one of the freest forms of musical expression. That is of course once they’ve mastered the foundations and techniques; even Louis Armstrong...
Concert Recap: US Army Jazz Ambassadors
Wednesday night the US Army Jazz Ambassadors blew everyone away with a phenomenal performance at Emens Auditorium! As I’ve mentioned before, I love jazz which is why it was a no-brainer for me to attend this concert. From Contemporary Jazz to Big Band, the night was...
Marching Band Division: One Band! One Sound!
With camp now in full swing, everything seems to be moving at full speed, and the marching band division is no exception. On Tuesday the students were still utilizing their music stands to practice, but it won’t be long before they put that music on the move. At the...
Concert Recap: Rodney Marsalis Big Brass Concert
On Tuesday night the Rodney Marsalis Big Brass took the stage at the Music for All Summer Symposium. The depth of their talent was astonishing, as each piece showed off each member's unique skills. From a beatboxing Tuba to Rodney Marsalis’s breathtaking rendition of...
Playing in the Directors’ Concert Band
One of the most incredible things about the Directors' Academy at the Music for All Summer Symposium is the freedom to explore. Whether you want to learn about new concepts, hone your skills as an educator, network with colleagues from around the world, or just...
Rehearsal with the Middle School Concert Band Camp
Once the Middle School campers were finished with their individual master classes, it was time for the Dolan Band to come back together to practice what they have been learning under the baton and leadership of Stacey Dolan. Dolan has experience teaching students of...
Day Two Adventures with Color Guard and Jazz Divisions
Tuesday, June 27 was a particularly gorgeous day outside. The sun was out and the weather was impeccable, which I thought was the perfect opportunity to go out to the Quad and watch the Color Guard Division practice their techniques. The Quad is a visually gorgeous...
The 2017 Music for All Summer Symposium Begins!
Middle school and high school students, as well as directors from across the country, traveled to Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana for the 2017 Music for All Summer Symposium. This camp marks the largest for Music for All to be held at Ball State University...
Peer Teaching Program Special Guest: David Starnes
According to David Starnes, the root of peer mentorship is “giving someone a chance.” He also went on to say that the best people make the best teachers. There’s no argument that a teacher can make or break a class or experience for some people. That’s why it’s...
Concert Recap: Yamaha Young Performing Artists (YYPA)
It’s amazing to think that a group of students so young and diverse could accomplish so much. As I sat in the audience in total awe of each performer and each of their performances, I couldn’t help becoming inspired. Throughout the evening, inspiration was never in...
The Art of the Drum Major Salute
The Bands of America Drum Major Institute is off to a triumphant start! After a long day of registration, opening session, and different group breakouts, the Drum Majors attended a session at Pruis Hall dedicated to the art of saluting. All 609 of the students filled...
Leadership Weekend Comes to a Close
After leaving one of the last sessions of the Leadership Weekend last night I was having a conversation with one of the clinicians when he remarked: "Everything I have heard this weekend has been so great, I wish ALL adults would have to attend this Leadership camp."...