Neat marching band / color guard technologies

This week, I came across a few neat items online that may be of use to both band/guard instructors and students, so I thought I’d share.

1. DrillBook for iPhone / iPod touch

This is a pretty neat app for students because it is more compact that a drill book, and can be carried around in a pocket at practice while holding an instrument/equipment. The downside is that it is text-based. What would bring it to the next level is a visual component that would make it even more useful for staff.

2. Cafepress.com (For Marching Band | Color Guard)

Cafepress.com is a site where you can buy apparel and other items that were designed by everyday people, or even design your own. There are a TON of marching band and color guard designs. It’s great if you want an easy way to get a design out there for your program to order at will. The down side is that it’s a little on the expensive side to purchase because “store” owners mark up the already marked up product. Either way, I was inspired to create my own design for my guard this year and open my own store – sans mark ups.

As a shameless plug, I will create a design for you if you’d like. Just send me a message so we can chat.

3. drop.io

This site is great if you’re trying to disburse large files to a mass of people, the files are too large for e-mail, and you don’t have server space. For example, we record our band playing the show on the last night of band camp so that I have a non-Finale-circus-music version to write work to. The files were too large to e-mail, so another staff member went to drop.io, uploaded the files (up to 100mb of free storage), and sent me a link to download the files myself. The link can be sent out to as many people as you want, and the files will stay in place for 1 year. A GREAT TOOL!

What sites do you go to for your marching band / color guard needs? I am personally looking for some great/easy makeup and hair ideas… got any suggestions? Please let me know!