Form and Dot: Recent Episodes
Greg Curtis Wakefield and Chad Shoopman
This is the online home for in-depth discussions about marching and playing music, performing, creating and educating. The primary focus is collegiate level marching arts but you'll also hear topics regarding high school marching bands, drum corps, and winter guards.
Life on the road with The Blue Devils . . . and how hard do you need to work to remain competitive. (Hint, it’s not just about practicing your licks) . . . PLUS, some key takeaways for today’s educators, and a great tip for paying for tour fees in "Spock-Digga-What!" (Individual audio cuts courtesy of DCI and CBS Evening News.)
Inspiring and motivating students in the 21st century... the influence of drum corps on today's marching bands (no more plumes?!)... plus, the age old argument: traditional vs. matched grip. Listen now!
Hosting a major regional competition for high school marching bands requires a lot of planning and infrastructure especially when inclement weather roles through. Here, we take you behind the the scenes for everything from points scales / awards, to weather contingencies and how much judges get paid to critique ensembles from sun-up to sundown. Plus: Email Q & A.
Developing a show idea...weighing outside input...knowing when/how to change styles while still maintaining school traditions. It's all part of putting together an entertaining halftime show for 50,000 fans at a division one program, like the University of Arizona. Email Q & A provides additional insight.