Education Blog - What can I do for my Drumline right now?
Vice President of Percussion Mike Maegly weighs in with his own ‘December Check List’….
Having had a scholastic drumline for 13 years, I have learned a few things along the way. Some things I learned from asking people and some things of course I learned the Hard Way. In this blog, I would like to share with you some things you can do right now to help your drumline. Most of these will be inexpensive and will help your rehearsals and show days to run more smoothly.
This time of year, rehearsals are often preempted by concerts, exams and of course families travelling for the holidays. I am suggesting a few things that you can do to help your group without needing the kids, equipment or gym time!
>Send out an update to parents and kids. I get all of the parents’ email addresses and send them a weekly (or so) update including future events and an up to date schedule. This helps to keep everyone on the same page and helps folks to schedule around rehearsals. Giving parents and students as much advance notice as possible is a good rule of thumb.
>Get emergency medical forms for each student. You may already have these from marching band season or the school nurse may have copies as well. I like to keep a set with me at all times and I have a set that goes with us on the bus on all trips. Last year, I scanned them all into my lap top and eliminated yet another binder/folder to carry. Insurance info changes all the time-be sure the forms are up to date. I also urge you to check these out. It is good to know who has what allergies or conditions.
>Check in with the principal, athletic director and custodians. If you are rehearsing over the holiday break, it is a good idea to let these folks know you will be in the building. (I once lost two camp days due to floor waxing in hallways which prevented me access to the gym or restrooms!) Double check gym times with the AD – basketball teams sometimes play in holiday tournaments and their times can change. This is also a time when I like to “Bribe” the custodians with a Christmas treat or two. Trust me, you want them on your side.
>Develop your snow day/bad weather plan. Parents love to know ahead of time what happens on snow days or bad weather forecasts. I check in with the principal and superintendent on this one. Typically, if the basketball teams are still travelling or practicing, you are okay. I normally notify the kids by 1:00 pm on snow days. Always use common sense – sometimes the roads are too bad –especially for high school drivers.
>If you are attending WGI events, check in on the web site about what information they need from you. There are eligibility letters and of course copyright issues to deal with and deadlines for both! Check also to see if details about your regionals are posted yet.
>Have you arranged transportation yet? I like to meet with the transportation director and explain that exact times may not be known until @ 2 weeks before the events. I also put their cell number in my phone in the event of an emergency or a late bus. Check also bad weather policies.
>Are you using a school van or truck to transport gear? Is it road worthy? Has it been serviced since marching band? Is it empty or still full of marching band props? (I also learned this one the hard way.) Do you have to drive it or does a parent? Is there a procedure that your district requires for this?
>Have the kids been fitted for uniforms? Are they being custom made? Are you buying or borrowing from another group? What is your plan if uniforms don’t arrive until after the first show(s)? Are you using marching band bibs? If so, are they at school? (I once waited until two nights before the first shown to try them on and found out that many were at a parent’s home and that some of my kids had grown several inches since the end of marching band season.)
>Have you paid all of your fees? Copyright, right to arrange, MEPA etc…
>When are you painting your floor? Christmas break is an excellent time to do this. I have painted on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and even New Years Eve! Lots of drying time is key and many time gyms and cafeterias sit empty during these days. If you have never painted a floor before, please contact a MEPA board member for advice before you proceed!
>Maintenance. This is a great time of year to fix carriers, re-string marimbas, change drumheads, check electric cords and any other general fixes that are needed. Don’t forget tarp or prop carts.
>Are you using props? Do they need to be designed and built? There may be an empty band room, stage or shop available over the break.
>Do you need to order new sticks, heads, mallets etc? This is a good time to do such things. It is also a good time to do research on that new sampler, synth or mixer you need to purchase.
>Do some homework. Check out some video footage from last season -either your own group or another school or independent line. What worked? What did not?
>I measure out spaces at school. I know that I can fit a 70 x 50 tarp in the HS cafeteria. I know what will fit in each elementary school gym. I know that my tarp folded in half will fit on the stage. This all helps when gym time gets tough to come by in January and February.
>Write. Do you write your own music or drill? Do the kids already have parts to learn? Have you started? Do you know what the closer is going to be? Is copyright an issue? Is someone else designing for you? Do they have the latest info? Have you checked in with them?
>Staff meetings. This is prime time to meet with your staff to plan the show or upcoming rehearsals. Do they need to sign contracts with the school or the music boosters?
Don’t let these things sneak up on you!
Make plans to attend the MEPA kickoff on January 7th!
Good Luck!
Mike