Red River Drum and Auxiliary Camp Holds Seventh Annual Camp

Press Release Date: 08-10-2009

The 2009 Red River Drum & Auxiliary Camp was held again this summer at Lake Murray State Park in Ardmore, Oklahoma from July 13 through July 17. The week-long camp, under the direction of Southeastern music professor Dr. Marc M. White, provides instruction for drumline, colorguard, and drum major students grades 6-12. According to White "the camp began in 2003 with an enrollment of 65 members and has grown to over 300 participants representing 70 schools across Oklahoma and Texas".

The camp developed out of the need for quality percussion and auxiliary (colorguard and drum major) instruction in Southern Oklahoma. Many of the area high school band directors expressed an interest in sending their students to a summer camp that could improve their skills in preparation for the fall marching band season. "Since many schools in our region do not have qualified percussion or auxiliary instructors on staff, the need for this type camp was apparent," White said. The decision to hold the camp at Lake Murray State Park was made to provide an attractive and logistically feasible site to accommodate students, directors, and staff. "The resort is capable of providing lodging and facilities for over 300 people and since most instruction and activities need to take place outdoors, the State Park was an obvious choice," according to White.

The students participate in a variety of education and recreation activities throughout the week. Drum students/percussionists are trained in musicianship, performance techniques, music reading, drill commands, instrument care and tuning, as well as learning new literature and unique compositions for a final performance. Colorguard members receive instruction in motion fundamentals, choreography, visual routines, and prepare complete arrangements for a final performance. Drum majors/conductors participate in sessions on score study, rehearsal techniques, vocal techniques, leadership training, conducting, and preparing literature for a final performance. Also offered are separate sessions dedicated to working with each school’s drumline members, private lessons for individual students, and staff clinics and performances.

A special highlight of the 2009 RRDAC was a visit by the profession Drum & Bugle corp "Blue Knights" from Denver, Colorado. This 200+ member DCI division I ensemble gave all camp members a chance to observe first-hand a world-class professional performing ensemble in their discipline. According to White "this opportunity is an invaluable experience for young students, allowing them to gain insight and inspiration from an innovator in the drum and auxiliary field."

Staff members for the 2009 camp consist mostly of Southeastern alumni. "We have 20 staff members and 14 of them have direct connections to Southeastern," White said. The 2009 staff included the following former students and alumni:

Dr. Marc M. White, director
Jack Francis, co-director & former student
Hank Patterson, Alumni
Jerime Harris, Alumni
Tony Tiger, former student
Alan Gray, Alumni
Matt Neal, Alumni
Stephanie Arnold-Fulton, Alumni
Geri Smith, Alumni
Angela Vaughn-Neal, Alumni
Jesse Speer, Alumni
Justin Vaughan, current student
Derek Fleeman, current student
Christina Modjeski-Gray, current student

For more information on the camp, please visit: http://www.geocities.com/redrivercamp