So over the past few days something HUGE has been announced by one of DCI’s & WGI’s top ensembles, The Bluecoats. They have announced the opening of the Bluecoats School of the Arts, an online platform launched to make world class marching arts education more accessible to all students, especially at a time where in-person interaction is extremely limited (if existent at all). In simpler terms, The Bluecoats have created online courses to learn how to do colorguard from home (as well as other sections, but this is a colorguard blog so I’ll speak to that today 😜).
What classes do they have? What else do they offer? How much does it cost?
Although it’s very new (it was literally JUST announced), I did as much research as I could so you didn’t have to. So here it goes: Everything that you need to know about the Bluecoats School of The Arts.
What Is It?
The Bluecoats School of the Arts is an online school built by the Bluecoats. It is meant to help bring the marching arts to performers and educators alike at a time when in-person instruction may not be possible as well as provide accessibility to world-class marching arts education. The school offers courses, webinars, virtual events, and private lessons.
In the words of the Bluecoats’ social team:
“Introducing Bluecoats School of the Arts, an online school built by @Bluecoats...In addition to live events, School of the Arts is building a library of on demand coursework in Winds, Percussion, Dance, Colorguard, Leadership, Pedagogy & Design.”
What Courses Are Offered?
Right now, registration for all institutes and symposiums are open. The school also has their dance curriculum up and available for purchase. Other courses are listed but not currently available to stream–however, there is an email list that you can join to get updates on the availability of that specific course.
Who Teaches It?
The dance course is taught by Samia Mooney, the Director of Dance at Avon High School in Avon, IN and the Bluecoats Movement Coordinator. The Colorguard Institute (a 1-day virtual event where colorguard students can learn from world class staff) features:
- Michael Raiford (Bluecoats Scenic Designer)
- Jim Moore (Bluecoats Choreographer, Colorguard Caption Supervisor & Designer)
- Lindsay Kusmierczak (Bluecoats Colorguard Caption Head)
- Kathy Pearson (Bluecoats Asst. Colorguard Caption Head)
- Rosie Queen (Bluecoats Colorguard Advisor)
- Samia Mooney (Bluecoats Movement Coordinator)
How Much Does It Cost?
The consistent pricing that I see is $68/course (or institute or event). The Symposiums are priced a bit higher (I assume because they are two days) at $159.
Do They Offer Anything Besides Courses?
They offer live events, symposiums, webinars, institutes, courses, and private lessons at this time.
What Do You Need To Take The Courses?
A computer, an internet connection, some space to move and/or spin, equipment (when needed), and of course some money.
How’s The Website Functionality?
It works very well! The payment portals seem safe and the design is very on brand for The Bluecoats. There are some bugs when it comes to the courses (I got the same intro video lesson in two very different courses), but that is to be expected from any new platform.
What Do You Think Of The School?
WOW THANKS FOR ASKING! I think that this is a valuable resource that I wish I had when I was marching DCI! There is very little online colorguard content out there, and having world class education at your fingertips is amazing!
The price tag may be a little steep for some, but when you think about what you are getting, it is well worth it in my opinion. It’s a great investment for students and educators alike.
Drop The Link Already!
Alright, ALRIGHT! You can sign up for the email list, make an account, and register for any and all of their classes here.
How Can I Learn More?
You can visit the website to explore it for yourself (Again, it’s https://www.bluecoats.school/) or you can register for the live webinar that they will be having next Tuesday 09/08 from 5PM-5:45PM (time zone unclear) here.
Is this something that you think you’ll be taking advantage of? Let me know!
