Thank you for your interest in our KICK IT IN programs! Between having been a band director for a number of years right here in Centerville, Ohio with Wayne Markworth and his creative crew of people all the way up to developing the first exclusively online music publishing and distribution web-based company www.musicexpresso.com, music has always motivated me to KICK IT IN!
Ever since taking an educational leave of absence from teaching to pursue my Masters Degree in Educational Psychology, various performing musical organizations have been a part of and/or hosted a KICK IT IN program. Having decided to continue traveling and speaking rather than returning to the classroom, I've had the privilege to work with thousands of music students and teachers across the U.S. and Canada. We have KICKed IT IN with some of the finest organizations and associations who help bring music education to life.
Designed to highlight a sample of the work we have done in the music education world, this page contains some exclusive links, references and information you won't find anywhere else on the site. I also invite you to follow the links at the bottom of this page and explore the rest of our web site. There you'll find further details, information, references and streaming video samples of our other programs. Thank you again for your interest and all the best as you keep...
Everything from summer music camp programs to professional music association meetings, KICK IT IN has been successful at "turning on the light bulbs" and giving participants more than just "something to think about."
What is an M&M Workshop?
This three-hour workshop is presented in two parts which creates both a motivational program for the entire group as well as a leadership methods session for the leaders. The first enthusiastic and entertaining half of the presentation helps get everyone in your group to KICK IT IN! Topics include:
Paying attention and responding appropriately
The more you put into it, the more you get out of it
What you put into it, is what you get out of it
If you're whining, griping & complaining, having a terrible time – maybe that's why!
Positive attitude vs. negative attitude, you make the difference
Getting students more involved and cooperatively contributing
Making things happen vs. watching things happen vs. wondering what's happening
The discipline of focus and the power of attention
Positively reinforcing yourself & others to make positive choices
The leadership half is designed for anyone who wants to be a leader not only within the organization but in life. Here's where selected members/leaders learn to be more constructive in their efforts to improve the quality of the group. Topics include:
Leading by example, because you can't lead others until you lead yourself
Getting and giving attention to others
Teaching and learning with others in your group
Correcting people in a positive and constructive approach vs. negative and critical
Setting the standard and leaving a lasting legacy of excellence
Ego vs. Mission
Improving the level of commitment
Using discipline without carrot-and-sticking people to death
Why music makes a difference
Throughout both portions participants are involved with various activities, experiencing an enthusiastic atmosphere, while learning the importance of their individual participation. It's a chance for the individual person to become more aware of their potential, learn the concepts & tools needed to realize that potential (both as an individual & within a group), and to put the tools into use to create positive action!
We have also had lots of interest in presenting booster/support sessions for parents, teachers and community members as well as music staff in-service programs:
KICK IT IN with MUSIC ADVOCACY! This presentation shares a fresh perspective on the importance of music not only in our schools, but in our lives – the lessons it teaches, the way it "reaches" and what's beyond the notes. Shared with hundreds of parents and volunteers, community support groups and booster organizations, this inspiring session brings both the research and passion of music education to an understandable, basic, it-just-makes-sense, level of understanding. For more advocacy information and support materials check out AMC, MENC, Music for All, NAMM and VH1 Save the Music.
KICK IT IN with a MUSIC STAFF IN-SERVICE! Taking a music education perspective and bringing it to music educators in a FUN, finally a session for us, customized way. For more information check out our KICK IT IN Teacher In-Service Programs.
As you'll notice, the following quotes are from other people like you who have KICKed IT IN! Their words speak volumes as to the benefits of a program such as the one you are considering:
"I get a real KICK out of watching Fran in action. He's got the right stuff and delivers it in a powerfully positive presentation."
– Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, Attitude Concepts for Today, Inc.
"Your work with the Leadership Preview Weekend carried our student programming to new heights. As usual, your own teaching and motivational skills were major hits with participants. Your reviews from Camp (Leadership Preview Weekend) and the DCI Leadership seminars in Murfreesboro and Madison were all outstanding... among the highest received by any clinician at the Symposium!"
– Scott McCormick, Executive Director, Bands of America, Inc.
"The students were enthralled with your approach to their leadership sessions, and I have to say, I have rarely seen directors take such interest in the world of education and the related philosophy. You amaze me with your knowledge of the world and more importantly, your enthusiasm for what you do. You my friend, are a living example of the great things that follow when one takes on life with a smile and with passion."
– George Hopkins, Executive Director of Youth Education in the Arts
"I have known Fran Kick since 1992 as a clinician with my school district, high school band, and the Murray State University Marching Festival. It has truly been inspirational and informational for my colleagues and students. Fran shares insight and direction for maximizing students efforts in all endeavors. His KICK IT IN message is well received and is very concrete. Students come away from sessions with great strategies for changing behaviors into positive action. Fran works well with teachers, student leaders, and entire bands. Groups 5 or 5000, and people ages 9-90 will benefit from Fran's sessions. I highly recommend Fran for your future sessions."
– John Fannin, Murray State University, Kentucky
"Extremely organized, energetic, humorous, and most importantly, he met the needs of our program. The same day of the seminar, we had a three hour rehearsal and I can honestly say it was one of the best summer practices ever! Fran Kick is not just a lecturer/clinician; but a music educator. He has been in our shoes and has produced some fine bands of his own."
– Scott Koter, Kiski Area High School, Pennsylvania
"Your performance and time spent with our students was truly a bright spot for us, and the effect has been felt ever since! Many parents, students, teachers, and counselors have stopped to comment on the fine program and how wonderful it really was to have you with us. I sincerely feel that you helped to make more of our community aware of just how important music in our schools really is. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being with us."
– Angela Zimmer, Ferguson Junior High School, Ohio
If you're interested in reviewing a few of the many letters received from people just like you and you have Adobe's Acrobat® Reader®, then simply click on the links below:
American Guild of English Handbell Ringers Area II Summer Regional Conference 1995
Bands of America 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1999-2008
Central States Judges Association Summer Clinic 2001
Drum Corps International Summer Clinics 1999
Educational Programs Band Leadership Training 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Festivals of Music 1991, 1992, 1993
Fred J. Miller Summer Clinics 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Indiana Bandmasters Association All-State Band, Bloomington, Indiana 2005
Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association Conference 2004
Kentucky State Marching Band Championships 1996
Lakeshore Marching Band Association 1997 Music for All Chapters Summit 2005, 2006
National Band Association Annual Convention 1994
Ohio College Music Education Leadership Conference 1993
Ohio Music Educators Association Conference 1987, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1998, 1999
Ohio Music Education Association Music Support Group Mini-Conference 2006
Ohio Music Educators Association Summer Judges Clinics 1998
Oklahoma Bandmasters Association Convention 2002
Ontario Drum Corps Association Annual Symposium 1992, 1994
Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Summer Leadership 2000
Pennsylvania Music Educators Association State Conference 2001
Retail Print Music Dealers Association Convention 2002
Showchoir Camps of America 1995
South Carolina Bandmasters Association Convention 2002
South Carolina Music Educators Association Convention 2002
Southeast Texas League of Middle Schools 5th Annual Teachers Conference 1994
Texas Bandmasters Association Convention 1993
Texas Music Education Association Conference 1996 University of Arkansas Summer Music Camp 2005, 2006, 2007 University of Kansas Midwestern Music Camp 1998-2001 University of Kentucky Band Camp 1997-2005, 2007
Western Band Association Concert Band Festival. Long Beach, California 2004
Westman Band Directors Association, Manitoba, Canada 2006
Winter Guard International Convention 1991 Youth Education in the Arts 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005
How do I get more detailed information about what it takes to KICK IT IN!
If you're interested in receiving additional material and information from Instruction & Design Concepts simply click on the "MORE INFO" icon below. Tell us who you are, where you are, what you do and we'll send you all of the details about what it takes for a program to really KICK IT IN – how to bring a program to your organization as well as a complete speaking and presentation fee schedule.
I do hope we can make something happen with your group and I know it would be a fantastic event! Let me know what you think and what your needs might be. Whatever will work out best for you and your schedule is what we'll do. If you have any questions after reviewing our material, or need further details, please feel free to contact me directly at .
I'll be sure to follow up with you and until then stay in touch, take care and ...
