CLINIC
Information
The Smith Walbridge Mace & Signal Baton Clinic is specialized for drum majors. Teaching focuses on showmanship, using a mace or various types of signal batons. Students are encouraged to develop their own style by adapting the fundamentals they learn at the workshop. Instructors demonstrate how this is accomplished. The clinic is ideal for both high school and college drum majors, but anyone may attend!
See the results
As you progress through the Mace & Signal Baton Clinic, you will be able to see the progress you make over the course of the weekend clinic. Also, guest performers will demonstrate the potential of what hard work and practice can produce.
Taught by the best
Students will be instructed by some of the greatest spinning performers and music educators. All of the instructors are products of our program.
CURRICULUM
3 Levels of Instruction
With beginning, intermediate, and advanced tacks, all students will feel comfortable learning and perfecting the performance art of mace and signal batons.
Features
Combine the fundamentals to create your own routines and salutes. Learn tricks that will wow an audience and bring your performance to greater heights.
Equipment Used
The Mace & Signal Baton Clinic provides training in the use of the American Mace, Military Batons, and Signal Batons.
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
6:45 AM | Breakfast |
8:30 AM | Classes |
12:15 PM | Lunch |
1:30 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 |
CLINICIAN
Darren Hicks
Darren Hicks received his bachelors and masters degrees in Music Education as well as a masters degree in Educational Organization and Leadership from the University of Illinois. He taught in Galesburg, Illinois for nine years before coming to Urbana, Illinois in the fall of 2004. Darren is currently the Director of Bands at Urbana High School and the Music Coordinator for the Urbana School District.
Staff Skills
Check out the fantastic mace performances from our expert educators!
Mace & Signal Baton Staff Demos
Mace & Signal Baton Staff Demos
Teddy Malamis: 2024 Drum Major Staff Demonstration
Lacy Jewell: 2024 Drum Major Staff Demonstration
Sukhpreet Singh: 2024 Drum Major Staff Demonstration
Jake Burrows: 2024 Drum Major Staff Demonstration
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.
CLOSING
Ceremonies
For parents, friends, and directors, closing ceremonies will be held on the quad behind Taylor Hall 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!
Mace & Signal Baton Clinic Ceremony
July 20th, 2025 at 11:00 AM
PRICES
Eastern Illinois University - Charleston IL
July 18th-20th, 2025
RESIDENT
Includes all instruction,
housing, and meals
(Staying with us on campus.
Most common selection.)
$300
COMMUTER
Includes all instruction, and lunch and dinner each day
$240
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.