Adjudicating the Drum Major, Selection and Training of the Drum Major, The Drum Major's Responsibilities, and Developing the Drum Major Philosophy. The philosophy behind the program is to provide drum major students and band leaders with a foundation in all these areas so they may return to their schools as a valuable supportive asset to their band directors. Students work closely with both Professor Parks and his staff. Each individual's marching and conducting is evaluated through the use of video tape. Students do not learn conducting routines.
Emphasis is placed upon a clear concise beat pattern within a variety of time signatures and tempos.
From large lecture settings to small groups of 5 - 6, students gather valuable information as they work to develop their teaching techniques, as well as a positive 'how to teach' approach. Students utilize The Dynamic Drum Major text as study manual during the workshop. Regardless of which piece of equipment a student is trying to improve upon, many of the same basic skills are inherent for each. Students leave the Academy with a better understanding of how to perform all the basic moves, but more importantly, with a foundation on how to teach them to others. This can be quite helpful for the band director , as well as the colorguard instructor.