Looking to take the next step in program design?
Want a fully integrated visual design that is tailored to your needs? That’s exactly what I do for each one of my clients. I don’t have stock drill and I don’t recycle designs. I work one-on-one with each school to make sure that you get a design that is creative, innovative, and the perfect visual compliment to your musical design. As a former band director, I know what works, and what doesn’t on the field. I never write something that I wouldn’t feel comfortable teaching myself!
Typical Design Process
Step 1 – Discovery
This is where I get to know you, the program, and your staff. We’ll discuss what you want and expect out of the visual design, what has been successful for you in the past and what you want to improve upon. This part of the process can take place face to face, through email, or on the phone – whatever works best for you. This is also where we will determine a timeline for design and create and sign contracts.
Step 2 – Program
This encompasses the initial show design meetings, both musically and visually. I prefer to be in on the process from the beginning so that I have a full understanding of the project. We’ll develop show timeline, select and make musical cuts (if necessary), and start creating the visual identity of the production.
Step 3 – Visual/Musical Collaboration
Probably the most critical part of the process, this is where we dig into the music and create our visual concepts and themes. We’ll pinpoint our visual “moments”, discuss the guard integration and use as well as staging considerations for winds and battery. We’ll combine all of these notes across captions into a living production sheet that will have notes from all directors and designers.
Step 4 – Creation
With the production sheet completed and music in hand, its time to start writing. You’ll received regular updates with animated videos that are synched to the music to view before anything is finalized. Charts and coordinate sheets aren’t sent until everyone is happy with the design. Drill is always accompanied by thorough notes and instructions, as well as advice on how to teach and clean specific sections.
Step 5 – Check-In
Once the drill is completed, lets make sure its working for you and your team. Is there something that needs to be adjusted? Something that isn’t working as intended? Or maybe you just have questions. I’m always here to help. My job isn’t done when I hit “send”, it’s done when you and your students are successful with the product! Our success is determined by your success!
Step 6 – Debrief
Once the season comes to its end, I believe its critical to meet again and review how things went along the way. We can gain valuable information from each other about the process, design, integration, and implementation once we’re off the hot seat of the season. This will help us to have a faster start to the following year and even more collaboration overall.