posted May 31, 2012 4:49 PM by Ward Miller
The Jaguar Marching Band's comprehensive use of technology is on display today at the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Athletic Band Symposium. The annual conference is being held this year on the campus of The Ohio State University.
The Director of the Jaguar Marching Band, Dr. Ward Miller, is outlining the multitude of innovative ways in which the band uses technology to recruit, administrate, and develop.
"We're very proud to be able to present this material to college band directors from across the country," said Dr. Miller. "We feel that the technology solutions we use, from connected social media and personal recording assignments to internal Twitter messaging accounts and electronic roll-taking, make our band a better and more productive experience for our members."
The three-day conference features a host of research and presentations from collegiate athletic band directors throughout the United States. This is the second presentation on the Jaguar Marching Band this year that has been selected for showcase at a CBDNA event. Earlier this Spring, a video of the Jaguar Marching Band was selected for a juried exhibition at the CBDNA Southern Division Conference.
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posted May 16, 2012 7:08 AM by Ward Miller
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updated May 16, 2012 7:08 AM
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 This S aturday, May 19th, The Jaguar Drumline will be holding its annual free Audition Clinic from10:00 am to 4:00pm. The clinic is open to all incoming freshman and transfer students who wish to audition for the 2012 Jag' Drumline and Front Ensemble. The event affords potential members an opportunity to work and prepare with the Jag' Drumline Staff on the 2012 audition packet materials. All events held will be held at the Laidlaw Peforming Arts Center.
The Jag Drumline fields a full marching percussion section (snares, tenors, bass drums, and cymbals) with a front ensemble, and boasts a modern playing and arranging style. All members are chosen by audition and receive a scholarship. Mr. Matt Greenwood, assisted by Mr. Jeremy Megginson, directs and arranges for the USA Marching Drumline. Every percussionists who gains membership in the USA Marching Band will receive a $2000 renewable annual scholarship. Students who pay out-of-state tuition will receive a larger scholarship, and recipients of Florida's Bright Futures scholarships will receive a matching scholarship from USA.
Audition packets for the 2012 Jag' Drumline are now available.
AUDITION PACKET RECORDINGS
Practice along with these recordings to prepare your audition!
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posted May 1, 2012 6:19 AM by Ward Miller
The Jaguar Marching Band is pleased to open the member intent form to its new and returning members for the 2012 season. The intent form is used to set a final roster for the marching band, to purchase uniforms and other apparel, and to gather other data necessary to operate the band to the convenience of its members. The form is open only to students who have successfully auditioned for the Jaguar Marching Band, and who have received and returned a signed scholarship agreement. The form cannot be filled out unless the student has taken care of all personal business regarding on-campus housing (if applicable) and orientation registration (required of all freshmen and transfer students). To make your membership official in the 2012 Jaguar Marching Band, fill it out today! |
posted Apr 29, 2012 12:11 PM by Ward Miller
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updated Apr 29, 2012 12:12 PM
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The official scholarship audition dates have passed, but, as always, the USA Department of Music and the Jaguar Marching Band will continue to hear auditions well into the summer months.
"Yes, we continue hearing many students well into June each year," said Dr. Ward Miller, USA's Associate Director of Bands. "This year it's exciting because we've heard a greater quality and quantity of auditions than we ever have before. But there's always room for more talented students."
The key, Miller points out, is that the auditions are selective, not competitive.
"We stress to students every year that they're really not competing with anyone but themselves. If they pass the audition criteria and gain acceptance either as a major, or as a member of the Jaguar Marching Band, they will receive a significant scholarship."
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posted Apr 17, 2012 11:48 AM by Ward Miller
The Jaguar Marching Band is excited to be hosting its annual color guard audition clinic this Saturday, April 21 here at the University of South Alabama. As in past years, the clinic is optional and has no bearing on auditions this summer. However, students find that it helps everyone get to know each other, and to know what to expect at the auditions. The clinic is open to high school seniors and any other students who seek to audition for the 2012 Jaguar Marching Band Color Guard.
Please note that flags and poles will be provided at the clinic, so candidats need not bring their own equipment. Students should wear comfortable, simple clothing and footwear that are appropriate for flag and body work. Halter tops and sports bras must be covered by a t-shirt or other article of clothing.
The clinic will take place in the Jaguar Marching Band's rehearsal hall in the HPELS building on that South Alabama campus. A map and directions are available here.
The clinic begins at 1:30 PM, and will conclude by 5:00 PM. Ample time for restroom and water breaks will be provided. There are restrooms and water fountains in the building, though you may want to bring your own water source for the afternoon.
If you are traveling a long distance and feel you may need to spend the night in Mobile, a list of quality, affordable hotels near the USA campus is provided below. We look forward to seeing this Saturday. GO JAGS!
Ashbury Hotel & Suites
600 S Beltline Hwy
Mobile, AL 36608
Comfort Suites
80 Springdale Blvd.
Mobile, AL 36606
Courtyard by Marriott
1000 South Beltline Highway
Mobile, AL 36609
Days Inn
180 W I65 Service Rd S
Mobile, AL 36608
Fairfield Inn By Marriott
950 West i-65 Service Road South
Mobile, AL 36609
Homewood Suites
530 Providence Park Drive East
Mobile, AL 36695
La Quinta Inn
816 W I65 Service Rd S
Mobile, AL 36609
Quality Inn And Suites
150 W I65 Service Rd S
Mobile, AL 36608
Residence Inn By Marriott
950 West I 65 Service Road South
Mobile, AL 36609
TownePlace Suites By Marriott
1075 Montlimar Drive
Mobile, AL 36609
Wingate by Wyndham
516 Springhill Plaza Ct
Mobile, AL 36608
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posted Mar 30, 2012 3:00 PM by Ward Miller
The Jaguar Marching Band is pleased to announce the student leadership and support staff for the 2012 season. Dr. Ward Miller, Director of Athletic Bands, is excited about the announcement.
"We're so pleased to make this announcement," he said. "This year we had more qualified applicants than ever before, and the decisions were even harder than in past years. This band was built on the input and hard work of our students, and we're confident that this coming season will continue that process."
With this fall's marching band projected to be larger than ever, as well as the greatest number of returning students in the band's history, and exciting Sunbelt and SEC opponents, the 2012-2013 season looks to be a banner year for the Jaguar Marching Band.
As in previous years, students had to apply to become a staff member. Selections were made based on prior performance, as well collaborative discussion amongst current band faculty and staff. Congratulations to the following students:
- Drum Major: Rebecca Mitchell
- Feature Twirler: Melissa DiCesare
- Undergraduate Teaching Assistants: LT Hughes and Kathleen Killebrew
- Piccolo Section Leaders: Kaitlyn Hughes and Brianna Smith
- Clarinet Section Leaders: Emily Allen, Diamond Gray, and Becca Tang
- Alto Sax Section Leaders: Karl Bentley and Daeshen Smith
- Trumpet Section Leaders: Jess Alexander, Jonathan Beckham, and Catie Stephens
- Mellophone Section Leaders: Jackie LeBatard and Morgan Wilkins
- Trombone Section Leaders: Alex Forte and Robert Hammon
- Baritone-Euphonium Section Leader: Chase West
- Tuba Section Leaders: Daniel McBride and Chris McCrary
- Color Guard Captains: Rosemary Catlin and Shanicka Fleming
- Uniform Committee: Claire Cawthon, Jonathan Faust, Christopher Gaal, Beth Holmes, Eden Mims, David Morrison, Kyle Phillips, Ricky Nguyen, Matthew Schmidt, Kat Scott, Nathan Shadix, Tyler Williams
- Managers: Bryant Camery, Maranda Fleming, Jaleesa Gibbs, Jessica Glover, Emily Isaacson, Gabriela Merz, Emily Muncaster, Robert Scarbrough
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posted Mar 30, 2012 12:44 PM by Ward Miller
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updated Mar 30, 2012 1:50 PM
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The audition materials for the 2012-2013 Jag Drumline are now available. The packets are available as a downloadable PDF for each of the battery instruments, as well as the front ensemble. In addition to these packets, digital recordings of each exercise are available for students to utilize when practicing and preparing for the auditions. The auditions take place on the USA campus July 11-13, 2012, and students must apply in order to attend. A free, optional audition clinic for all students eligible to audition will be held on the USA campus on Saturday, May 19.
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posted Mar 24, 2012 2:55 PM by Ward Miller
At today's Spring Scrimmage in Ladd-Peebles Stadium, the Jaguar Marching Band proudly introduced the new drum major for the 2012 season. Rebecca Mitchell, a sophomore elementary education major, was named the drum major after several months of rigorous auditions. The passing of the mace, from three-year veteran drum major Cody Salter, took place on the 50 yard line during halftime at the annual exhibition. (Pictured at right Cody Salter, USA's drum major for three seasons, with new drum drum major Rebecca Mitchell)
"I'm extremely honored and excited to have this opportunity," Rebecca said. "I'm really looking forward to all of the opportunities to represent the University of South Alabama."
Rebecca hails from Ijamsville, Maryland. She is the Distinguished Young Woman of Maryland, and a USA Presidential Scholar.
Candidates for drum major have to have at least one year’s experience marching with the band. They must be nominated by their peers, give a written application, attend training sessions, interview with the band faculty and staff, and demonstrate conducting with the USA Symphony Band. Finally, they must demonstrate their ability to teach marching fundamentals to their peers, as well as demonstrate the pre-game high-kick and other physically demanding tasks.
Rebecca will debut as drum major with the 2012 Jaguar Marching Band on Thursday, August 30 as the Jaguars open their season at home versus the University of Texas - San Antonio. |
posted Mar 19, 2012 8:48 AM by USA Music
Dr. Ward Miller, USA's Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands, has been named the Director of the National Cherry Blossom Festival All-Star Band. The All-Star Band, consisting of over 300 high school band performers from throughout the United States, will perform in the annual parade in the nation's capitol city this April 14, 2012.
"It's a tremendous honor," says Dr. Miller. "I'm looking forward to representing our University as we work with these fine students from across the country."
The festival is even more special this year, as 2012 is the 100th anniversary of the venerable event. The All-Star Band will march in the Festival Parade along Constitution Avenue. |
posted Mar 18, 2012 11:14 AM by Ward Miller
Saturday, March 24 at the annual "Red and White" spring scrimmage in Ladd-Peebles Stadium, the University of South Alabama Jaguar Marching Band will announce a new drum major. Cody Salter, a senior in Mechanical Engineering from Theodore, has served as the Jaguar Marching Band's first and only drum major in the three-year history of the ensemble. On Saturday, Salter will pass the mace to a new leader.
"It's bittersweet," says Dr. Ward Miller, Director of the Jaguar Marching Band. "I've worked with and observed drum majors in a variety of high school and college programs across the country, and I can say without a doubt he is the best I've ever seen. His musicianship, leadership, and performance abilities have been so impressive. At the same time, this marks another milestone in our band's short but impressive history."
Salter's successor will be chosen from the three remaining finalists auditioning today on the USA campus. All three students have marched in the band for one season, and have already passed a rigorous process to come this far. Candidates had to be nominated by student leaders within the band, attend workshops with the current drum major, and then complete a written application. Those selected from the written application had to be interviewed by the Jaguar Marching Band faculty and staff before advancing to a round of conducting tests with the University Symphony Band.
Today's final audition will take place at 2PM on the band's rehearsal field along Old Shell Road, next to the Mitchell Center. Each candidate will demonstrate the physical abilities required to become drum major, most notably the famous downfield high kick from the band's traditional pre-game show. In addition, the candidates must demonstrate their marching fundamental teaching ability with a group of students. The new drum major's announcement on Saturday, March 24 will signal a world of responsibilities for the student chosen to lead the band. Dr. Miller elaborated on those duties.
"There's so much more to being the drum major than the pre-game high kick and conducting the band. The drum major serves as a staff member in rehearsals, as a conflict resolver amongst band members, and as an ambassador to the rest of campus and to the community at large. The drum major is the face of our band." |
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