System Blue Leadership Camp Teaches High School Musicians How to Lead a Marching Band by Felicia Agrelius - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

System Blue Leadership Camp Teaches High School Musicians How to Lead a Marching Band

By Felicia Agrelius, Community Writer
July 6, 2013 at 10:47am. Views: 161

The System Blue Leadership Camp brought over 300 high school band students to Grand Terrace High School (GTHS) last week from June 27 through 29. Organized by Patrick Seidling, the leadership program has run annually since 2009. Geared towards band section leaders and drum majors, participants come to learn marching skills and improve their musical technique while also learning how to lead a band efficiently. The three-day intensive took place thanks to the support and guidance of GTHS principal Angela Dischinger and band director Robert Ransdell. The school’s large campus and stadium are provided a perfect setting for the camp, with ample room for students to make use of in their participation, while color guard girls twirled their flags in the gym, and brass and percussion students studied and practiced elsewhere on the campus. Student participants also highlighted leadership as a major focus. Their first night concluded with a workshop with Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, who travels around the nation with his company, Attitude Concepts for Today, Inc. Many musicians raved about his clinic, and pinpointed that as their favorite part of the program. Students from Moorpark High School recollected what Dr. Tim taught them. He stressed that the student leaders were “servants, not bosses, responsible for helping the group as a whole,” explained Sarah Morningred, who is a drum major and mallet player, embracing the group mentality with her inclusion of Serrano High School student Natalie Maust into the group of Moorpark musicians. Dr. Tim's presence seemed to be a high point for many of the students. Even event staff, such as Michael Manguinao, who was his school’s drum major before graduating, called him “phenomenal.” The reasoning behind this might be because Dr. Tim realizes how unique high school band programs are. He sees that students are very young, but given huge responsibilities: drum majors lead warm-ups, keep the band in tune, direct practices, and serve as constant role models. He teaches that leadership is more than just giving orders. Diana Fu, a trumpet player and drum major out of Foothill High School in the Bay area, summarized the sentiment: It is about “the little things.” During the workshop, Dr. Tim told the students that he had $2,000 in his pocket. The musicians would get that money, provided that they held eye contact with him for the entire presentation. Every time that someone looked away, he would take out $100. By the end of the clinic, his pocket was empty. He stressed that holding eye contact—a small gesture—is extremely important for leaders. Dr. Tim solidified that even seemingly meaningless actions like this make a high school student become a leader. Brian Howard, who was Blue Devils drum major for five years, said that “in every other sport, there is a bench.” He explained that in marching band, every musician is instrumental and part of the formation and the sound. Thus, it is necessary that band leaders emphasize doing the right thing and working hard. System Blue, in its three-day intensive camp, trained student musicians to lead with integrity and enthusiasm.

Related Articles

JW North High School Athlete of the Week: Escess Coony
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 441

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Your Home-Grown, “Budget Watchdog,” Councilman Doug Wilson, Is Still On The Job!

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 503

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

As Corporate Restaurants Retreat, Timber Ridge Bets on Local Ownership, Hospitality and People
Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 422

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Can Make a Life-Saving Difference
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 278

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Business Summit Brings Entrepreneurs and Community Leaders Together
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 450

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrates the Culture, History and Contributions That Help Shape the Inland Empire
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 600

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

County Library readers make waves during 2026 Summer Reading Program
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 582

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Moreno Valley Expands Volunteer Opportunities for Residents Ready to Give Back
Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 627

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Moreno Valley Begins Fall Fire Hazard Inspections
Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 433

Pet of the Week: Lady
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 372

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Kaiser Permanente Helps Give New Life to Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service
Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 635

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Walmart and Sam's Club Help Strengthen Food Access Across the Inland Empire
Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 310

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->