George N. Parks Drum Major Academy

In 1973, after becoming a student at West Chester, Parks was officially hired as a staff member in the program and two years later he was promoted to head clinician.

In 1977, Parks was hired to direct the marching band at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

In 1978, he formed the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy, based at nearby Hampshire College.

[2] Although non-drum majors are allowed to attend and work on non-conducting skills, the focus of the academy is to allow for the teaching of the following skills to students: Conducting instruction/evaluation, teaching techniques, and leadership and communication techniques.

[5] Parks' wife Jeanne issued a statement implying that the Drum Major Academy would continue after her husband's death.