Tips for a Successful Marching Band – with Barry Houser, Yamaha Master Educator
About this Webinar –
This webinar is PACKED with great tips for building a successful marching band. Whether your band competes or simply plays for halftime – whether your band is established or going through a building process – whether your program has a large or small budget – you’ll find important concepts, ideas, and tips for you. The webinar addresses nine key topics –
- Student Leadership – Drum Majors
- Student Leadership – Section Leaders
- Student Motivation and Attitude
- Show Music Selection
- Show Drill Design
- Teaching Drill
- Going Digital
- Online Tools
- Miscellaneous Tips and Tricks
About the Clinician –
Barry L. Houser is the Associate Director of Bands, Director of the Marching Illini, and Director of the Fighting Illini Athletic Bands where his responsibilities include conducting the Hindsley Symphonic Band, the Athletic Bands, and the 375 member Marching Illini in addition to teaching marching band procedures. Professor Houser’s teaching experience encompasses both extensive public school and university experiences.
Barry is often called upon to serve as an ambassador for the University. He is also known for being knowledgeable on the history of the University of Illinois Band program and is an advocate for furthering the program’s history of innovation.
Bands under Barry Houser’s direction have performed at events at the national and local level, ranging from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the NBC Today Show to the ISSMA State Marching Finals and the IMEA State Convention. Bands under Houser’s direction also performed at Chicago Bears Games, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, the Indianapolis 500 Parade, the Outback Bowl Parade and Half-Time Show, the Target Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Washington DC National Memorial Parade, as well as included performances with Maynard Ferguson and the Dallas Brass.
He is also the Director and Head Clinician for the Smith Walbridge Clinics, one of the largest marching band/leadership camps of its type in the United States of America. Barry Houser is also a Yamaha Master Educator.

This recorded webinar was joined live by the band staff at Carthage High School, Carthage MO. They include Jennifer Sager, Director of Bands and Brass Specialist – Matthew Bennett, Band Director and Woodwind Specialist – Salvador Prado, Band Director and Percussion Specialist – David Luxton, Band Director and Woodwind Specialist.
To gain the most benefit, please follow these suggested steps:
Step One – Download the Note Page

Prepare to either type your notes into the Word.doc or Google Doc and save the changes, or write in your notes by hand into a printed copy.
Step Two – 
As you view the webinar, we encourage you to take notes as you go along. Feel free to stop the recording and rewind as needed.
Step Three – Download the Action Plan Template

Choose either format; Word Doc or Google Doc. After considering the key points that you wish to implement, describe the point in the ACTION BOX select a date for the initial implementation. Then, select a date that you plan to review and assess the success of the implementation.
Step Four – 
An 80% score or better will result in a Certificate of Completion emailed to the address you provide. Those scoring less than 80% will be allowed to retake the quiz. In order to do so, you’ll need to register in the quiz with an alternate email.
Step Five – Review the Follow-up Links and Materials Below
Smith-Walbridge Clinics – Mentioned in the webinar, these annual summer clinics include sessions for drum majors, student leaders, flags and rifles, drum line, front ensemble, as well as those for the marching band director. Barry Houser currently serves as its president.
Contact Barry Houser by EMAIL
See more on these topics at The Nottelmann Blog:
