Educators Session
This is not just for band directors -
Brass, Percussion, Visual, and Guard staffs are encouraged to attend!
This workshop is designed to offer participants the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced and talented marching arts designers and educators in the activity.
Participants will have the chance to attend workshops and seminars led by renowned designers who will share their expertise on a variety of topics. These topics may include music selection, show design, inspiration, and tips and tricks on running ensemble rehearsals. Through these sessions, participants will gain valuable insights into the creative process behind successful marching band, indoor, and DCI performances.
In addition to the workshops and seminars, participants will also have the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals, share ideas and experiences, and collaborate on potential future projects. The workshop is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about the marching arts to connect with other professionals in the industry and gain valuable knowledge and experience to take their ensembles to the next level.
Attend for free!
Presenters include Tom Aungst, Ensemble Coordinator & Shane Gwaltney, Program Coordinator
Tom Aungst is the Director of Percussion at Dartmouth Public Schools in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. His job includes teaching percussion students at all levels of the program, from the beginners starting in 5th grade, to the middle and high school students. Tom has been in the Dartmouth school system for the past 30 years. Under Tom’s direction, Dartmouth has participated in the WGI indoor percussion activity since 1998, capturing five World Class Percussion Championships (1998, 1999, 2008, 2009, 2014) and has consistently placed in the top three.
Tom has also been involved in the drum corps activity for over 40 years, most recently with The Cadets Drum & Bugle Corps as the Caption Head and Arranger. He was formerly the Caption Head for Carolina Crown in 2015 and 2016.
He got his start in drum corps in the late 70’s by marching with the Reading Buccaneer’s all-age corps, winning two DCA World Championships in 1979 and 1980. In 1981, Tom became involved with The Cadets, first as a member from 1981-1984, a snare tech from 1985-1988, then becoming the Percussion Arranger and Caption Head from 1989 through 2008. He later returned as a consultant in 2013. While with the corps, Tom was involved with capturing nine world championships and seven high percussion awards. Mr. Aungst has always remained actively involved in the drum corps activity, writing for the Cadets2 corps in 2013, and working with various groups like the Blue Stars, Pacific Crest, Hawthorne Caballeros, and the Connecticut Hurricanes.
Tom is a member of The Cadets, Drum Corps International, World Drum Corps, and the WGI Halls of Fame. He is a graduate of West Chester University, where he received a Bachelor’s in Music Education and also has a Master’s in Jazz Performance from Rutgers University. Tom is a Vic Firth, Yamaha, Zildjian and Remo artist. He is also a proud father to Alan Aungst and Noah Aungst.
Shane Gwaltney is a Program Coordinator, Visual Designer, and Battery Arranger in the Music and Visual Arts. He was a charter member of Music City Mystique Indoor Percussion Ensemble and has been instrumental in the group's success for 28 years.
Shane has arranged and worked with ensembles in DCI, such as Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps, Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, and Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. His inspiration and motivation comes from the kids and programs that allow him to be involved. Currently, Shane is the Program Coordinator/Battery Arranger/Visual Designer at Music City Mystique, the Program Coordinator at Music City Drum and Bugle Corps, teaches and designs at Ravenwood HS, along with working with several High School and Independent WGI ensembles across the country.
He is a proud artist and clinician for Innovative Percussion, Pearl Drums, Evans Drum Heads\Planet Waves, and Zildjian Cymbals. You can contact Shane at shanegwaltney@syncedupdesigns.com.