July 13 - 18, 2025
Drum Major Clinic | Session 1
Eastern Illinois University • 2121 4th St Charleston, IL 61920 Organized by Smith Walbridge Clinics, Inc.
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The nation’s first Drum Major Camp founded in 1952 OVERVIEW & PHILOSOPHY At Smith Walbridge Drum Major Clinic there is a consistent teaching philosophy that is preserved year after year. Based upon a strong base of fundamentals, we guide students to develop their own unique style compatible with their own bands. The result is individual creativity, identity and diversity. The 6 day program with a staff of over 28 instructors enables us to not only train great teachers, conductors and leaders, but also drum majors capable of serving as assistant band directors. The power of positive attitudes, high energy, and enthusiasm is integrated into the Smith Walbridge “System,” often imitated, but never matched. SW was the first drum major camp in the country. There are many traditions and a fraternal bond between the graduates. THREE STYLES OF DRUM MAJOR INSTRUCTION Traditional- Incorporates a “chair step,” and the use of some type of baton Corps- Incorporates a “glide step,” without batons Mace- Incorporates a “glide step,” and the use of a mace or signal baton CLINIC HIGHLIGHTS Special training for college students All conducting classes taught by professional university conductors- 3 levels offered Drum majors who return or attend both sessions do not repeat same classes Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of conducting Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of showmanship Fundamentals of drill design Squad drills and competition with signals and commands Daily individual evaluations of fundamentals Daily individual video tape evaluations Leadership and motivational techniques Individual help with score study Teaching and cleaning drill Developing individual styles in conducting and showmanship Methods for teaching marching fundamentals Elective classes including: multi-drum majoring, salutes, showmanship, choreography, various marching styles and twirling maces/signal baton Drum Major First Class (TM) is commissioned solely by SWC
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Ages 12-24
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