Scott Lang Leadership Seminars

WOW…has June been incredible.  What started in Iowa and ended in Colorado has been one of the more amazing months in recent memories.  I can honestly state that my travels from PPC, to BOA and beyond have created enough memories to last a life time.  I want to thank everyone involved in making the past four weeks so special and know that I deeply appreciate all of your efforts to help make music education a more meaningful experience for everyone involved.

In an effort to make leadership more accessible to both students and staff, we will be launching a new website in the coming weeks.  In addition to making information more accessible, we will also be adding new features including a video blog, curricula features and more.  Please keep checking back to see our progress.

The slate of summer workshops has begun and it is time for me to hit the road.  I am excited to be seeing some of my old friends and colleagues and working with the nearly ten thousand students in their programs.  Be sure to check my calendar to see when I might be in your area and if you are interested in hosting your own workshop, be sure to send me an email ASAP as there are only a few open dates remaining.

Make the first step in taking your group to the next level by contacting me today.  I guarantee you that we will make an immediate and lasting impact on your students.

Grainger, you stood by my side through everything, loving me unconditionally and trusting without question.  You survived two relocations, one marriage, a cranky baby, and the passing of your sister.  It seems almost surreal to me that you are gone and I wanted you to know how much I loved you and how you were a part of not just our family, but of me as a person.  You were more like me than anyone ever realized and I took comfort in knowing that regardless of my misgivings, misfortunes or missteps, you were there to love me.  I will miss you sweet girl more than words can say.  Sleep well, and give Samba a big kiss from me.

This is one of those urban fables that happens to be true. Steve Lopez is a newspaper columnist for the Los Angeles Times; Nathaniel Ayers is a troubled man with a brilliant past.

They met by chance on the streets of downtown L.A. – an encounter that would change them both. The story of their friendship is a tale about madness, redemption, and the mysterious power of music. At the insistence of Mr. Ayers, who was taught good manners as a child, they call each other “Mister.”

Please take the time to watch the 60 Minutes clip below as it is sure to both warm your heart and inspire your soul.  It is yet another example of the power of music and the importance of what you do.  The full story of this remarkable friendship is due to be released as a major motion picture entitled “The Soloist” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Lopez.

Four years ago, during a workshop with Carmel High School, their marching tech, Jeff Young approached me and wanted to talk about the workshop and the business of music education.  I quickly learned that Jeff was much more than a marching tech at Carmel, he was a Notre Dame graduate, and biology teacher at Carmel and had recently produced an instructional video on marching techniques for the modern marching band.  Four years later, Jeff and his band of brothers at Carmel have produced four instructional DVD’s, a series of eclectic shows for marching band and are in demand as clinicians and guest artists.

This week, Jeff debuted his new website and an instructional summit his company is holding in Indianapolis during DCI’s Finals weekend.  This star studded summit is a virtual who’s who in the art form and promises to be both enlightening and entertaining.  Events like these, make me want to teach again.

If you would like to know more about Jeff Young’s company or his educational event, please visit his website at www.dynamicmarching.com.

Last night I attended a banquet raising funds for The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps.  I can honestly say that events such as this help to reinvigorate me and restore my faith in our activity.  This mission of the organization “Building great people through great performances”, permeated everything they do and anyone who has spent any time with this group can readily see what a special organization it is.

I am deeply honored to have been a part of the development of this group and encourage each and every one of you to check out this special organization.  If you are looking to surround yourself with the best people I know, this is where you want to be.  For more information about this wonderful group, you can visit their site at www.arizonaacademy.org.