05Nov
05Nov
01Sep
Teacher of the Year Embraces French and Guard
From humble beginnings in a small town in Indiana, Brayton Mendenhall has achieved at every level of his performing and teaching career. Being named 2021 Ben Davis HS (IN) Teacher of the Year and a finalist for 2022 Indiana Teacher of the Year has given him validation that he is doing the right work. Mendenhall has been teaching French for 10 years, nine of which have been at Ben Davis. Quebec Parliament with Ben Davis HS (IN) students in 2016 Mendenhall...
27Jul
Taylor Marching Titans Band Trip to Cleveland
Early mornings, water slides, coasters, baseball and rock and roll lead to a busy, fun-filled weekend for the Taylor HS (IN) marching band. Jump on board as MTC Trip Journalist Chloey Johnson recalls the ups and downs of her band trip to Cleveland. Taylor HS Band (IN) records the national anthem in Progressive Field The first day began before the sun even rose. We started the morning off with Dans Donuts and a bunch of tired teenagers waiting to fall asleep...
28Apr
Shorter Season Calls for Celebrations During Mini Trips
Please Note: The Contest of Champions has been canceled for 2020. The Contest of Champions should return in 2021. Shortened training periods and potentially limited performance opportunities have band directors far and wide searching for alternatives to larger trips with their marching groups. Many groups look for educational adventures within competitive landscapes with an end-of-season celebration wrapped into one package. Larger, regional drawing contests can serve that very purpose. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has been hosting the granddaddy of...
10Sep
Trip Funding Treasure Map
Trip Funding Treasure Map for Financial Support Finding a Trip Funding Treasure Map in a bottle that leads you to the funds needed for your music program would be a dream, right? Our "low tech" treasure map, below, is not in a bottle, but it will lead you to trip funding treasures to support your upcoming trip and your students. Check out the links below, then apply for the treasures! Target Field Trip Grants https://corporate.target.com/corporate-responsibility/community/philanthropy/field-trip-grants Since 2007 Target stores have been awarding field...
10Sep
Marching Band Health: Performance Day Pitfalls
It’s the day you and your students have worked towards all summer – Performance Day! Not only is important to "ace" the music and drill, but the health of your marching band members is also extremely important. It can make or break your performance. Overheated, anxious, exhausted, hungry, and sick band members cannot perform at their peak, if at all. You can have the perfect top-notch drill and music, but without healthy students, you won’t ever begin to truly...
25Jun
Marching Season: Creating a Band of Incredible Athletes
Imagine: Your feet hitting the football field turf, in step, to the chirping sound of Dr. Beat…hot sweat rolling down your face; heart racing at 180 beats per min, exactly 162 drill spots to remember, 9 minutes and 29 seconds of music memorized, and don’t forget to guide to the drill formations and use all of your choreography…it all comes down to this - Leave it all on the field. And this is only one of many rehearsal run-throughs,...
21Jan
Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
Is your high school marching band looking for a unique Spring Break trip that provides a rewarding performance experience? How about traveling to Savannah, GA and participating in one of the oldest, largest and most-recognized Saint Patrick's Day parades in the world? Savannah's Saint Patrick's Day Parade marching band trips make for a unique, perfect mix of educational performance and fun. How? Crowds of a half-million spectators each year and Savannah is within a one-hour drive of four major...
27Jun
Student Performance Trips to Universal Orlando
Create lasting memories for your marching band, orchestra, show choir, concert choir, or jazz band with a student performance trip to Universal Orlando! Perform at CityWalk™ Lagoon Stage*, a Music in the Parks, Music USA Festivals or OrlandoFest competition, or march in front of cheering spectators at Universal Studios' Florida parks. Universal Studios offers many educational hands-on group programs that involve one-of-a-kind opportunities. Choose what is right for your group and enjoy education-focused performances, adjudicated festivals, workshops, and clinics,...
29Sep
