Let’s Talk About Resources!

Anyone else really struggling with the lack of human contact right now? When I am anxious or stressed, I love to DEVOUR content that inspires and educates me. I am still a staff member with a color guard and a lover of all things leadership. 

Before I begin, if you don’t know me personally, you need to know a few things before diving into this read. 

1. I use a lot of parentheses. Don’t come at me. I have so many side thoughts and they need to go somewhere! 
2. I am predominantly a color guard woman…but I am huge on leadership (former HS drum major…10 year ago) and how to build a great leadership curriculum for high school leadership teams and Marching Arts Staffs.
3. I am a huge extrovert. But also the biggest introvert. Anyone else?
4. Elementary school special education teacher by day, guard staff member for my school 24/7.
5. I am still growing, maturing, and learning with all of you! Just trying to put out my truth and hope it does some good in the world. 
6. I have been around this activity in many different aspects (read my bio for more info on that) and growing up in the Marching Arts – thanks mom and dad – I really like finding people who are here for the right reasons: helping, supporting, educating, growing, empathizing, POSITIVE VIBES ONLY type of people. You know? 

Okay, back to why we are here. As I have been exploring this new journey we find ourselves in, I have been drawn to the positives (like I hope you are as well!!) and picking them out of my newsfeed any chance I can get! Whether that is content and helpful sites for my students OR content for me to learn and group as well. This is just the tip of the iceberg – just the content I am aware of and I am SO SURE there are many more out there. I would like to share those things I am finding with you all to either reference, use, or inspire! 

1. Have you heard of The Breakdown Camp? they are providing digital classes on small prices with world class instructors. The entire month of May is PACKED with content! I am a firm believer that the more you learn from world class staff, the more skills you gain in technique, tricks, and basic foundational skills. 
2. Marching Health! We can’t leave them out! Y’all – these workouts and posts are without a doubt keeping marching members all across the country in good shape! ….does anyone else need accountability when they are working out? Because ME TOO. Invite a friend and have them do it with you! Such a great way to stay involved. Love their content and purpose.
3. Are you seeing Live classes, content, or videos that I lovingly refer to as “little ditty’s” (or small routines) that anyone can learn and grow from? My favorite how-to and little ditty videos are made by Whitney Stone. She has been killing the game on dance tricks and classes. I have been using her videos to post on my groups Facebook page so my students can learn from her. I have also been learning new skills from her as a student! Never too old to learn more tricks (I’m coming for you Russian Leaps!) 

You could check her out and find other people on your newsfeed who are doing the same! We will keep you up-to-date with who is producing what type of content! Here is her Instagram and Youtube links for you to check out! 

3. I stumbled upon an instagram account called drumsforall who has music and tutorials up to support students of all skill levels. I know I am not a drum person, so I have asked someone to check out the content – it. Is. legit. If you are looking for small segments of instruction to keep your skills up, this is definitely for you. 

4. Anyone having to plan virtual classes, rehearsals, or auditions? Winds, percussion, guard, dance teams….so many people trying to merge this GROUP activity into a virtual experience. You all deserve so much praise. SO. MUCH. 

At the school I work with, Meghan Brackett has been KILLING the online game. Not 

only is every day a spirit day to keep up the hype, she has posted small routines and step-by-step Facebook Live events to learn dances and weapon technique. She runs yoga sessions, and even She has really been a light in for our group to make sure our students are still active, growing, and building their love of the sport! 

She recently started using the BandApp– she has loved it so might be worth checking out if you are also in this position! 

5. Are you trying to create a leadership team or work with a group of people? Taking this time to find how your leadership team or team in general communicates and interacts is very important. Take a zoom call with your group, send them the personality test of your choice and discuss the different personalities mesh together. This will increase your connection as a group and use this Zoom time for good!!

6. And just for fun – watching fun and creative TikToks will always pass the time. 

These links have so many resources to explore and make them fit your personal needs – whether that is training, educating, binging, or learning yourself. There are SO many options out there….it can be overwhelming. Pick resources and tools that align with your end goals and visions, make you feel great, and inspire you! Plus, the more you explore, the more sites you will accidentally stumble upon that might change everything. That is what this community is all about. 

Do you know of more content and resources that we haven’t seen yet? Comment so we can check it out!