InStep is a structured leadership development curriculum designed specifically for marching arts programs.

InStep provides a repeatable outline for leadership that can be sustained all season long!

The InStep system is built around six core leadership pillars:

• Vision & Mission (define success)
• Awareness (see gaps)
• Bias for Action (close gaps)
• Communication (share solutions)
• Conflict De-escalation (protect the environment)
• Leading as a Team (create culture)

Each pillar builds on the previous one, moving student leaders from understanding leadership concepts to applying them in daily rehearsal situations.

Every topic is supported with a structure that is easy for directors to deliver:

1. Lesson

2. Activity

3. Discussion

4. Practice Sheets

This structure allows programs to do everything from assigning self-led learning to hosting a full leadership camp.

InStep provides two resources:

Student Leadership Workbook
A guided workbook for student leaders that includes lessons, reflection prompts, and exercises.

Instructor Workbook
A curriculum guide for directors and staff that outlines how to teach each leadership topic, including activities and discussion guides.

Together, these create a complete leadership training system.

Yes.

Each student leader should have their own workbook so they can participate in exercises, complete reflection prompts, and reference the leadership frameworks throughout the season.

InStep is designed to be interactive rather than lecture-based. Each topic combines short lessons with group activities, guided discussions, and reflection exercises.

This format allows students to experience leadership concepts through activities and conversation, helping them connect the material to real leadership situations.

Most programs begin with:

• 1 Instructor Workbook for the director or staff
• Student Workbooks for each member of the student leadership team

Once the materials arrive, directors can immediately begin using the curriculum for self-led student learning, leadership camps, or leadership meetings throughout the season.