Director of Bands, Wando H.S., SC, Former Western Carolina University Drum Major
Bands of America
Drum Major Institute
Our CORE Teaching Principles: Character, Content, Communication, and Chemistry
For over 40 years, Bands of America has set the gold standard in drum major and leadership training. At the Drum Major Institute, under the direction of renowned leader Bobby Lambert, we empower student leaders with the skills and confidence essential for modern leadership. By nurturing each student’s unique musical talents and personal strengths, we ensure our graduates excel both on and off the field.
June 21-23, 2025 – Leadership Weekend
June 23-28, 2025 – Full Week Symposium
Ball State University, Muncie, IN
A Day at the Drum Major Institute
- Mastering Marching Fundamentals through clear and effective communication techniques
- Conducting Opportunities in individual, small group, and large group settings with personalized feedback
- Score Study Sessions led by field experts for deeper musical understanding
- Immersive Leadership Activities that foster growth, resilience, and trial-based learning
With guidance from top educators like Koji Mori (Phantom Regiment’s *Spartacus*) and Taylor Watts (nationally recognized leadership specialist), our advanced curriculum is tailored for both experienced and aspiring drum majors. Through hands-on training in conducting, showmanship, score analysis, and teaching methods, students leave equipped to lead confidently in their bands and beyond. Every student experiences immense growth, ready to elevate their own band’s performance and spirit.
What Everyone Experiences
Concerts and Events Every Night!
One of the best parts of the Music for All Summer Symposium? 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!
Become a Leader!
Spend an epic week surrounded by legendary teachers, inspiring artists, and friends from across the country—and even the world. In a supportive, campus-style vibe, you’ll grow as a musician and discover your leadership potential. Start the week with our Leadership Weekend to dive straight into a week packed with skills, friendships, and experiences that’ll stick with you long after camp ends. Ready for the best summer of your life?
North Dining: Your Campus Food Hub!
Craving variety? North Dining at Ball State has it all. From Starbucks to Chick-fil-A, custom allergen-free meals, BBQ, an all-day breakfast bar, fresh pastries, and even a waffle station! Explore endless options for every taste.
Modern Living in the Heart of Campus!
Located in the lively north neighborhood, our camp residence halls offer state-of-the-art amenities and a prime spot near North Dining. You’ll enjoy all the comforts of home with campus essentials just steps away! These are not your parents’ dorm rooms!
2025 Drum Major Institute Faculty
Bobby Lambert
Division Coordinator
Maurice Burgess
Director of Vocal Activities, East Edisto Middle School, Summerville, SC
Jonathan Cao
Director of Bands, Vines High School, Plano, TX
Ellen Chmura
Associate Director of Bands, J.J. Pearce H.S., TX
Samuel Crawford
Director of Bands at Riverwood H.S. (GA), Founder of Silent Command, Former Bluecoats Drum Major
Dr. Chris Kaatz
Assistant Director of Bands, Stephen F. Austin State University, TX
Koji Mori
Director of Orchestras, Harrison H.S., GA, former Phantom Regiment Drum Major
Scott Oliver
Director of Bands, Neuqua Valley H.S., IL
Ben Pouncey
Former Director of Bands, Ashley Ridge H.S., SC, Former Cadets Drum Major
Adam Vernon-Young
Director of Bands at Laing Middle School
Taylor Watts
Associate Director of Bands at Kell High School
Ross Werner
Marketing Director, FJM, Inc., former Carolina Crown Drum Major
What are students saying about the Drum Major Institute?
This camp changed my life. I feel like the camp helped me to gain insight into what exactly I need to tweak and change a little to become the best version of me in that moment.
The connections you receive with the other members of the camp are like no other. Everyone is here for the same reason. We all want to be here, we all want to get better, and we all care about others.
I took a LOT of notes over the course of the Leadership Weekend and DMI week that I will definitely put to use during this upcoming season. Thank you, Music for All and thank you DMI!
This was genuinely the best week of my life. I met people that I will be lifelong friends with. The emotions I felt when leaving were so intense, and I seriously can’t wait to come back next summer.
The environment in the DMI is so welcoming and friendly, I felt so much more motivated to reach out of my shell. Everybody is learning together, no matter how experienced.
Needless to say, I walked out with more skills than I could’ve hoped for and a lot more knowledge than when I started.
I am from a small town, and I wouldn’t have been able to go if it hadn’t been for the scholarship opportunities that this program provides.
The knowledge I was able to consume are some of the most valuable you’ll ever get. I was told this camp was and is the “most prestigious band camp in the country,” and I was not let down.
I still talk to people every day from the camp, and I learned so many things, not just for myself, but things that I hope to implement and grow way past my time in my band program.
Thank you to everyone who made my experience possible. If you are able to go, do it. Go in it with a great attitude and you will be rewarded with an abundance of things, not just knowledge.
Going into DMI as a single drum major from a small school was exceptionally scary. The staff immediately began to make students comfortable and promote branching out to other students.
Without the guidance of the amazing staff and DMI and the caring support of the SWAG team, I wouldn’t be the great musician I am coming out of this camp.
This camp was a life-changing experience, 10 out of 10 would recommend! I went in wanting to be a better drum major. I left a better drum major and a better person.
I met so many new people from all over the country and everyone is so friendly. Everyone is here for the same purpose so starting conversations with everyone is easy.
Everyone has something in common here. I went for the drum major institute, but I learned so much more than how to conduct. I learned how to lead people and how to start conversations.
I learned how to be vulnerable and relate to people and how much influence I and everyone in the world has on each other.
I came as a Third Year Drum Major, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Anyone who has a love for music would absolutely enjoy and learn from this camp.
You learn not only how to become more skilled on your instrument, or whatever your musical interest may be, but you also learn leadership abilities that will aid you in your future success.
The entire experience of Leadership Weekend and the DMI Track have always been beyond worth it and have helped me to improve my band.
This camp allows me to reflect on myself, my skills, and my leadership so I can improve for my fellow band members back home and for those around me in my everyday life.
