Step Two: The Design Team
Mark D'Angelo
One of the most difficult parts for me in developing a marching show is "letting go" of my own ideas, to the ideas of the other trusted members of my staff and sometimes students. This is not limited to drill design, but in many ways critical to the development of any aspect of the band program. It is my feeling that many band director's believe in "the buck stops here" method of leadership, however, the proverb "Plans fail with lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed..." can apply to our activity in many ways.
Establishing a "design team" is important to any developing, or competitive band program. The design team should at least include the head Band Director, the Visual Coordinator, the Color Guard Coordinator, and the Drill Writer; however other members of your staff may have something to contribute to the visual book as well. In order to develop a band's marching identity or visual concept, consistency in this team is also important. For instance, if at all possible you don't want to have a new Color Guard Coordinator, or Visual Coordinator each year. Definitions of body posture and marching techniques can get easily confused with many changes to approach.
The design team is essential for planning and implementing marching fundamentals, developing unified teaching techniques, and collaborating on the show design. In planning for our 2008 Show, "Aqua" each member of my "design team" was asked to listen to the music and provide a summation of what they saw and heard. I provided each of the staff members with a count chart for the music, and they added visual ideas, or made changes where they felt appropriate.
The following is an example of a flow chart that was later provided to and discussed with the Drill Designer:
My younger years as a band director has taught me that coming up with my own show designs, or leaving it in the hands of a drill writer (who may be unfamiliar with my band) can very much limit performance potential. In recent years, I have even included brainstorming sessions with band members and even interested band parents. Getting those committed to the band program on board with your ideas and show concepts will pay-off in the end, especially in trying to "sell" your design concept to the rest of the band or the home audience.
Mark D'Angelo
Instrumental Music Director
Roosevelt High School
Wyandotte, MI 48192
