Band Director Days

presented by Bluecoats & the University of Mount Union

Band Director Days are a jam-packed single-day event when band directors can visit Bluecoats Spring Training and get a peek behind the curtain as the Bluecoats Drum Corps learns and produces its show. Each day of Spring Training relies heavily on the pedagogical and operational expertise of the dozens of music education and administration professionals who make up the Bluecoats team. Band directors will have the chance to watch these rehearsals, meet the staff, learn more about the Bluecoats approach, and meet other band directors in attendance. Registration is free.

University of Mount Union

Check-in 2:30 - 3:00 pm at Giese Center for Performing Arts
Bluecoats ensemble ends at 10pm

Dates announced in 2025.
Attendance is FREE. Registration is required.

 

Sample Schedule

Schedule is subject to change.

  • Check-in at the Giese Center For The Performing Arts lobby.

  • Meet the Bluecoats corps director(s), learn about the Bluecoats approach to Spring Training, and get an overview of the afternoon’s events.

  • Guest varies from week-to-week.

    Spend an hour with a senior educator or designer such as Dean Westman, Performing Arts Department Chair and Director of Orchestras at Avon High School in Avon, IN or Dr. Ryan Kilgore, Adjunct Instructor of Music, Percussion & Director of Scot Marching Band.

    Weekly themes will include pedagogy, marching band ensemble rehearsal techniques, design, and listening environments master classes.

  • You’ll have the opportunity to observe the sectional(s) of your choice, including brass, front ensemble percussion, battery percussion, and colorguard.

  • Have dinner with the Bluecoats Directors, senior staff, designers, or other individuals and Jeff N., Director of Bands for the University of Mount Union.

    Opportunity for questions, answers, and professional networking

  • Get up-close and observe a Bluecoats pre-ensemble warm-up.

  • Portions of the rehearsal will be narrated by a key Bluecoats educator, including the opportunity for questions and answers