This session will explore how principles of ensemble musicianship transfer between the marching field and concert stage, with a focus on timing, balance, blend, and spatial listening. Presenters will demonstrate practical rehearsal strategies that help teachers understand how sound behaves in different performance environments while reinforcing consistent musical fundamentals across seasons. Topics will include pulse development, ensemble alignment, metronome training, balance hierarchy planning, and rehearsal communication techniques that can be immediately applied in both marching and concert settings. Attendees will leave with adaptable tools and concepts designed to improve ensemble awareness, timing consistency, and overall musical cohesion.
Target Audience
High School Band, Collegiate Band, Band Directors, teachers, staff of any and all concert/marching bands
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Kevin Welborn
Kevin Welborn serves as Associate Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Alabama, where he assists with all aspects of the band program, contributes to the instruction and logistics of the Million Dollar Band, conducts the Symphonic Band, and teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting courses. Prior to returning to Alabama, he served as Director of Bands at Avon High School, one of the nation’s premier band programs, and previously led highly successful programs in Clinton, Mississippi. Welborn is also Associate Music Ensemble Coordinator for Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps and has worked with nationally recognized ensembles including The Cavaliers and Troopers. A frequent clinician, adjudicator, and leadership speaker, his current research focuses on extracurricular participation and student retention in higher education.
Ryan Kilgore
Ryan Kilgore is a percussionist, arranger, clinician, adjudicator, and Instructor of Percussion at the College of Wooster, where he directs the Scot Marching Band. His performance career includes appearances throughout the United States and Europe, performances at multiple Percussive Arts Society International Conventions, and collaborations with artists including Third Coast Percussion, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Michael Burritt, and Steven Schick. Kilgore was the highest-placing American in the Paris Marimba Competition and represented the United States in the World Marimba Competition in Stuttgart, Germany. In the marching arts, he serves as Music Ensemble Coordinator for Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps and has been a longtime instructor with Rhythm X Indoor Percussion Ensemble, contributing to multiple championship seasons. He holds degrees from Rutgers University, Northwestern University, and the University of North Texas.