Workshop ch-ch-ch-changes
Our annual spring workshop for new members begins next week and I’m ready!
In past workshops, we’ve taught the fundamentals and a 90-120-second tryout routine to see the level of experience we’re working with. These things are taught over a 6-week period, and we are by no means looking for perfection, but potential.
This year will be different.
The fundamentals and routine will still be the majority of the workshop, but we’re going to run it like we’re in a mini season. I’m talking quicker teaching, deeper cleaning, last-minute changes and all. Our intention is to give a real-world idea of how the real season plays out. So here’s what I’ve come up with as a tentative lesson plan:
(FYI: Our workshops are 1 night a week for 2 hours)
Week One
- Introductions, explanation of color guard, viewing of last year’s show (30 minutes)
- Warm-ups (10 minutes)
- Right shoulder arms, posture, commands, marking time (15 minutes)
- Drop spins – Goal is 8 counts (20 minutes)
- Wrist Extensions (10 minutes)
- Begin teaching routine (heavy dance focus) (30 minutes)
Week Two
- Warm-ups (10 minutes)
- Review right shoulder, drop spins, marking time, wrist extensions all at varying counts/speeds (30 minutes)
- Double fast – Goal is 8 counts (20 minutes)
- Pull hits – Goal is 8 counts (15 minutes)
- Review dance (15 minutes)
- Finish teaching dance and/or begin flag portion of routine (30 minutes)
Week Three
- Warm-ups (10 minutes)
- Review drop spins, wrist extensions, double fast, marking time, pull hits all at varying counts/speeds (45 minutes)
- Marching – Goal is 16 counts forward at right shoulder; MAYBE drop spins (20 minutes)
- Review dance/flag from W1,W2 (20 minutes)
- Begin/continue flag portion of routine (25 minutes)
Week four
- Warm-ups (10 minutes)
- Review drop spins, wrist extensions, double fast, marking time, pull hits all at varying counts/speeds & marching (45 minutes)
- Jazz running (15)
- Review dance/flag from W1,W2,W3 (20 minutes)
- Continue flag portion of routine (30 minutes)
Week five
- Warm-ups (10 minutes)
- Review drop spins, wrist extensions, double fast, marking time, pull hits all at varying counts/speeds & marching, jazz running (45 minutes)
- Review dance/flag from W1,W2,W3, W4 (20 minutes)
- Flag portion of routine (45 minutes)
Week six
- Warm-ups (10 minutes)
- Review drop spins, wrist extensions, double fast, marking time, pull hits all at varying counts/speeds & marching, jazz running (45 minutes)
- Review dance/flag from W1,W2,W3, W4, W5 (20 minutes)
- Finish flag portion of routine (45 minutes)
@ band sign-ups (Mid-June)
- Warm-up/Basics (15-20 minutes)
- Perform for parents & students
The plan looks aggressive, but like I said, it’s tentative. We all know that progress depends heavily on the type of group we’re working with. So we’ll see what happens!
