I've been working on the website for a while now, and it's still going to change in the future. We're looking to do a cool flash site that hopefully will launch before the 2010 writing season, but if not...it's not a big deal. There's a lot of information on my site because I'm able to provide a lot of services. If I can't do it myself, I know people who can...or I'll learn. Right now I have everything from pre-written shows available in my store to custom arrangements, drill, compositions, original shows...you name it.
One thing I'd really like to get into, though, is teaching on-site clinics and camps at schools during the summer. Yeah, there are companies that do this...but I think it's something I could do myself. I have enough contacts and friends that basically anything you need, we can provide. My personal areas of expertise would be in running camps for drum majors and student leaders, as well as music clinics for woodwinds and brass...but I have people who can do the drum thing, do the guard thing, really develop a killer woodwind and brass program, etc, etc.
Something that most programs overlook is the "process"...how we're going to get from point A to point B, how to organize the season, how to organize an effective rehearsal, who does what and when, and what are the responsibilities of the field staff, members, and student leaders during a rehearsal.
This is another area I think we could really provide some assistance in. There are methods that work and methods that don't. I've experienced a lot of them on both sides, sometimes in the same season. We could definitely come in, assess the way things are, make recommendations for how to run things more effectively, install the program if you want, and then watch your band get better quicker.
I've taught tons of camps and I've run plenty of clinics, but I think it would be a real thrill to take the team on the road all summer and show bands how to get it done. It's a dream staff I've assembled, so it's well worth the money it costs...plus, it's likely cheaper than the camps they run around the country at local colleges and whatnot. Kids and programs spend a fortune going to these camps where they're one of 400+ kids all learning the same things, things that may or may not apply to their band program. I did it myself in high school. I went to a local camp and learned NOTHING that applied to my band. It was a waste.
Well...with our program, I'll personally talk to you on the phone and assess your needs, what's your "big picture," and put together a camp that fits your group specifically. This way your kids get a camp customized to your program and learn skills that will directly translate to what their responsibilities as a member of the ensemble are. Also, they won't be just a number or some kid with a name tag. They'll get individual instruction.
A huge bonus of this is that if you have enough kids attend the clinic, you can bring in some of your staff for free and have them learn the techniques that we're teaching the students so that the program can carry on after we've left.
There's a lot of up-side to doing this for any band program. Selfishly, I just think it would be a great way to spend my time during the summer. I have such a passion for teaching kids, and it would be great to do it on a larger scale by flying around the country helping many more kids than I'm able to do sitting here in Southeast PA.
Anyway...that's what I've been up to all morning, thinking about this and updating my website, so there's your brain food blog for now. Enjoy this random picture.
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