Marching Music Academy Teaches Successful Program Skills
Drum Corps International (DCI) presented the Marching Music Academy during MENC's 2010 Music Education Week for music teachers who want to develop successful marching music programs. During the two-day session, DCI and MENC introduced the draft National Standards for Marching Music, which align with the National Standards for Music Education. Developers consulted teachers, curriculum policy makers, fitness specialists, and artistic designers in developing the standards.
Other Marching Music Academy sessions addressed practical and innovative ideas for both program design and band instruction. DCI's Dan Acheson and John Phillips facilitated the sessions. A “field trip” to the DCI Premiere Event: DCI Salutes America on June 26 gave participants the opportunity to observe the DCI 2008 World Champion Phantom Regiment in rehearsal.
Members of the World Class Phantom Regiment from Rockford, IL demonstrated their field skills for Marching Music Academy participants. Later that night the group competed in the DCI Premier Event: DCI Salutes America, finishing second out of six elite drum corps. Photo by Craig Olear.
Marching Academy sessions also covered health and safety issues, technique, ensemble rehearsals, and "What Competition is All About." With both practical and innovative ideas for marching program design and instruction, all of the academy topics aimed at helping music educators encourage student success.
A "Musical Arranger's Forum" presented by Jupiter Band Instruments offered tips on arranging for musical groups of all sizes, arranging different genres from rock and roll to classical, and how to entertain fans in the stands without sacrficing the learning experience for young musicians.
J.D. Shaw from the University of New Mexico recalled his very early arranging skills, which include adapting the music from Star Wars for marching band. He said an arrangement can "elevate the skill levels of marching musicians." Another panelist, Richard Saucedo of Carmel (IN) High School suggested building arrangements from low brass instruments in order to "feel the depth of the notes." The other session panelist was Paul Rennick of the University of North Texas in Denton.
J.D. Shaw (University of New Mexico) makes a point during the Marching Music Academy's Musical Arranger's Forum. Photo by Craig Olear.
Visit the MENC News Stand in the coming weeks for additional stories about MENC's 2010 Music Education Week Academies: MENC Collegiate, National Association of College Woodwinds and Percussion Instructions (NACWPI), Instrumental, Choral, General Music, IN-Ovations and Jazz.
In the coming months MENC will also feature information about registration for Music Education Week 2011.
Music Education Week's Rally on Capitol Hill
--Roz Fehr, July 30, 2010 © MENC: The National Association for Music Education
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