EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FROM GIFT OF MUSIC
Our commitment to being a vital resource for Music Educators
We are proud to offer a number of educational programs that can greatly benefit music teachers and others involved in music education to grow, expand, overcome challenges, and be better prepared to shape the future of young musicians.
MARCHING BAND SHOW DESIGN SEMINAR - June 5, 2026
The 2026 Marching Band Show Design Seminar invites directors and designers to an immersive day of creativity, collaboration, and inspiration. This seminar brings together an outstanding faculty of guest clinicians. including Keith Potter and Jeff Sacktig, veteran designers for marching bands, winter guards, and drum and bugle corps, and current designers with the Carolina Crown. They will be joined by acclaimed composer Richard Saucedo (Carmel High School – Indiana) and creative designer, David Starnes (Kennesaw Mountain High School – Georgia), both veteran designers for high school marching bands and drum and bugle corps. As a special bonus, Potter and Sacktig will share their proven design team process and how it translates to competitive success. As a unique component to the event, attending directors will receive a one-on-one consultation with a clinician(s) to review and refine their 2026 fall marching band production. Participants are encouraged to interact with each clinician throughout the day, sparking imagination and inspiring the creative process. Whether a current high school band director, independent designer, or an aspiring pageantry arts designer, this event will provide a wealth of information and perspective from four of the nation’s most experienced and proven designers.
$250 per attendee
Friday, June 5, 2026
8:30AM – 4:30PM
Kennesaw State University
Main Campus
MARCHING BAND ADJUDICATOR SUMMIT - June 6, 2026
The Gift of Music is proud to sponsor a one-day seminar designed to train and enhance skills for the veteran, developing, and prospective marching band adjudicator. Participants will receive training from four of the nation’s most respected and experienced pageantry arts adjudicators including: Mr. Richard Saucedo Chief Judge Administrator - Bands of America Dr. Chip Crotts Veteran Judge - Bands of America and Winter Guard International Mr. John Howell Veteran Judge - Bands of America, Drum Corps International, and Winter Guard International Mr. David Starnes Veteran Judge - Bands of America and Drum Corps International The training will include presentations by our panel of experts, hands on exercises for the participants, as well as round table conversations on topics such as numbers management, criteria reference, and adjudicator professionalism. The event will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026 on the campus of Kennesaw State University (Main Campus) from 8:30am - 5:00pm. The marching bands in our nation rely on educated adjudicators who can provide valuable feedback as well as a comprehensive understanding of the judging system. This seminar will better equip both new and veteran judges as they prepare for the 2026 marching band season.
$250 per attendee
Saturday, June 6, 2026
8:30AM – 4:30PM
Kennesaw State University
Main Campus
SUMMER TEACHER TUNE UP - June 15-19, 2026
The Gift of Music is proud to announce the 2nd Annual “Summer Teacher Tune Up Seminar” which will take place June 15-19, 2026 in Marietta, Georgia. This week-long seminar for music educators will provide a hands-on learning experience with a master clinician, specific to each instrument, who will lead each instructional day. Participants will receive instruction on best practices and process for teaching beginning band instruments as well common pedagogical issues facing band directors at the intermediate and advanced levels of instruction and performance. Instruction will include daily application on flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. All primary instruments for each participant will be provided by The Gift of Music. New for 2026 the event includes “The Composer Spotlight Experience.” This year’s featured composer is Mr. Tyler Grant. He will provide a clinic and personal insight on his compositional process. Additionally, he will lead our participants in a Director’s Lab Band experience, featuring many of his Grade 1,2, and 3 works, at the conclusion of the week. At the Gift of Music, we are committed to the next generation of music educators while providing professional learning experiences for those currently in the field. It does indeed “take a village” and through educational partnership, we will ensure support and access for the future of music education throughout our region.
$300 Early Bird Registration (Before 4/30/26)
$375 Standard Registration
Monday-Friday, June 15-19, 2026
8:30AM – 4:30PM Daily
Marietta, GA – T B A
BOOSTER CLUB INSTITUTE - TBA
In partnership with “Strategic Boosters,” this seminar will provide a one-day educational workshop open to all band, orchestra, and choral booster club programs. Director and parent participants will experience a full day of informational sharing and discovery through the presentation entitled, “How to Build Sustainable Booster Leadership for a Growing and Thriving Organization.” The presentation will be broken into multiple areas, focusing on pertinent topics such as volunteer engagement, fundraising, 501(c)(3) guidelines, band director and staff support, creative ways to engage your school administration, as well as fostering relationships and networking with other booster organizations on campus. Schools may send as many booster club officers and members as they wish to have participate. Directors are strongly encouraged to attend in an effort to interface with their booster club members, as they plan for the upcoming school year. The seminar will offer breakout sessions that will encourage discussion with other booster clubs in attendance as well as strategic conversations within each schools’ booster organization.
$150 per school (Bring as many as you like)
Dates and Locations T B A