My Process
A prop scene created for Alma High School’s 2022 production "The Other Side of Ordinary"
My Process
I love working with directors and music arrangers at all stages in the process to make the most creative, entertaining, and achievable show possible! I’m going to walk you through the process that my program coordination clients go through as we design their programs.
It all starts with…
Your vision. Most frequently ensemble directors have a specific vision for their program each year. I'll help you narrow your vision and clarify your ideas to maximize their full potential. If you're unsure of which direction to go, I'll happily suggest several different concepts, musical selections, etc.
once we have a concept…
I create a design document for the concept. In this document, we list out any and all musical selections, effect ideas, and prop ideas. From there, we can start to create a timeline and a list of effects. From there, we begin to narrow things down to what will eventually be the show. Next, I begin to put together a storyboard for the show, as well as creating a cut tape from our source music that allows us to hear what the show will sound like in full. We can then adjust, tweak, and move different chunks of music around to make the most entertaining and effective show.
A sample concept document listing various ideas for “The Other Side of Ordinary”.
A sample storyboard.
A cut tape created in Audacity, splicing various pieces of music together.
Now that we have music and a timeline…
I create prop scenes. These still images allow us to see what some of the bigger moments in the show might look like. This also allows us to see what the field will look like once all the props are in place. We can also adjust and move props to maximize their usefulness and effectiveness.
A second prop scene created for Alma High School.
Next…
If custom uniforms are part of the desired package, design begins on those elements. I work hand in hand with you and your guard director to create a uniform that will not only look great on the field and compliment the overall concept, but make your performers feel like rock stars! Color Guard silk design also happens at this stage.
From there…
We wait for music arrangements to be arrive and for membership numbers to be finalized. After that, your custom drill is written according to the moments that were laid out earlier in the process!
A drill chart from Alma’s show
The Pyware Real View image from Alma’s show, pictured above on the drill chart.