CLINIC
Information
The Drumline Clinic is designed for students of all ability levels, and on every drumline instrument. Over the course of 4 days, students develop their musicianship and leadership skills. They are exposed to both the musical and visual elements of a high performing drumline, and spend time refining those aspects.
Tricks of the trade
With "Chop Out Sessions", Learn the techniques to build stamina and endurance on your instrument in a high energy setting.
Warm ups
Learn fundamentals, excercises, and warmups to pop music tracks. All students will be given music packets and MP3's to drum along with at the clinic.
CURRICULUM
Music
Students will work on instrument specific packets that cover Matched Snare Drum Grip, Traditional Snare Drum Grip, Tenor Drum, Bass Drum, 2 Mallet Keyboard, and 4 Mallet Keyboard Techniques.
Visual
Learn percussion specific marching techniques like the standard roll-step, crab-step, backward-step, and toe-down technique. Visual exercises go hand-in-hand with our music click tracks. When you go home you can work on the music, the visual, or the total package.
Leadership
Leave camp with strategies and teaching skills to share what you have learned with your drumline back home. Rehersal etiquette, equipment care, and positive motivation all goes into being an effective member of a drumline.
Clinic Schedule
Below is an example of an average day schedule. For a more exact layout, go to our Information Documents page and download the PDF
8:30 AM | Warm-ups & Class |
12:15 PM | Lunch |
1:30 PM | Classes |
3:30 PM | Break |
3:45 PM | Classes |
5:15 PM | Dinner |
6:30 PM | Classes |
7:45 PM | Classes Conclude |
8:30 PM | Recreation Time |
11:00 PM | Lights Out |
7:15 AM | Breakfast |
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CLINICIAN
Aaron Kavelman
Aaron Kavelman is a percussion educator, clinician, performer and composer. With twenty-two years experience teaching private lessons and twenty years teaching drumlines throughout Illinois, Aaron brings a wealth of experience and passion to whomever he teaches. Regardless if it is on a competitive field or in support of athletics, he demands top effort from each group. Aaron also has numerous compositional and arranging credits throughout the Midwest from a variety of percussion programs. Aaron has a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music in percussion performance .....
For Your Information
If you are in need or more information, please download our information PDF's for more details. If you have a question, you may want to see if there is already an answer on our FAQ page. If you are looking for transportation information, please go to our Transportation page.
Curriculum Performance
At the end of the week, our student demonstrate their skills for family and friends. This gives you a brief glimpse into our curriculum and skills described above.
CLOSING
Ceremonies
For parents, friends, and directors, closing ceremonies will be held at O’Brien Field on the Eastern Illinois campus. Come and enjoy the performance and celebration of awards! Our in-house photography team will capture the moments and release all photos, free of charge, to remember the special day!
Drumline & Front Ensemble Clinics
July 11th, 2025 at 10:30 AM
PRICES
Eastern Illinois University - Charleston IL
July 8th-11th, 2025
RESIDENT
Includes all instruction,
housing, and meals
(Staying with us on campus.
Most common selection.)
$385
COMMUTER
Includes all instruction, and lunch and dinner each day
$305
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What if I arrive late?No problem! If you arrive a little later than the check-in window for your clinic, you'll report to the front desk of Taylor Hall. They will alert a member of our administrative staff, who will assist you with checking in, moving in, and getting you to your starting location for your camp!
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Where do I park?For clinic check-in and check-out (drop off and pick-up) park for free at Taylor Hall, OR across the street at the large parking lot. Signs will indicate lots at check-in and staff members will be outside for assistance. A detailed map is in our Information Packet. If the participant has driven him/herself, staff members will show you where to park after check-in (in the lot across the street from Taylor Hall). Those who will keep their cars at the camp will get a parking pass during check-in to display in their car after they have unloaded and parked for the clinic duration. Students 18 and under turn in their keys to a locked safe for the duration of the clinic, which is held by our administrative staff. Keys are returned at check-out. Smith Walbridge will not be responsible for those who get tickets when parking in area not approved for our staff and participants.
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Can I stay one or multiple extra nights?Early arrival or late departure situations (usually to get cheaper air fares, or to arrive in time for class) are available for $30.00 per night. This cost does not include any meals, however, meals can be purchased in the cafeteria until the meals for your camp begin. Even as an early arrival, you are "with" the clinics. Those 18 and under may not leave the dorm grounds. As a general rule, extra nights are reserved for those traveling from out of state or by public transportation. You may stay up to one night early and/or one additional night late. Extra nights are not available on or after July 25, as the dorms will be closed. Call us to make arrangements at least one week in advance.
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What public transportation options are available?These options are included in the Information Packet and on the Transportation page. Be sure to provide your information at least 5 days in advance of travel so we can schedule arrangements to pick you up and return you to your to your stations and terminals.