Drum Corps Chats
"What would you ask Matt Harloff?" An interactive, live Q&A with brass legend Matt Harloff. Get direct answers to your questions about brass technique, marching arts leadership, and what it takes to perform at the highest level. When: November 15th, 5:00 PM Eastern. Where: Zoom Online After graduating from Indiana University in 1996 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, Matt Harloff was appointed the Assistant Band Director at Avon High School in Avon, IN. He earned a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Indianapolis in 2001. Matt co-conducts all five concert bands at Avon HS. The Avon Wind Symphony has had the honor of performing at the Indiana Music Educators Association Conference, as well as Indiana State Concert Band Championships where they have been named Indiana State Concert Band Champions numerous times. Mr. Harloff is the conductor of the Avon Brass Choir which has performed throughout the Midwest and shared concerts with various collegiate brass choirs including the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music Brass Ensemble. The Avon Brass Choir was honored to be a performing ensemble at the 2015 Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic. Mr. Harloff is one of the directors for the Avon Marching Black & Gold - a group that has won numerous Indiana State Marching Band Championships, been a consistent Bands of America Grand National Finalist, including being named Grand National Champion several times, and has also performed in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. In 2003, Matt joined Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps as the Brass Caption Head. Matt, with the support of management, a committed staff, and talented members, has built CrownBRASS to be one of the elite programs in the country. The Carolina Crown Brass Section has been awarded the Jim Ott Memorial Award for Excellence in Brass several times. Carolina Crown is a consistent Drum Corps International World Class Finalist and celebrated their first ever DCI World Class World Championship in the summer of 2013. Matt was a performing member of the DCI World Champion Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps from 1989-1995 and was drum major in 1993. Matt Harloff is proud to be a Yamaha Performing Artist. Matt is a native of Mt. Pleasant, IA, and is very proud of his musical family. His father, Bill is a retired band director and his brother Ben is a band director in Minnesota. Matt’s most important job is helping raise his two beautiful children, Tyson and Shaelyn. Matt is married to his wonderful wife, Susie, who shares his passion for the happiest place on earth: Walt Disney World.
"Teaching teachers in Drum Corps" Learn from esteemed educator, Mark Nichols. When: December 13th, 5:00 PM Eastern. Where: Zoom Online Mark is an accomplished music educator, clinician, and marching arts consultant with more than 25 years of experience in music education. Mark has served in leadership positions with several nationally recognized marching arts organizations, including the Santa Clara Vanguard, where he served as Brass Caption Head, and the Boston Crusaders, where he has been a member of the brass staff since 2023. His drum corps experience includes multiple championship performances and prestigious brass awards, including the Jim Ott Award. Most recently, Mark served as Associate Director of Bands at Clear Lake High School in Texas, where he helped guide the program to significant achievements, including its first Bands of America Finals appearance in 30 years. Mark holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Music Education from the University of North Texas and has completed graduate studies in instrumental conducting at Baylor University. Through Mark Nichols Consulting, LLC, he now works with band programs across the country, providing performance analysis, instructional guidance, and practical strategies to help directors and students achieve excellence. Known for his passion, energy, and encouraging approach, Mark believes that the foundation of great teaching is building relationships, developing strong fundamentals, and inspiring students to achieve more than they thought possible.
