Scholarships from Sweetwater and this camp made it possible for my rural Title I students to attend. Their growth and the impact on our band program have been incredible.
The Sweetwater Director Academy
at the Bands of America Summer Camp
Our CORE Teaching Principles: Reflection, Artistry, Organization, Communication
Music for All and Bands of America has been providing professional development for 50 years. We know that the most influential element in the success of students is a qualified, knowledgeable, and skilled teacher.
Led by Dr. Nola Jones and a renowned faculty, the Sweetwater Director Academy presented by Yamaha is recognized as one of the finest and most comprehensive professional development experiences available. Our curriculum offers multiple opportunities to fit your schedule and area of expertise.
3-Day Option 1: June 23-26, 2025
3-Day Option 2: June 25-28, 2025
June 23-28, 2025 – Full Week Symposium
Ball State University, Muncie, IN
A Day at the Sweetwater Director Academy
Sessions – You are encouraged to attend any session that is relevant to your journey. While we offer specialty tracks (“Majors”) within the Director Academy, you are free to attend any session in any track. There are typically 2 sessions each morning and 3-4 each afternoon.
One-on One Sessions – The Sweetwater Director Academy is the only professional development experience to offer one-on-one sessions in the “Director Lounge” with our world-class faculty as part of your tuition. Bring your marching band show ideas, pedagogy questions, program challenges, or professional ponderings. Enjoy priceless one-on-one time engaging with the most successful directors and designers in the business to find relevant solutions.
Director Band – Bring your instrument and read new music, expand your repertoire, and discuss rehearsal strategies with your colleagues and our director Richard Saucedo. This is always one of the most fun and meaningful experiences at camp according to recurring participant feedback.
Evening Socials – After the evening concert, join faculty from the Director Academy and other camp divisions for a lively social gathering. A favorite among attendees, this event features great food, beverages, networking opportunities, and plenty of fun to wrap up the day!
The Carolina Crown “Corps in Residence” – The Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps will be in residence. Attend rehearsals, learn about the DCI and BOA judging systems, participate in clinic sessions with the Carolina Crown staff and attend the DCI Tour Preview show on Friday night.
Professionalism and Ethics Training – We encourage all directors to take part in the “Professionalism and Ethics for Teachers and Non-Certified Staff” session. This session will be a frank discussion about professionalism and ethics for new and experienced teachers. Creating a safe learning environment must be the number one priority for staff members, boosters, volunteers, and teachers.
College Credit/CE Credit – Take advantage of earning 1 or 2 Graduate Credit(s) from Vandercook College by attending clinic sessions and concerts followed by the submission of observation summary outlines and reflection essays. Registration for this course will be live on March 6.
“Total Program Success” Curriculum
Directors at the Bands of America Summer Camp will benefit from our world class curriculum for Total Program Success. High school and middle school band directors as well as college students, color guard instructors, and percussion specialists will all learn systems and processes revolving around these core competencies:
- Evaluation
- Visualization
- Prioritization and Organization
- Communication
In addition, sessions will extend to topics such as: the big picture, content-specific pedagogy: score study, conducting, show design, hiring designers, leadership, rehearsal efficiency, time-management, sequencing of content, lesson planning, season-long planning, ethics, SEL, interventions, finances, DEI, drill writing, music arranging, copyright issues, choreography, electronics, and more!
Choosing a “Major” at Camp
In addition to the core Total Program Success curriculum, directors will have opportunities to “major” in other areas for large periods of time! While we offer these majors and intensives, you are encouraged to attend any session in any track all week!
- High School Band
- Middle School Band
- College Students and New Teachers
- Percussion Specialist Academy
- Color Guard Instructor Academy
- Marching & Movement Instructor Academy
Director Academy “Intensives”
Throughout the week we will offer directors and instructors the opportunity to take a deep dive into the following multiple-session offerings.
- Conducting
- Judging
- Body Movement and Dance
- Mastering the Yamaha Harmony Director
- Beginning Band
What Everyone Experiences
Concerts and Events Every Night! One of the best parts of the Bands of America Summer Camp? Our nightly concert series! Each evening, you’ll get up close with amazing live performances, from rock and jazz to classical and more. It’s a unique chance to see top touring artists and groups, and it’s always a camp favorite! End the week with a drum corps show at the stadium!
Great Food, Endless Options! Get ready to fuel your week with delicious meals at North Dining at Ball State. This is your go-to spot for breakfast and dinner each day, offering something for everyone. From Starbucks to Chick-fil-A, allergen-friendly options, BBQ, an all-day breakfast bar, fresh pastries, and even a waffle station, the variety is unbeatable!
During lunch, enjoy catered meals while connecting with faculty and other attendees—perfect for recharging and making new friends.
Looking for something different? Explore a few great restaurants located just a short walk from campus. Whatever your taste, you’ll find plenty to love!
Modern Dorm Living! Located at the north end of campus, our adult residence hall, Kinghorn, offers state-of-the-art amenities and semi-private bathrooms. You’ll enjoy all the comforts of home with campus essentials just steps away!
What are directors saying about the Director Academy?
Please continue this invaluable support! The Director Academy transformed my teaching and marching instruction, positively impacting student success.
This camp provided invaluable reflection and insights to better serve my band next year. It’s an unmatched resource for learning techniques, strategies, and tools to improve any band program.
The DA offers an inspiring community of colleagues and clinicians. Spending a week surrounded by passionate, like-minded professionals keeps me returning year after year.
The Director Academy is the best professional development. Sessions are practical, high-quality, and tailored for new and experienced educators. Worth every penny!
Connect with top educators to improve your program and student success. The one-on-one guidance and flexibility to explore diverse topics make this camp invaluable.
The DA is packed with incredible clinics, expert educators, and hands-on experiences. It left me recharged and ready for another amazing year of teaching music.
This camp offers flexibility to explore diverse topics, shadow student sessions, and connect with top music educators and designers. An unbeatable opportunity to grow.
Master educators share practical, actionable insights in a supportive environment. The Director Academy blends learning and networking to inspire and empower educators at every level.
The DA provides outstanding professional development, performance opportunities, networking, and hands-on training. It’s perfect for educators seeking fresh ideas and inspiration.
Encouraging, world-class, and accessible—the Director Academy’s one-on-one sessions let you connect with experts and refine your skills. It’s the best professional development experience!
This camp recharges educators with collaborative energy, practical tools, and inspiration. It’s a transformative experience that keeps me coming back.
The best way to connect with top educators, learn actionable strategies, and ensure a successful year ahead. A must-attend for professional growth!
Networking at CGIA is incredible. Directors share solutions and experiences from unique perspectives. The openness and acceptance make it an invaluable community.
As a first-year director, the CGIA transformed my approach to teaching. The classes, instructors, and community are invaluable for growth, fostering a sense of belonging and inspiration.
This camp is life-changing! Faculty and staff are welcoming and supportive. There are countless options for growth, from observing high school tracks to director sessions.
There’s so much to learn! You’ll want to return every year. This camp reshaped my philosophy on movement. I now feel confident in making visual choices and advocating for them effectively.
Professional development at CGIA is unmatched! For color guard directors, it offers high-level, tailored learning that benefits instructors at every level, regardless of guard size or class.
