recipient of the DCA World Championship Drum Major Award as drum major of the Reading Buccaneers Senior Drum and Bugle Corps and has been inducted

into the Drum Corps Associates Hall of Fame.

Currently he is in his 31st year at the University of Massachusetts where he is director of the Minuteman Marching Band and Professor of

Music. He has been recipient of the University’s Distinguished Teacher Award and the Chancellor’s Medal for Distinguished Service. He has been named

an Honorary Alumnus of the University of Massachusetts and been inducted into the Massachusetts Instrumental Conductor’s Association Hall of Fame.

Over the years his involvement with Bowl Games of America has placed him at the helm of half-time productions for the Sugar, Orange, Carquest and

Hall of Fame Bowl Games. In 2005 Professor Parks was Director of the Bands of America National Honor Band during their inaugural performance in the Tournament of Roses

Parade. He returned to this role for the organization’s second appearence in 2009. In 2006 Professor Parks was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame.

student sees the video footage each day, receives a personal evaluation of their conducting and individual attention to assist with working towards improvement. It does not matter if

there are 100 students at an Academy location or 600 (yes, 600!)--every single student receives the same personal attention from George Parks and the DMA Staff.

The philosophy behind conducting at the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy is based in part upon that of Dr. John Paynter, former Director of Bands at Northwestern University.

Emphasis is placed upon a clear pattern, maintaining a steady and even tempo, proper display of musicianship and when appropriate, the inclusion of showmanship.

it in a positive and supportive manner. Band Directors know how important it is to have “additional sets of eyes” to assist with achieving success for their programs. The DMA

mini-competitions held daily during the course of an Academy.

limited to: attitude, large group dynamics, developing trust and earning respect. Throughout each day students are split into smaller settings where they learn to how to hone their

communication skills through a variety of activities.

Our Academy held at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst is the home of our SUPER-DMA! Joining the Drum Major Curriculum are tracks in Colorguard, Woodwind/Brass and

Heidi Sarver, Director of the University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hen Marching Band will return as the Head Clinician for the Band Leadership Academy. This program, which offers a

great opportunity for all woodwind and brass marching band students, is ideal for music section leaders, drill instructors, and any other band member who wishes to improve his/her

marching and performing skills. All students in this curriculum attend teaching and leadership classes with George Parks and the Drum Majors, and as well as learning specific band

the Cadets of Bergen County and the Star of Indiana. In order to register for the percussion workshop please call (413) 549 - 4414 or visit www.percussion.org.

is for veterans of the colorguard, but new to weapons, either rifle or saber. Students who have used one of the weapon types before will find this track most beneficial by introducing

on some review of the basics and venturing into the development of more advanced skills. Advanced skills will include, but not be limited to learning a variety of tosses and working

on different planes.

Classes are offered for every skill level from beginner to advanced. The large number of qualified clinicians allow for small settings to ensure quality instruction.

This workshop is only offered at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst location.

George N. Parks Drum Major Academy

39 Charnwood Road

Medford, Massachusetts, 02155