TMI Electives

In addition to participating in Majors and Chorus, each delegate will be able to choose an elective to take part in for the week. Electives meet for an hour every day. There are a lot of great options to choose from, so feel free to browse the descriptions below! Make sure to select the elective you want before registering, as you will sign up during registration.

 Four of these classes are leadership classes, which are intended to help you learn how to teach classes in the following subjects: Chorus, Creative Arts, Instrumental (Band), or Worship Team. Three of these intense classes meet during both elective and chorus class periods, but Choral Leadership only meets during Electives so these delegates may also participate in a choir.  

  • Band/Choral Composition

    • Fancy creating something that the world has never seen or heard?  Come and learn the art of music composition - from melody writing, basic harmonization, structure, form, and getting published. If you have already done some writing, make sure you bring it with you to share with your class and instructor!

  • Brass Technique

    • Do you want to be a better brass player? Learn advanced brass techniques from our esteemed brass faculty here at TMI.

  • Choral Leadership

    • In this class you will learn the basics of leading a choir, including basic conducting skills, rehearsal planning and execution, and communication.
      NOTE: This is an elective class that meets once per day. You will also have a major and chorus class.

  • Choreography

    • Are you a dancer who sees movement in your head when you hear music? Are you an experienced choreographer,  but all of your dances are starting to look the same? Well this class will have something for everyone! Through practical exercises and a lot of moving, you will gain tools for your choreography tool belt, helping you to create fresh and meaningful movement whenever you need it.

  • Creative Arts Leadership

    • Let's dig into the details of what it takes to lead an arts program at a corps or divisional level group. We'll discuss communication, preparation, spiritual discipleship, creating content, and how to continually grow and develop your team and yourself.
      NOTE: This Leadership class will meet during both elective and chorus class periods.

  • Guitar 101 (Beginner Guitar)

    • Ever wanted to learn how to play guitar? This is your time! Playing guitar is scientifically proven to make you better at math, give you more swagger, and make you 17% more attractive to that guy or girl you've been crushing on. Come learn how to play guitar (and maybe even get better at math)!

  • Instrumental Leadership

    • Must be proficient on a brass or percussion instrument with an interest in learning how to lead a band or receive more in-depth training. Should be 18 or older or have recommendation of your DMD. There will be two levels of this class. You will have an interview on your first day with the class instructor to determine which level you will be in.
      NOTE: This Leadership class will meet during both elective and chorus class periods.

  • Intro to Sound

    • Technology in worship has become an absolute necessity for the way we communicate the gospel. Unfortunately, our sound and media techs are often the most under-trained personnel on the team. We need quality sound techs in our corps! Come learn how to not only operate a sound system, but also how to make worship sound as great as possible!

  • Life Skills

    • This elective will cover a wide array of topics that will be beneficial in adulthood. Possible subjects include budgeting, how to take care of a car, how to cook, and much more!

  • Mastering the Monologue

    • Whether you're gearing up for an audition or a performance, this class will help you master the monologue by digging into the details of preparation and practice. Check it out!

  • Mastering Your Performance Anxiety:

    • No matter where you are in your journey as a performing artist, you have felt the effects of Performance Anxiety. In this class, you will learn the basics of what happens in your brain when you get on stage and how to master it, so you can be the best performer you can be!

  • Movement Meditation

    • This beginner-friendly, movement-based class will incorporate prayer with gentle stretching. Open to anyone looking for a little peace and quiet in their day!

  • Percussion Fundamentals

    • "There is music wherever there is rhythm, as there is life wherever there beats a pulse." - Igor Stravinsky. Percussion instruments are found in nearly every culture in the world and have existed since before 6000 B.C. Throughout human history, drums and percussion have had strong ceremonial, sacred, or symbolic associations almost everywhere. In this class, we will explore the vast diversity of instruments found in a modern-day percussion section. This class is geared towards people with little or no experience playing percussion. Join us as we dive into learning what's possible with a bit of practice and good vibrations.

  • Piano for Worship

    • Want to learn how to play 1000 songs on piano in a week?  It can be done!  Learn how to chord your way through the latest praise and worship songs as well as your favorite hymns.

  • Sewing 101

    • Come learn the basics of hand sewing and machine sewing, life lessons that will prove useful when your uniform needs hemming, you're in need of costumes, or even when you need to whip up a quick bag. You'll be so proud of yourself that your buttons will pop off… and then you can sew them back on!

  • Teaching Beginner Music

    • How to be an effective teacher for beginner musicians.  Every corps needs one - perhaps you have the skills or desire to pass on your knowledge to the next generation.  In this "teach the teacher" course, you will learn how to start a beginner band or singing company, how to manage the classroom, how to instill confidence in students, and how to get them to the next level. Come and learn all the tricks of the trade!

  • Videography

    • Everyone is making videos these days, but this class will help you learn to take your photography and editing skills to the next level. Make your videos unforgettable by taking this class!

  • Visual Art

    • Come and get your hands dirty! Roll up your sleeves and dig in to some creative work to get your juices flowing. All levels are welcome to jump in to this colorful class!

  • Worship Team Leadership

    • Being a worship team leader is more than singing songs or playing an instrument. Anybody can do that! But inspiring a team to give their all, and creating a space that encourages a congregation to enter into communion with God is both a gift and a skill that requires honing and shaping. In this class we will discuss the logistical, musical, and spiritual aspects of being an excellent, yet humble worship team leader.
      NOTE: This Leadership class will meet during both elective and chorus class periods.