Drum Major and Leadership Academy

Drum Major and Leadership Academy

June 24–28, 2024

Come join us for a week of marching band leadership training designed for drum majors, section leaders, and captains. This camp will focus on leadership development and skills applicable to high school marching band leadership of all instrument and auxiliary students. The staff is comprised of “The Legend” Marching Band staff and students. Available for rising ninth through twelfth-grade students.

History and Curriculum 

The Drum Major and Leadership Academy has been a part of the marching arts community since the early days of the A. R. Casavant Cavalcade. The Casavant connection to IUP developed through involvement in this event as well as the hiring of Charles Casavant, director of the IUP Marching Band from 1976 to 2000. The event has evolved over the years, but the core of the training stays the same. While we do offer the instruction of the traditional IUP classical style, we do not expect all students/programs to be interested in this option. Drum majors will walk away with the ability to be successful in whatever style is appropriate for their home program. The camp currently caters to high school drum majors and marching band leadership through group instruction, hands-on teaching opportunities, and marching participation. 

Camp Staff

Zach Cheever - IUP Associate Director of Bands

Timothy Paul - IUP Director of Bands

Jerrod Cannistraci - IUP Marching Band Assistant Director

Stormie Cannistraci - IUP Visual Instructor

Elisa Hill - IUP Color Guard instructor 

Scott Kemerer - IUP Drumline instructor

Christina Gromley  - IUP Majorette instructor

Current graduate students and student leadership of the "The Legend" Marching Band 

2024 DMLA Schedule