09Jun
09Jun
Who IS that Band Director in the movie, Hoosiers?
Wayyyyy back in 1986, Hoosiers captured audiences nation-wide with its messages about team spirit, heart and second chances. Gene Hackman starred in Anthony Pizzo’s cinematic treasure, but can you guess which MTC leading man nailed the role of the Hoosiers Band Director? The handsome, debonair, pitch-perfect Hoosiers band director was none other than Music Travel’s Executive Vice President, Jef Furr! Starting out as a trombone player at Noblesville (IN) Middle School, Jef honed his talents and graduated from Ball State University...
09Jun
Fitness in Marching Band: 100 Pounds Lighter
As musicians, we all know that to present our music best, we have to be in peak mental health. Music, in turn, reinforces our mental health. But, being at the top of our musical game is also facilitated (or hindered) by our physical health. Here’s my story… Following my student teaching placement at Avon High School in Avon, IN, I remember hopping on the scales at my doctor’s office, and as the nurse slid the weight past 235…240…245…250 lbs., I was...
09Jun
Planning your first marching band trip
Congratulations! If you are reading this, you are not only a Music Director, you are a Music Director with passion and are ready to show your students new life-changing educational experiences and take your student's performance to the next level with your first marching band trip! Planning a music performance trip for the first time can seem overwhelming and stressful. But planned out over time, it can be something magical and positively impact students and others for the rest of their...
09Jun
Training Day for Music Travel Consultant Tour Directors
Music Travel’s Tour Directors use their education, commitment to the task and experience to ensure a successful trip for the group and its leaders. Rest assured, if the unpredictable happens, your MTC Tour Director will don his/her Superhero outfit and find the best solution! Because MTC's people are its greatest asset, MTC is constantly training its staff in best practices, new procedures, and teamwork. As the collective “faces” of MTC, special attention is paid each year to update, re-familiarize and...
09Jun
Eating Right for the Best Musical Performance
Performing is an athletic activity. And not everyone works the same. You might here one person say, "No way can I eat before a concert!” Another might say “I eat a LOT early in the day.” Taking a line from the previous blog, Music Travel Consultants' own, Andrew Moran, says that as musicians, we all know that to present our music best, we have to be in peak mental health. Music, in turn, reinforces our mental health. But, being at...
08Jun
