at the Music for All Summer Symposium, presented by Yamaha
- Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
- June 25-30, 2012
- Leadership Weekend Experience: June 23-25
The Drum Major Academy® (DMA) at the Music for All Summer Symposium offers the ultimate summer learning experience for drum majors and student leaders. Students get the teachings and training of the DMA, plus the national camp experience of Music for All. Originally designed for those who aspire to be drum major, DMA is for any band member who wishes to improve and develop his or her leadership, communication, conducting and marching skills and become a stronger asset to his or her band program. The Drum Major Academy® is for everyone who loves band —even students who do not have a “title” benefit from the offerings of the DMA. Students enrolled in the Drum Major curriculum of DMA experience a three-pronged curriculum. This curriculum is designed to benefit ALL band leadership positions, including section leaders!
• Conducting Instruction/Evaluation
• Teaching Techniques
• Leadership and Communication Techniques
The DMA at the Summer Symposium offers not only the incredible experience with the George Parks Drum Major Academy staff, but also the unmatched excitement of the full Music for All Summer Symposium, with more than 1,000 students from over 30 states and even from around the world. It’s the ultimate training for drum majors and student leaders!
The legend continues! The positive momentum of the DMA journey carries on in honor of the legacy of George N. Parks. The DMA will be presented with the same level of integrity, pragmatic relevance and trademark enthusiasm that has always been the memorable facet of the DMA experience. The longevity of the DMA program was always a part of George’s future plan; this is one of the main reasons he continued to train his protégés to present the signature DMA curriculum with a keen understanding of the various aspects of the learning blueprint.
“There are many training camps throughout the country, but there is only one DRUM MAJOR ACADEMY. Take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to realize what a great impact you can have on your band and, more importantly, the band members. Make your position more than someone who stands in front of the band – become a LEADER who contributes to every facet of the band.”
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser - Founder, Attitude Concepts for Today
What You’ll Learn
Conducting is one of the primary focuses at the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy. Every student is video taped individually during the course of an Academy. Every student sees video footage of him/ her self each day and receives a personal evaluation of his/her conducting with an eye toward individual improvement. It does not matter if there are 100 students at an Academy location or 600 (yes, 600!) – every single student receives the same personal attention from the DMA Staff.
The philosophy behind conducting at the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy is based in part upon that of Dr. John Paynter, former Director of Bands at Northwestern University. Emphasis is placed upon a clear pattern; maintaining a steady and even tempo; proper display of musicianship and, when appropriate, the inclusion of showmanship.
Teaching skills are evaluated through a number of processes from video taped feedback to simulated mini-competitions held daily during the course of the Academy. Improvement of individual marching skills is enhanced through the development of every student’s observation skills. Students learn how to “clean” through the application of the DMA Teaching Procedure. Band Directors know how important it is to have “additional sets of eyes” to assist with achieving success for their programs. The DMA Teaching Procedure teaches students how to be those “sets of eyes.”
Leadership and Communication are continuous threads woven through the entire DMA Curriculum. Students attend lecture settings where topics covered include, but are not limited to: attitude, large group dynamics, developing trust and earning respect. Throughout each day, students are split into smaller settings where they learn how to hone their communication skills through a variety of activities.
Download a sample Drum Major schedule from the 2011 Symposium
Watch a 2011 Summer Symposium websiode featuring the Marching Percussion, Drum Major and Color Guard Tracks.
What do you need to bring?
- If you wish instruction on twirling baton or mace skills, bring a mace or equivalent stick of 44"
- Comfortable clothes (shorts & t-shirts): please note that you will be outside the majority of your day.
- Sunglasses/hat, water bottle, SUNSCREEN
- Lace-up athletic shoes with proper arch support for all practices, NO SANDALS allowed
- Spiral notebook and pen/pencil MUST be brought to the FIRST SESSION
- A copy of the DM textbook: Dynamic Drum Major by George Parks (Highly suggested, but not required).
