CLINIC
Information
The Section Leader Clinic is ideal for beginners, advanced marchers, and section leaders. Over the course of this 4-day clinic at SWC Illinois, student leaders learn how to teach marching fundamentals, run music rehearsals, and assist their band directors with organization and administration. Leadership concepts are woven into the curriculum to develop students as individuals. Students will develop confidence, and learn how to become a valuable asset to their band, section, and director.
Develop your leaders
Over the course of 4 days, this clinic will show students how to teach and administer marching, music sectionals, and rehearsals all while gaining the training they need to become effective leaders.
Beginning to advanced
Beginning students walk away experienced and knowledgeable, trained and ready to contribute to their home band. The end goal is to provide concepts and tools in order to empower students within their own programs where they can apply and adapt their new understanding.
CURRICULUM
Leadership
New and returning students will experience how to be great leaders in their ensembles through motivation, attitude, and team building concepts. Critical thought and problem-solving skills are the greatest tools for a leader and we push students to strive for a higher level or organization and dicipline.
Rehearsal
Students will learn how to read drill charts and apply them to the field using measurements and the grid system. The pacing of a good rehearsal and how to clean both music and drill along with the process of teaching
Music
Students will work on music fundamentals like tone production, dynamics, and intonation. The unification of musical expression throughout the ensemble and tips for the structure of running a rehearsal or sectional.
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
7:15 am | Breakfast |
8:30 am | Classes |
11:00 am | Band Rehearsal |
12:15 pm | Lunch |
1:30 pm | Music Rehearsal |
3:30 pm | Break |
3:45 pm | Classes |
5:15 pm | Dinner |
6:30 pm | Classes |
8:30 pm | Recreation Time |
7:45 pm | Classes Conclude |
11:00 pm | Lights Out |
CLINICIAN
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Bob Medworth
Bob Medworth was the band director at Northview High School (formerly Brazil HS) for 41 years. During that time his marching bands were Indiana State Finalists 39 times and have won 10 state championships. His drum corps involvement as a marching technician and caption supervisor has included The Star of Indiana, Carolina Crown, the Madison Scouts and he is currently on the staff of the World Champion Bluecoats. Bob was also a member of the Brass Theater and Blast! staff as well as ......
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.
Curriculum Performance
At the end of the week, our student demonstrate their skills for family and friends. This gives you a brief glimpse into our curriculum and skills described above.
2023 Closing Ceremonies: Section Leader Clinic | Musical Performance
2024 Closing Ceremonies: Section Leader Clinic | Visual Performance
2024 Closing Ceremonies Livestream: Drumline & Front Ensemble, Section Leader, & Color Guard
CLOSING
Ceremonies
For parents, friends, and directors, closing ceremonies will be held at O’Brien Field 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!
Section Leader Ceremony
July 11, 2025 at 10:30 AM
PRICES
Eastern Illinois University - Charleston IL
July 8th - 11th, 2025
RESIDENT
Includes all instruction,
housing, and meals
(Staying with us on campus.
Most common selection.)
$385
COMMUTER
Includes all instruction, and lunch and dinner each day
$305
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.