Bands of America Drum Major Institute
For four decades, student leaders and band directors have looked to Bands of America for the latest in marching band performance and leadership training. The Bands of America Drum Major Institute will INFORM and INSPIRE outstanding student leaders, uncovering their innate musical abilities and personal character strengths, while simultaneously providing new skills and perspectives.
CORE Teaching Principles – Character, Content, Communication, and Chemistry – permeate every aspect of our program.
DMI presents a sound and modern curriculum, designed to equip young leaders with advanced leadership techniques for use both in band and in life. Taught by the best educators and leaders in music education, DMI is for veteran drum majors, new drum majors, and any students aspiring to be drum majors. Students will learn musical and visual knowledge possessed by the most effective drum majors. Score study and concise conducting patterns, enhanced visual acuity and showmanship, teaching methods, and instructional insight will inspire and challenge all students regardless of their drum major experience.
Join Us!
for the 2020 Music for All Summer Symposium
June 22-27, 2020
Leadership Weekend: June 20-21
Ball State University
Packing List/Final Performance Attire
Packing List
All students, regardless of division, should
bring the following items:
- Comfortable clothes and closed toed shoes for walking around campus
- Sweatshirt or light jacket for cooler weather
- Rain gear for inclement weather (jacket, poncho, or umbrella)
- Personal toiletries (bath soap, tooth brush, toothpaste, etc.
- Towels and washcloths. Sheets, pillow, pillowcases, and blanket are provided by Ball State Housing
- Sunglasses, hat, water bottle, and SUNSCREEN
- Backpack, a spiral notebook, and pens/pencils
Optional: money or debit card for incidental purchases such
as souvenirs, snacks, etc. $50-$80 recommended.
In addition to these items, drum majors must also bring:
- Lace-up athletic shoes (two pairs recommended) with proper arch support for all sessions, NO SANDALS ALLOWED
- Your school’s musical score for current/previous year, if available
- Appropriate conducting baton, if desired
- If you wish to have instruction on twirling baton or mace skills, bring a mace or stick equivalent to 44” long
- Khaki shorts for Final Performance
Final Performance Attire
- Khaki shorts
- Athletic shoes
- Camp t-shirt that will be provided
- Hats, sunglasses, or jewelry may NOT be worn for the performance.
Drum Major Institute Faculty
Claire Bogdan
Band director, DuBose M.S., SC;
former University of South Carolina DM
Maurice Burgess
Choral Director, Gregg M.S., SC
former Western Carolina University Drum Major
Ellen Chmura
Asst. Director of Bands, Cain M.S., TX
former University of North Texas Drum Major
Daniel Cook
Samuel Crawford
Graduate of University of Alabama
former Bluecoats Drum Major
Bobby Lambert
Division Head
Director of Bands, Wando H.S., SC
former Western Carolina DM
Drum Major Institute Coordinator
Koji Mori
Band & Orchestra Director, Lassiter H.S., GA
former Phantom Regiment Drum Major
Scott Oliver
Assistant Director of Bands, Marian Catholic H.S., IL
Madison Scouts Brass Caption Head
Ben Pouncey
Director of Bands, Ashley Ridge H.S., SC
former Cadets Drum Major
Adam Vernon-Young
Ross Werner
Trumpet Specialist, Paige’s Music, IN
former Carolina Crown Drum Major
Taylor Watts
Assistant Director of Bands, Kell H.S., GA
University of Georgia Drum Major
Photos from Camp!
What are students saying about Drum Majors at America’s Camp?
I had no idea what to expect going in, but now I feel excited/prepared for the rapidly approaching season.
DMI has been the best camp I’ve ever been to and has changed my perspective on life!
The atmosphere at camp is amazing! I wish my whole band could go and experience it!
Parent/Booster Institute
Music for All’s parent/booster training and advocacy programs and resources are key elements in Music for All’s vision to be a catalyst to ensure that every child across America has the opportunity and access to participate in music making in his or her scholastic environment.
What Should Your Child Bring?
June weather in Indiana is often unpredictable. Historical averages for this area range from 60°F-90°F and often include high humidity. Please keep that in mind when packing for camp.
Staying in Touch with your Student
The Music for All Headquarters staff is unable to receive and deliver messages to students by phone, unless an emergency requires immediately delivery. If you wish to speak with your child during the week, plan your calling schedule before your child leaves home.
Supervision and Health Info
Your child’s safety is our utmost priority. While at camp, your child is required to attend all classes, meals, concerts, and nightly floor meetings, where attendance is taken.