Our recent and rapid growth is significantly affected by our clinicians and instructors. They are carefully selected from across the country based upon their success in their respective specialties. They all have earned a national reputation and have proved to be positive, enthusiastic, talented, creative and responsible educators. Their backgrounds come from major drum corps, universities, colorguards, high schools and other performing ensembles. The positive feedback we get from students and directors is substantial. The quality of our SW staff undoubtedly accounts for the very high return rate each summer.
SWC Guest Clinician
— Leadership Workshop
Orchestra Director at Avon High School
Dean Westman is the Orchestra Director at Avon High School in Avon, Indiana. Mr. Westman also serves as a Program Coordinator for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Bands of America Grand National Champion Avon High School Marching Black and Gold. Prior to coming to Avon, Dean worked as the Educational Director for Bands of America [...] Read More
Darren Hicks
SWC Head Clinican
— Mace & Signal Baton Workshop
Director of Bands at Urbana, IL High School
Darren has been an instructor since 2001 and is credited with establishing the Mace & Signal Baton Workshop at Smith Walbridge. Darren received the Tom Peacock Advanced Showmanship Award and has SWC Drum Major First Class certification in mace. Darren is a former drum major of the Marching Illini at the University of Illinois. Read More
Alfred Watkins
SWC Guest Clinician
— Marching Band Directors Workshop
Director of Bands at Lassiter, retired
Alfred has been the Director of Bands at Lassiter since 1982. He has established a fine reputation as an adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor throughout the United States. Under his leadership, the Lassiter Band has grown from its original 78 members to its present size of 350 music students. The program now includes five symphonic [...] Read More
David W. Vandewalker
SWC Guest Clinician
— Marching Band Directors Workshop
Director of Bands at Harrison High School, GA
David is on the Board of Directors, National Band Association Chairman, GMEA Music Selection Committee for Band Sudler Flag of Honor Recipient, The Sousa Foundation. David W. Vandewalker is currently the Director of Bands at Harrison High School in the Cobb County Public Schools (GA). He serves both the Georgia State Board of Education and [...] Read More
Abbey Houser
SWC Administrator
— All Clinics Administration
Director of Bands: Mayo Middle School in Paris, Illinois
Abbey is the former drum major of the Brighton Marching 200 in Brighton Michigan. Most recently, Abbey earned her Bachelor’s degree in music education from Western Michigan University, where she also served as Drum Major of the Bronco Marching Band for 3 years. She is currently the director of bands at Mayo Middle School in [...] Read More
Gatorland Camps:Â Marching Percussion Guest Clinician Smith Walbridge:Â Marching Band Directors Workshop and Marching Percussion Guest Clinician Sponsored by Evans Drumheads and D’Addario Jim Bailey is the Staff Coordinator and battery arranger for I-2 Percussion. His music experience spans several genres and has been displayed in many countries. He has served as a member, staff [...] Read More
Brie Shadensack
SWC Administrator
— All Clinics Administration
Associate Director of Bands at Galesburg High School
Brie is the Associate Director of Bands at Galesburg High School where she serves as the director of the Symphonic and Concert Bands and the Director of the Jazz Program. Brie also teaches 6th grade beginning band at Lombard Middle School in Galesburg. Brie has served as Director of Bands at Salem Community High School. [...] Read More
