2024 UTSA
Drum Major & Student Leadership Camp
OPPORTUNITY: Ron Ellis and Fran Kick first collaborated 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: Collaborating with Ron, Fran Kick created a series of five different interactive leadership workshop sessions over the course of two days—including a parent and director closing keynote prior to the final camp show-and-tell performances. Student attendance sold-out all residential student spots and UTSA had the largest to-date enrollment in camp history.
In addition, 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!
PLUS: Fran created a flyer and social media graphic based on UTSA designs to help promote the 2024 Drum Major and Student Leadership Camp.
“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:
PRESENTED BY:
The UTSA Drum Major and Student Leadership Camp is for ANY marching band student leaders who want to refine and enhance current drum major skills or learn and develop future drum major skills—all while nurturing individual personal growth and leadership confidence.
“You were FRANtastic!”
Gabriel Perez, Drum Major, UTSA Spirit of San Antonio, Texas
