Christmas Classics
The Academy has been known for top-notch and unique education. Many of our class titles and topics have been lifted from our event and then used elsewhere. That’s OK with us… it means we’re doing something right! We’re adding a lot of educational opportunities this year, from DIY to Halloween and all points in between. But rest assured that we will be providing the very best in Christmas-centric classes to help you gain ideas and add elements to your already dazzling displays!
The topics scheduled in our “Christmas Classics” sessions are below:
Interactive Displays (Clyde Dearing):
How do you handle traffic? The media? A throng of people? Kids running into the display? What kind of skits and/or props can you use to make visitors feel like a part of things? This course will be facilitated by none other than Clyde Dearing of “Invasion of the Christmas Lights 2” and a long-time decorator of LARGE (both in scope and visitors!) residential displays (he was also the first Lone Star Holidays President until the people finally spoke up! ). Clyde will bring his unique experiences and laid back teaching style to this class and help you figure some of those interactive aspects out.
Design and Uses of Coro (Anthony Vetrano):
We ran this course for two years (and at two workgroups) but it’s back by popular demand in 2012. Coro continues to be a fantastic way to incorporate an easy-to-work-with material into your display. The versatility and cost of coro allow holiday fanatics to utilize it regardless of experience level. From signs, to shapes to 10 foot tall Nutcrackers, the possibilities of working with coro are endless!
Polar Express: Trains in Your Display (Jack Huitt):
Mechanical movers continue to be a popular element in displays across the country but where do you start with such a technical project? Jack Huitt, a long-time train builder, will be helping you understand the nuances of building and incorporating trains into your display. There won’t be any trips to the North Pole or Tom Hanks portraying the conductor but you can be sure you’ll leave this session with a basic understanding of train building, resources to help you find your materials, and the inspiration to get to work on your own train!
Getting the Media Spotlight Shining on Your Display (Michael Simmons):
How do you drive more traffic to your display? What exactly is a press release? How do you go about collecting donations and working with charities? These questions and many more will be answered by Michael A. Simmons (www.MyDesertLights.com). Within just a few years, his animated residential Christmas display raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity and, in 2010, was selected from thousands of entries by The Early Show on CBS as “Best Christmas Lights Display in America.” Michael will share his unique experience in dealing with charities and local and national media outlets. After completing this course, you’ll have a better understanding of how to get free publicity for your display and increase your traffic overnight!
JUMP in HD & ColorMotions (Walter & Jackie Monkhouse):
Walter and Jackie Monkhouse have taught previously on their most famous creation- the JUMP (Jack Up Mega Pole). But they don’t want to show you the same old same old! They want to share something NEW with you. How about a new HD JUMP?? Not high-definition; this HD stands for heavy duty, as in waaay more weight being able to be added and the capability to go up to THIRTY EIGHT feet high! But that’s not all! We will also be learning about their innovative ColorMotions tree. These two pieces- the HD JUMP and the ColorMotions Tree- are truly amazing ways to add to your displays and the Monkhouses will be right there to share that knowledge with you.
ZAP! Incorporating Lasers In Your Display (Rodney McNeel):
Lasers can seem like something beyond your reach but don’t be scared! This session will cover general laser knowledge, basics of how they work, and resources to buy from. The course will include some video, photos, and in-room demos. Rodney McNeel , who is a part of the TEXLEM laser enthusiasts, will guide you through the details and then some in-person demos of what lasers can do. Prepare to be zapped!
Photograph & Video Your Display (Larry McGough):
“I want good pictures and video of my house but I don’t have the fanciest equipment and I don’t know how to make it look good!” We’ve heard that time and time again and we’re going to do something about it. Larry McGough of Panasonic will be on hand to guide you through the basics of capturing your display. Types of equipment, settings, tips and tricks to help you get the best results possible will all be a part of this session.
Video Editing (Chris Sims):
You have your photos and video and they look great. You took video from several angles so you could represent your display in the best way. Now what? Developing an attractive video package to share with your family and friends isn’t easy and Chris Sims will help you with some best practices to help you get a finished video you can be proud of.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark- Repairing Lights (Dennis Cherry):
Dennis Cherry, a long-time Lone Star Holidays member and the inventor of the new LED Keeper, will be on hand to cover all of the aspects of repairing your lights. Whether incandescent or LED, Dennis will show you the tools, gadgets and tips to keep those lights on the house and out of the trash bin.