Featured, Music, Tips

Best Cheer Music Producers for Competition Mixes

Posted on September 26, 2018June 2, 2023 by Steve Pawlyk

best cheer music studios for competition mixes

26
Sep

best cheer music producers for competition mixes

By Steve Pawlyk

Published September 26, 2018

Its a question coaches face every season: What are the best cheer music producers for competition mixes?

A lot has changed in the world of cheer in just a few short years. Perhaps no area of cheer has changed as much as the process of purchasing music. The last 3 years has brought as many new rules as new producers.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best cheer music producers for competition mixes.

BUDGET

Determining your budget is a crucial first step. Teams with larger budgets may want to explore the custom mix option, while those on a tighter budget (gyms with multiple teams, for instance) may find premade mixes to be a better fit.

CUSTOM or PREMADE

Custom mixes are just that; exclusive mixes made from scratch to your request and/or count sheet.

premade mixes are already built, and therefore more affordable.

PERSONALIZATION

Custom Mixes come complete with personal voiceovers and routine-timed fx. However, premade mixes are also often customizable via voiceover/fx/edit add-ons

LICENSING

This is usually less of an option these days as most competitions require licensing. However, some producers still provide licensing, optionally, for an additional fee. Alternatively, other sites (like IPP Music), provide licensing free with all purchases, custom or premade

The following is a list of the industry’s best cheer music producers for competition mixes

USA CHEER PREFERRED MUSIC PROVIDERS

USA Cheer provides their own list of approved vendors on their Preferred Music Providers page

VISIT USA CHEER

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Featured, Tips

Coaching tips to help keep your team injury free and more powerful

Posted on September 21, 2018May 26, 2020 by Jason Mason

21
Sep

Coaching Tips

By Jason Mason

Updated September 21, 2018

You know what’s one thing that can really throw a wrench in your season?

An Injury

It always seems that just as all the gears are turning and your team is starting to gel that someone gets hurt. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may now have to go back to the drawing board. You know what this means.

New stunt groups, rearranging spots, athlete from ripple 1 now needs to remember ripple 3 – which she always forgets. It’s basically a brand new routine. You know what’s probably more frustrating than an unexpected an injury? The fact that it probably could have been prevented. How you ask? Properly conditioning your team may be monumental in keeping your athletes injury free. We’ve provided you with an easy-to-follow guide that help to reduce injury and keep your athletics more powerful.

Develop a Dynamic Warm-Up/Dynamic Stretch.

This is to get your athletes muscles warm. It is best to stretch when muscles are warm versus static stretching. This is also a great way to mimic movements that are performed during routines….and perfect them :)

Take a step back

Many times we go into a season with high expectations. This is great unless you skip over the basics. Take a step back and look at your athletes movements and their strengths.

Do you see anything common among your athletes? If so, that is a great place to start. A couple common issues I see are Squatting ability, Shoulder/back flexibility, Core activation.

PROGRAM OUT YOUR PRACTICE

Set time limits or set time aside for things that are important and must be accomplished. One being constant improvement on the athletes stamina and power production. Yes, you are challenged when running a routine full out over and over….However, if your athletes are tired and start to practice bad form. They are now teaching themselves improper mechanics which lead to injuries. Save time at the end of practice or don’t be afraid to drop something from your practice and condition where the athletes can be successful by performing at their top ability at that time versus lifting, flipping, twisting etc.

Ipp Cheer Coaching Tips 4 3 Program Your

Open to change

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result. If you tend to have drops, weak tumbling, a sloppy second half of your routine or a mixture of these. Then it might be time to have a second opinion review your teams. This consultant should be knowledgeable both in fitness/health as well as understand the cheerleading/gymnastics/dance requirements.

Don’t be afraid of what they might tell you

It could be anything from a couple quick tips for fitness to changing/firing/moving staff members around so they are best utilized. Sometimes people are placed or hired for a certain part of the job but are a better fit somewhere else. By putting them where they belong it increases moral and helps them be a better coach. This gets the athletes excited and doing what they need. When athletes do what they need and are excited to be there….Well the results speak for themselves.

Add a strength training day

On this day your athletes will work on just strengthening their body. Athletes tend to do the same movements in a sport over and over again. Strength training allows the athlete to increase the activation/strength of the opposite muscles that are typically used. These create balance which not only will make them stronger but balance helps prevent injury!

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Featured, Tips

How to Progress during the Back to School Crunch – Practice Scheduling, Attendance, Motivation

Posted on September 13, 2018May 26, 2020 by catweeden

13
Sep

HOW TO PROGRESS DURING THE BACK TO SCHOOL CRUNCH - Practice Scheduling, Attendance, & Motivation

By Cat Weeden

Published September 13, 2018

As a Small Gymer, we all know the end of summer is a time of celebration! Church Retreats, Overnight Camps, Family Vacations, Trips to the Lake and the distractions of summer are finally gone and done. We are finally going to get full attendance back at practices which means stunts can solidify, tumbling can be finalized, and Pyramids can finally be created.

Life is GREAT, you and your coaches are on a roll. Stuff is getting done. Then 3 weeks later school starts… and a whole new set of attendance problems start up!

In the Small Gym world, it is crucial to maximize the month of September by following these 4 tricks:

Anticipate the potential practice conflicts

Maximize practice efficiency through pre-planning

Encourage & Create additional opportunities for Bonus Team Work

Mentally Just Keep Swimming

Anticipate the Potential Practice Conflicts

Most programs will make sure there is a practice schedule or calendar out far in advance of ‘back to school’ time. Personally, at Luxe Cheer, I drop a calendar that goes from Aug 1^st-Jan 1^st during the summer. Before creating the fall allstar calendar I ask for ALL conflicting dates including: concerts, games, school dances, and family weekend trips.

Though we have a strict attendance policy, we do have conflicts that come up. It took a couple years to get to a place where we want to know about these potential conflicts. Like most gyms, we used to not to want hear about a big concert in town, or the homecoming dance, or Varsity competition practice, but now we get those dates and if we can avoid those dates a month in advance we do! Instead of getting angry, we get smart.

Maximize Practice Efficiency Through Pre Planning

Every practice in the month of September is incredibly important. This is the last month before our internal clocks ding that its “Competition Season”.

In order to get the very most out of this month, plan out each practice! Break your practice down into 10 minute sections and stick to the schedule.

If your team is struggling in a section, planning ahead ensures that you think about this before practice starts, and you then create a plan to relieve the concern. You will be shocked how fast 10 minutes has previously been wasted once you start scheduling out practices.

“You will be shocked how fast 10 minutes has previously been wasted once you start scheduling out practices.”

Encourage and Create additional Opportunities for Bonus Work

Every team has a stunt group that struggling, or a routine skill that’s not hitting. How you address this can make or break that group or individual. We have started thinking outside of the box at Luxe Cheer by creating bonus skill work opportunities for our team kids.

In the last 2 months we have rolled out 30 minute specialty classes that are half the price of a standard hour long tumbling class. The 30 minute specialty classes range from Jumps Class, Choreography Class, Back walkover classes to additional Strength and Conditioning classes. We then place the classes in time blocks that make sense for the demographic were trying to hit. i.e. placing a back walkover class directly following our youth 2 team’s practice. The lower price point and shorter time frame makes the classes more desirable.

Mentally Just Keep Swimming

Absences are very hard on the team, but they are the hardest on the coaches! We have hopes, dreams and plans for practices, and 1 missed kid can throw that haywire….. if you choose to let it.

Coaches, I challenge you to take a “just keep swimming’ approach to these practices. Continue with your practice plan, work every section you need, let the missing stunt group do conditioning during the stunt run or even encourage the other groups. Whatever you do, don’t let 1 absent cheerleader distract you.

Intentionally include 3-4 full run throughs on your practice plan, and each practice continue to add sections to the “ run through” if you keep this up the kids will become acclimated to a 75% run overtime instead of drastically.

Even though there seems to be a million distractions in the month of September, by anticipating potential practice conflicts, maximizing your practice time through detailed scheduling, creating and encouraging extra bonus opportunities for your allstars and mentally continuing to advance your routines and readiness, you can excel and progress in the toughest month of the season!

-Cat Weeden

LuXe CheeR

Featured, Tips

Top 5 Practice Wear Trends for 2018-2019

Posted on September 10, 2018November 26, 2018 by Heidi Weber

10
Sep

By Heidi Weber

Published on September 10, 2018

HERE ARE My Top 5 practice wear trends for 2018-2019

Our athletes are walking billboards for our gyms everyday. We dress our athletes for success at practice, showcases, and events so getting our items lined up early is key

Here’s a list of some of the hottest trends for practice/gym wear this season.

Looking Great

without Breaking the Bank!

1. Sublimation is back

In the current competitive market you can pick up a completely custom designed sublimated practice set from $30-$45 from most companies.

You can design your wear to be simple and clean or busy and colorful the sky is the limit and now it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

2. Jerseys

Baseball jerseys were all the rage last season and you’ll continue to see them this year too.

But take into consideration all the Jersey possibilities out there:

Soccer, Basketball, Hockey, Baseball…

All these jerseys can be customized for your gym and teams… start the next trend with a new Jersey style.

3. Cover Up Tanks

Tanks are hot hot hot and aren’t going anywhere. You can mix and match your gyms brand and team names with cover up tanks design specifically for your brand and your message.

Remember youth and adult tanks that match don’t always come in tons of color options so be creative with your ink colors instead of the tank color itself

4. Crop Tees/Tanks

Taking it back to the Old School you’ll be so cool. Crop boxy tanks and tees are back and great for uniform cover ups and gym practice wear. They are loose and comfy and have that 90’s appeal that you see in fashion this season.

5. Crew Neck Sweatshirts

Hoodies are a thing of the past and oversized crew neck sweatshirts are the go to.

These are easy to get over your hair and have a variety of color options and even better a much larger canvas for design and branding.

Not all designs are created equal.

So shop with companies that get who you are. ASCE is always looking for new trends and new ways to help you distinguish your brand and your gym vibe.

We offer sales and specials every month on various products. Shop smart with specials and sell more with rad designs that everyone loves.

“In an industry where your name is your brand, design matters”

You can look amazing in every design when you shop with companies that take the time to know you, your style, and your message.

In an industry where your name is your brand, design matters. You don’t have to break the bank for great apparel that your athletes and coaches will love to wear!

Shop now: www.americanspiritandcheer.com

Social: @asce_asce

Email : sales@ascestaff.com

Heidi Weber Signature Full

Featured, News, Tips

6 Exercises To Strengthen and Improve Your Back Tuck

Posted on September 4, 2018March 6, 2020 by Jason Mason

04
Sep

By Jason Mason

Updated September 4, 2018

6 Excercises to strengthen and improve your back tuck

We all remember that first time landing our standing back tuck.

The feeling was amazing. The set, the flip, everything finally clicked. The moment you landed you heard all of your teammates and coaches screaming for you! It was unreal. Now it’s time to perfect that back tuck so that you can gain consistency, confidence and move on up the progression ladder to standing fulls. Not sure of what exercises to do to strengthen your mind, body and tuck? We’ve laid it out for you below. Follow these awesome back tuck exercises to strengthen you back tuck so that can be ready to advance your skills to the next level!

Back Tuck Exercises

Box Jumps – This exercise helps change the distance in which an athlete sits. Maximum height for a tuck is not achieved when they sit the same way they sit for a back handspring. Typically the tuck is taught after the back handspring so teaching the athlete proper jump technique for maximum height is a must!
Backward rolls – If you can’t do a backward roll how do you expect to be able to do it in the air and then land back on you feet?
Snatch, Clean, Deadlift – These exercises promote triple extension. That is full extension of the ankles, knees, and hips. These movements done at a fast speed and with or without weight help promote the body mechanics needed. Have you ever been jealous of someone who has never tumbled but is athletic and played other sports who just out of the blue throws a standing tuck? It’s usually because they have all the building blocks from other sports. Drill Drill Drill and your Skill will follow!

4. Knees over shoulders/Toes to bar (core) a strong core and hip flexors are a must! A standing tuck requires speed when rotating. A strong core and hip flexors help increase your how fast you rotate. If you do not have a bar or need less resistance to start. Grab a panel mat, squeeze it above your head (smallest way), then roll up/leg lift getting your shins to touch the mat.

5. Hip Thrust/Glute Bridge – Glutes are one of the assistant muscles that complement your quads and hamstrings in increasing your jump height

6. Jump Rope – Increasing calve strength and in a plyometric form. Quick contractions, endurance, and improving upon another assistant muscle for jumping!

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Featured, Tips

Can I start Cheering in College?

Posted on August 15, 2018July 16, 2021 by Steve Pawlyk

15
Aug

By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 15, 2018

Can I start cheering in college?

Yes you can! I am living proof!!

I played all types of sports growing up such as hockey, baseball and football. When I stepped on to a college campus for the first time that all changed. Despite being recruited to play hockey at numerous colleges, i chose to attend a university that didn’t recruit me. I pressed my luck and tried out as a walk-on. Even though I made the practice team I was dissatisfied and chose not to continue. Turns out that this was the best decision of my life. Why you ask? Because I was introduced to (college) cheerleading! And I haven’t looked back.

Let me tell you how it all started. One day I was walking out of the cafeteria and noticed some people engaging in what I could only describe at the time as a circus act. These guys and girls were throwing each other around like rag dolls. I thought this was interesting and continued watching. As I was about to walk away one of the female athletes approached me and asked if I wanted to give it a try. I declined at first, but she followed with the line that changed my life forever. What did she say that completely altered my life and has led me to writing this right now? She said, “if you try, you’ll get to touch my butt”. With a twinkle in my eye and excitement surging through my body I said, “yes, yes I would like to touch your butt. Please show me how”.

College cheerleading is one of the few sports that you can really learn and perfect in a couple short years.

Although I was extremely athletic and strong, nothing could have prepared me for the journey on which I was about to embark. Cheerleading, especially college cheer, if very nuanced, but can be learned with no prior experience. When you’re surrounded by other high-level athletes, learning almost becomes contagious. In one year I went from knowing absolutely nothing to being a pretty good coed stunter. Although there was much to still learn, I was well on my way.

College cheerleading is one of the few sports that you can really learn and perfect in a couple short years. When you ask around as to how many athletes, guys in particular, started cheering in college the numbers are staggering. Although guys are becoming involved with cheer at younger and younger ages with the rise and popularity of allstar cheer, you will find that at least 50% of guys don’t start until they are in college.

This is less true for female athletes, but there are still a number that I have encountered that hadn’t cheered until the college level. Most were prior gymnasts wanting to continue using their skills despite their school not offering a gymnastics program. Therefore, they end up on the cheer team.

When it comes to college cheer, it’s never too late.

It seems that in most cases there is no prior skill needed. There are some amazing teams that require some prior involvement, but a super majority of college teams are happy to take any guy or girl off the street who are willing to work and put the time into perfect their skills.

So don’t fret.

If you want to give college cheer a try, then do it! You’ll never know what could happen unless you try. I couldn’t imagine that one stunt in front of the cafeteria my freshman year would have turned into a career in cheerleading. If you want it, go do it!

Steve Pawlyk Signature Full

CHEER WIKI

How do I know which music producers are approved by USA Cheer for competition use?

Music

How do All Star Bids work?

Rules

What is the benefit of teams going to Cheer Camp?

Camp

In All Star Cheerleading, where should you send videos to get a legality rulings?

Rules

Is Cheerleading a Sport?

General

Where To Find Cheer Music?

Music

New

Premade Cheer Mix – Wings Out [1:00]

$65.00

Maximize your routine’s impact with ‘WINGS OUT’, a 1:00 minute licensed cheer music mix, crafted for brief yet explosive competition routines

New

Premade Cheer Mix – Wings Out [1:30]

$99.00

Empower your cheer routines with ‘WINGS OUT’, a 1:30 minute licensed cheer music mix, perfect for high-stakes competition performances

New

Premade Cheer Mix – Wings Out [2:00]

$125.00

Prepare for victory with ‘WINGS OUT’, a 2:00 minute competition-ready cheer music mix that merges dynamic beats with innovative sounds

College Cheerleading Scholarships Are A Thing!

Posted on August 6, 2018July 16, 2021 by Steve Pawlyk

06
Aug

College Cheerleading Scholarships

By Steve Pawlyk

Published August 6, 2018

Picture this: It’s your senior year of high school...

You’ve been cheering for most of your life. You’re not ready to hang up your pom poms. You’re thinking, what’s next? Can I cheer college? Well of course you can, but…college, especially your dream school, can be so expensive. Then it hits you like a fabulous toe touch! College Cheerleading Scholarships! But wait…

Do schools actually offer scholarships for cheer?

of course they do!

All full of excitement like you just received your cheer mix for the current season you run to your computer and google “college cheer scholarships”. You quickly realize that you can’t find a complete list of schools that offer some sort of scholarships. Now you feel defeated like you just dropped your group stunt and your responsible for another full out! But, hey. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered :)

Here is the 2018 list of university and college cheerleading scholarships!

Keep in mind that scholarships can come in many forms.

Some school may offer money (full rides available), stipens for books & materials, room and board, name brand apparel, free travel and more. If you want to know more about a school’s program or what they offer just contact the coach from that school and ask! :)

Not sure who that is?

Contact us and we’ll help to put you in touch!

Steve Pawlyk Signature Full

Featured, Tips

10 Simple tips for a productive season

Posted on July 26, 2018November 26, 2018 by Heidi Weber

26
Jul

By Heidi Weber

Published on July 26, 2018

10 Simple Tips for a Productive Season

For the Love of Coaching…

For most of us gym owners, directors and coaches, the love of cheerleading has been the driving force for a die-hard commitment to competitive cheerleading over the past 30 years. The passion for the development and growth of the sport has kept us motivated work tirelessly for the advancement of cheerleading for the future generations.

Going into the 2018-2019 season we have put together a list of 10 simple tips for a productive season. These are reminders that passion and love is inspiring, but won’t pay your rent, practice wear and competition fees.

With an ever competitive marketplace growing around us, we must always remind ourselves that the industry we love is also a business full of overhead, increasing variable costs, and demanding customers. The ever real pressure of staying competitive and relevant exists daily so why not start the new season with a plan that allows for goals, boundaries, and peace of mind.

10 Simple Tips for a Productive Season

Accept now that you can never make everyone happy. You are not a cupcake. You can’t bring happiness to everyone. Some people just can’t be satisfied. This can be a huge time and energy sucker so decide now to let that go.
Identify your best customer. Who is your best customer and the easiest to recruit to your gym? If it’s your mini level 1 and beginning rec tumblers who are excited then spend extra time encouraging them to invite friends and even highlight them on social media pages, newsletters and etc. A little recognition goes a long way.
Make extra money. Plan additional money making activities that are good for your customers and your bottom line. Parents night out, drop in gym time during black friday, preschool or homeschool classes. Plan a minimum of 1 event per month to drive up additional income. This can be done in about 15 minutes on a downloadable blank calendar for the whole year.
Don’t compare yourself to nearby Gyms. You are your own brand. People are buying you and everything that comes with you. Sell yourself and don’t worry about others around you. Repeat this to yourself every time the opportunity arises to feel less than the other guy.
Laugh and Smile. Laughter and smiling is contagious. Your staff will follow and then your athletes make it a habit to bring a positive vibes to your gym daily.
Find and Assign. Everyone on your staff has a special talent and strength. Find it and assign them a task within your program that highlights this strength. If you don’t know what their strengths are …. Ask them. Let them lead in the areas they are strongest and you will grow and relieve your own stress.
Share your vision. People love to buy into a vision for success. Share your vision and passion out loud with your staff, kids and parents. Set reasonable goals that bring satisfaction.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s easy to lose an entire day or week on small tedious problems that arise in everyday gym life. Look at your circumstances and decide where they land on a scale of 1-10 in term of long-term importance. If they are less than a 6 let them go.
Be open to Change. If something comes your way that seems like it would be a great fit for your gym, athletes and families then try it. You can always switch back.
HAVE FUN. Only 1 team per division can win at each competition you attend. You may be that winner most times or it may be few and far between, but the enjoyment of your program comes from the year long journey each season. Don’t forget the FUN and your families and athletes won’t either.

Cheers to 2018-2019 take a deep breathe and enjoy a laugh!

[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WifF0kZ0zp4″ thumbnail=”46677″ /]

Heidi Weber Signature 2019

PREMADE MIXES

Quick Video Tutorials

Halftime Mixes

(short performance)

Christian Cheer Mixes

Standard Packages

Advanced Packages

Elite Packages

Dance Mix Package:

Semi Custom Packages

Full Custom Packages

PREMADE MIXES

best cheer music producers for competition mixes

Its a question coaches face every season: What are the best cheer music producers for competition mixes?

BUDGET

CUSTOM or PREMADE

PERSONALIZATION

LICENSING

The following is a list of the industry’s best cheer music producers for competition mixes

USA CHEER PREFERRED MUSIC PROVIDERS

Coaching Tips

You know what’s one thing that can really throw a wrench in your season?

An Injury

Develop a Dynamic Warm-Up/Dynamic Stretch.

This is to get your athletes muscles warm. It is best to stretch when muscles are warm versus static stretching. This is also a great way to mimic movements that are performed during routines….and perfect them :)

Take a step back

PROGRAM OUT YOUR PRACTICE

Open to change

Don’t be afraid of what they might tell you

Add a strength training day

HOW TO PROGRESS DURING THE BACK TO SCHOOL CRUNCH - Practice Scheduling, Attendance, & Motivation

In the Small Gym world, it is crucial to maximize the month of September by following these 4 tricks:

Anticipate the potential practice conflicts

Maximize practice efficiency through pre-planning

Encourage & Create additional opportunities for Bonus Team Work

Mentally Just Keep Swimming

Anticipate the Potential Practice Conflicts

Maximize Practice Efficiency Through Pre Planning

Encourage and Create additional Opportunities for Bonus Work

Mentally Just Keep Swimming

Absences are very hard on the team, but they are the hardest on the coaches! We have hopes, dreams and plans for practices, and 1 missed kid can throw that haywire….. if you choose to let it.

-Cat Weeden

LuXe CheeR

HERE ARE My Top 5 practice wear trends for 2018-2019

1. Sublimation is back

2. Jerseys

3. Cover Up Tanks

4. Crop Tees/Tanks

5. Crew Neck Sweatshirts

Not all designs are created equal.

6 Excercises to strengthen and improve your back tuck

We all remember that first time landing our standing back tuck.

Back Tuck Exercises

Can I start cheering in college?

When it comes to college cheer, it’s never too late.

So don’t fret.

CHEER WIKI

How do I know which music producers are approved by USA Cheer for competition use?

How do All Star Bids work?

What is the benefit of teams going to Cheer Camp?

In All Star Cheerleading, where should you send videos to get a legality rulings?

Is Cheerleading a Sport?

Where To Find Cheer Music?

College Cheerleading Scholarships

Picture this: It’s your senior year of high school...

Do schools actually offer scholarships for cheer?

of course they do!

Here is the 2018 list of university and college cheerleading scholarships!

Keep in mind that scholarships can come in many forms.

Not sure who that is?

10 Simple Tips for a Productive Season

10 Simple Tips for a Productive Season

Cheers to 2018-2019 take a deep breathe and enjoy a laugh!