This summer, four members of the King’s Academy marching band and color guard attended the Music for All Summer Symposium and Leadership Weekend Experience. TKA seniors Sierra Cortes, Sarah Hood, Gwyneth Lowe and Celeste McDonald traveled to Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., for the opportunity to grow as musicians, performers and leaders.
The two-day Leadership Weekend Experience exposed them to team-building exercises, strategies and techniques using hands-on problem solving activities.
“We learned the true dynamics of leadership and how to lead effectively,” Lowe said. “They forced us to get out of our comfort zone and develop not only leadership skills, but life skills that are truly important.”
Following the two-day leadership laboratory, Lowe and McDonald moved on to the Drum Major Track where they received personalized lessons, helping them to develop a foundation for conducting. Lessons included conducting instruction and evaluation, teaching and communication techniques, and also concerts and events every night. Color Guard captains Cortes and Hood attended the Color Guard Track and spent time immersing themselves in extensive training in amazing facilities. The intensive sessions included instruction in dance and movement, performance, and flag, rifle and sabre technique.
All four girls are excited to put what they learned into practice this year.
Above: Sarah Hood, Celeste McDonald, Gwyneth Lowe and Sierra Cortes.
