2024 UTSA
Drum Major & Student Leadership Camp
OPPORTUNITY: Ron Ellis and Fran Kick first collaborated back in 2005 at the University of Central Florida. Almost 20 years later, Ron reached out to Fran Kick to help develop and grow the UTSA Drum Major & Student Leadership Camp on campus at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
RESULTS: With a fast turnaround, Fran Kick helped create additional marketing flyers/posters, postcards, and social media graphics to expand the marketing across Texas, generating the largest-ever sold-out camp for UTSA. In addition to presenting a series of interactive leadership workshop sessions with high school student leaders during 2-days of camp, Fran also worked with the UTSA Marching Band Leadership Team. Helping to prepare the college student leaders to constructively lead their peers in the coming season, they generated 74 specific ideas to intentionally implement all prioritized by the Leadership Team to improve the Spirit of San Antonio in 2024!
“Fran Kick has an extraordinary gift for connecting with students in a way that goes beyond motivation—it transforms mindsets and ignites purpose. From the very first session, students at every level, from high school to college, came up to me during the break saying, ‘Okay, this is for real.’ By the end of the camp, some were moved to tears, overwhelmed by the sense of importance and pride Fran helped them discover in themselves.
The ripple effect extended far beyond the students. Faculty members with decades of experience shared how deeply they were impacted by Fran’s message, and parents reached out to thank UTSA for providing an opportunity that empowered their high school students to realize their potential. The results were undeniable. Our students showed a level of follow-through and mission I’ve never seen before at UTSA, and our drum major team emerged as the strongest I’ve ever had.
Fran Kick doesn’t just present ideas—he inspires action and lasting change. His ability to connect, empower, and challenge individuals at every level left an indelible mark on everyone involved. Bringing him to our leadership camp wasn’t just a privilege; it was a game-changer that elevated our program and our students in ways we’ll be feeling for years to come.”
SOSA LEADERSHIP TEAM THANK YOU NOTES:
The UTSA Drum Major & Student Leadership Camp is designed to enhance drum major skills, introduce and develop new skills for potential drum majors, as well as refine and reinforce leadership teaching skills. It’s a high-energy, positive, and reflective environment where leaders understand their role, take initiative, and are trustworthy of the responsibilities they are afforded in leading their peers.
