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
