2013 series of Kick Start leadership events will kick off in Texas

Beginning this weekend, students will have the opportunity to take part in DCI's popular Kick Start leadership program, which holds its first two events in conjunction with DCI Houston on Friday, July 19, and the DCI Southwestern Championship Saturday, July 20 in San Antonio. The program features motivational speaker Fran Kick, who aims to encourage students' commitment and responsibility through an interactive workshop, held just prior to select Drum Corps International Tour events. Kick Start events are planned in conjunction with seven of DCI's 2013 series of Premier Events. A ticket to the drum corps show grants the student free admission to the Kick Start session. "This year's program will focus even more on personal responsibility," says program founder Fran Kick. "Whether they're in the role of leaders or followers, students will learn to treat others the way they want to be treated themselves." Kick presents to thousands of students across the country each year, in addition to those who work with them, taking an active role in inspiring young people to succeed. Each Kick Start workshop provides fast-paced, hand-on activities for students, allowing them to fully engage and actively learn from the experience. "The truth of the matter is they'll forget most of what I say," Fran Kick said. "But they'll remember what they do a lot longer, and so that activity forms the basis of many of the lessons we're trying to bring to life here." 2013 events include DCI Houston (7/19), DCI Southwestern Championship (San Antonio, 7/20), DCI Arkansas (Little Rock, 7/24), The Masters of the Summer Music Games (Murfreesboro, TN, 7/26), DCI North Alabama (Huntsville, 7/27), DCI Atlanta Southeastern Championship (7/28) and DCI World Championship Finals (Indianapolis 8/10).