S.A.M. Assembly 105
Climbing The Wands Program
Status Report
12-19-01
Level I - The Wood Wand
Completed:
John Colwell
Glenn J. Hill
William B. Rugh
Dennis R. Weigel
Level II - The Glass Wand
Level III - The Bronze Wand
Level IV - The Silver Wand
Level V - The Gold Wand
S.A.M. Assembly 105
Climbing the Wands Program
Revised 3/1/02
(Special Note: The "Climbing the Wands" program outlined here was developed by members of S.A.M. Assembly #36 of New Orleans, LA. Its particulars are detailed herein, but other Assemblies should evaluate their own membership, libraries, etc., and decide if they wish to put a similar program in place, as well as tailor it for their own individual Assembly.)
Purpose
The Climbing the Wands Program is designed to offer encouragement to Assembly members to improve their knowledge and skills in the magical arts. It attempts to offer a structured yet flexible program which will provide guidance to both neophytes and experienced compeers in advancing in levels of magical accomplishment.
Goals
1. To entice prospective members to join our Assembly as it offers an excellent
path for them to develop their magical skills and knowledge.
2. Help develop Assembly members into better magicians and entertainers.
3. Boost participation in all club functions by developing members who are more
versatile and knowledgeable.
4. Provide a sense of ongoing pride in one's accomplishments.
5. Honor those members who have distinguished themselves in their magical development.
It should be stressed that this program is strictly voluntary and no one will be coerced into participating. The program is offered in addition to all other Assembly programs and functions.
I. First Level Requirements - The Wooden Wand
(1) Must be a member in good standing of the Assembly for a minimum of three months before beginning the Program.
(2) Attendance (unless excused) at a minimum of two-thirds of Assembly meetings while working toward the award without an excuse.
(3) Learn at least five of the following:
· French Drop
· Classic Palm
· Double Lift
· Pencil Penetration Through Handkerchief
· False Knot (with rope or handkerchief)
· Cords of Phantasia
· Walking Through Ropes
· Basic Thimble Vanish
· Professor's Nightmare
(4) Perform five of the above to the satisfaction of the "Climbing the Wands" Committee.
II. Second Level Requirements - The Glass Wand
(1) Compeer must be a member of the Assembly with Wooden Wand for a minimum of three months' time. [waived until 12/2002]
(2) Attendance (unless excused) at a minimum of two-thirds of Assembly meetings while working toward the award.
(3) Learn the basics of at least three of the following:
· Linking Rings
· Cups and Balls
· Sponge Ball Routine
· Multiplying Billiard Balls
(4) Perform a full routine of one of the above effects before the "Climbing the Wands" Committee.
(5) Write an overview of a magic book on one of the above effects.
III. Third Level Requirements - The Bronze Wand
(1) Compeer must be a member of the Assembly with Glass Wand for a minimum of three months' time. [waived until 12/2002]
(2) Attendance (unless excused) at a minimum of two-thirds of Assembly meetings while working toward the award.
(3) Learn at least four of the following:
· Cut and Restored Rope
· Ambitious Card Routine
· Egg Bag
· Miser's Dream
· Twisting the Aces
· The Die Box
· Rising cards
(4) Present a fifteen-minute performance before the "Climbing the Wands" Committee utilizing at least three of the above effects (including earlier levels).
(5) Write an overview of a magic book and perform at least three effects from
said book.
IV. Fourth Level Requirements - The Silver Wand
(1) Compeer must be a member of the Assembly with Bronze Wand for a minimum of six month's time.
(2) Attendance (unless excused) at a minimum of three-quarters of Assembly meetings (one year) while working toward the award.
(3) Successfully complete the following:
(a) For Assembly: Three routines of at least seven minutes each (one stand-up
routine, one close-up routine, one impromptu routine).
(b) For Public: Performance of at least eight minutes' duration at an Assembly
Public Performance (Charity Show, Public Show, Banquet, Magic Convention Show,
etc.).
(4) Written overview of one of a magic book and the performance for the "Climbing the Wands" Committee of at least three effects from said book:
(5) Submit for publication in the club newsletter an original effect, routine,
or magic-related article.
V Fifth Level Requirements -- The Gold Wand
(1) Compeer must be a member of the Assembly with Silver Wand for a minimum of one year's time.
(2) Attendance (unless excused) at a minimum of three-quarters of Assembly meetings (one year) while working toward the award.
(3) Present a mini-lecture (of at least 15 minutes' duration) to the Assembly on a magic-related topic.
(4) A public performance of at least eight to ten minutes' duration at an Assembly activity (Public Show, Charity Show, Banquet, Convention, etc.) followed by a review by at least two members of the "Climbing the Wands" Committee.
(5) Written overview of a magic books:
(6) Submit for publication in a national magic periodical (preferably M-U-M) an effect, routine, or magic-related article
Technicalities
(1) The "Climbing the Wands" Committee shall consist of three members appointed by the Assembly President from among those who have earned the highest level.
Any Committee member may be re-appointed for an indefinite number of terms.
Any Committee member may be removed from the Committee by a two-thirds vote of the Assembly members present at any given meeting.
The Committee has final authority in awarding the Wands, reviewing the performances and reports, etc.
(2) In order to defer the costs of administering the program and providing the various wands and plaques to those achieving the different levels fees may be established:
(3) When a member wants to perform for the Committee outside the regular meeting night, (s)he should contact a member of the Committee to establish a date, time, and place for the performance before the Committee members.
(4) Book reports and overviews submitted to the Committee may be submitted for publication in the club newsletter or in MUM.
(5) The rules and guidelines for the "Climbing the Wands" program may be amended or modified by the Steering Committee (or governing board, etc.) with the approval vote of a majority of members present at a regular Assembly meeting.
(6) Members of the Assembly may enroll in the "Climbing the Wands"
program First Level (and subsequent levels when they qualify.