Drum Corps International

Annual Drum Major Leadership Summit

OPPORTUNITY: In the fall of 2012, Dan Acheson, CEO of Drum Corps International, reached out to Fran Kick asking him to work with DCI and World Drum Corps Hall of Fame Hall member Gene Monterastelli on the 2013 DCI Drum Major Leadership Summit. The event occurs every January during the DCI Annual Meeting.

RESULTS: Working with Gene, Fran Kick created a 3-part series of interactive sessions during the weekend. Starting with a Looking@Leadership experience, Fran facilitated an exploration of different leadership styles and mindsets. Gene and Fran co-led “No Decision is a Decision” for the first time in 2013. Bringing DCI Drum Majors together—sharing leader-to-leader insight and strategies while also gaining practical leadership tactics and skills—proved to be a powerful combination.

UPDATE: Fran Kick and Gene Monterastelli have continued working together every year since 2013 increasing both the number of participating drum majors and the number of drum corps who send their drum majors to this summit every January.

2021 VIRTUAL KEYNOTE: Fran Kick created an opening video message for the first in a series of DCI Drum Major Leadership Summit Virtual Sessions in preparation for the 2021 season and then introduced Dr. Jake Levy, Ph.D. for his presentation on self-care and mental health.

“Fran Kick is way more than a professional speaker and educational consultant. He’s a professional problem solver and solution collaborator who knows how to creatively bring people and ideas together better than anyone else I know on the planet!”

Dan Acheson, Executive Director/CEO

Drum Corps International (1995-2023)

“You are the heart and soul of this drum major summit. Thank you for all the work you do for these young adults, both seen and unseen. When I was in their shoes, and again this weekend, I felt so inspired by your energy and kindness. You have a superpower of truly seeing people as they are, instead of how you would like for them to be, and I know you must have worked so hard to achieve that.”

Sierra Rogers, Academy Drum Major (2017-2019)

Visual Caption Head, Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps

“You can get advice here that you won’t get anywhere else. I had to come back this year!”

Adam Schrock, Drum Major

Blue Devils

“The main takeaway from the seminar for me was the importance of having a solid leadership team. I was able to experience new team bonding games, thanks to you, to strengthen and hone in the leadership team, but overall I learned that without a team a Drum Major is nothing!”

Laura Gill, Drum Major

Blue Knights

“I think one of the largest takeaways from the summit is simply the confidence and enthusiasm the drum majors walk away with. That’s at least been the case for me—from the 2023 version of myself that was extremely apprehensive about my new position, to the 2025 version that’s done this thing a few times now—the summit has always been the kickstart to my ownership of what I do for my corps. And thank you Fran for sharing the resources; I look forward to using the WeConnect Cards and the Status Game during the pre-season!”

Mattie Kleespies, Drum Major

Blue Stars

“Thank you Fran! Personally, I thought it was great to gain the perspective of all the other drum majors in this activity through our discussions this weekend. Learning about different strategies that worked for each group and to be able to provide my thoughts led to helpful dialogue.”

Joe Zishka, Drum Major

Boston Crusaders

“You get to hear so many experiences and what’s nice is you get to build a camaraderie between the drum majors.”

Kendall Stevenson, Drum Major

The Cadets

“I’ve been to tons of leadership camps before, drum major/leadership camps, and they’re nothing like this because they’re never drum corps camps. This being so specific to teaching a drum corps drum major it’s unlike anything you’ll ever do in your life.”

Linda Harvey, Drum Major

Carolina Crown

“I definitely learned a lot about communication, both within the drum major team and with the leadership team as a whole. Delegation and trust in the leadership team is so important. Something that really resounded with me was how to take care of myself and make sure that I am giving myself the care that I need while still taking care of the corps. I really enjoyed the weekend.”

Ariella Calili, Drum Major

Genesis Drum & Bugle Corps

“Helped me feel more connected to the DCI community, as a whole. My first season was last summer so I didn’t have a lot of opportunity to interact with different members of other corps or DCI staff, especially other drum majors. Having the opportunity to meet the other drum majors and start forming connections with them before the season starts will enrich my 2023 experience. I’m so excited to see everyone on the road!”

Bridget Barragy, Drum Major

Pacific Crest

“I want to come back every time just because there’s new information every time. You benefit from all the different ideas that you can incorporate into what you already do.”

Noe Gomez, Drum Major

Santa Clara Vanguard

“I found this weekend especially helpful for a couple reasons. To have the opportunity to connect with drum majors from other corps this weekend made me feel so connected to everyone. Gabe said something this weekend that stuck with me, it was something along the lines of ‘your section is all the people in this room, but you almost never see them during the summer.’ That is so true and even just to build connections and bounce ideas off of each other is going to serve me well to know all of these leaders over the summer. Also hearing from people that have been in the activity for a long time, especially those that were once drum majors, was very inspirational. Their ability to reflect on their time in drum corps gave me a great perspective. Thank you Fran!”

Megan Conlan, Drum Major

Santa Clara Vanguard

“Provided me so many learning opportunities that otherwise I wouldn’t have gotten before. The team leaders, drum majors, and you have provided a great depth of knowledge and experience that I hope I can provide to my drum corps. Thank you!”

Bryan Paat, Drum Major

Troopers

Drum Corps International (DCI) is Marching Music’s Major League™ and a leader in producing events for the world’s most elite and exclusive marching ensembles for student musicians and performers.

“Thank you for bringing your talent, interactive approach, and leadership insight to the DCI Drum Majors!”

Gene Monterastelli, DCI Hall of Fame Member & Program Leader

Drum Corps International

Annual Drum Major Leadership Summit

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