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Step 1
Understand the makeup of your basic marching band. A marching band is a group of musicians who play music with a strong rhythmic component while adding movement, usually marching, to the routine. Marching bands started as members of military units, keeping rhythm so soldiers could keep in step with each other. With time, precise formations lost their importance on the battlefield, but the marching band's popularity at schools and sports venues has increased.
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Step 2
If you have little experience, you must recruit a band director. Find someone who understands the concept for your marching band. Discuss the feasibility of your ideas given the time, money and talent available.
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Step 3
Establish a mission statement with your band director. If your aim is for like-minded individuals to gather monthly to play John Philip Sousa, your strategy will be different from a marching band whose ultimate goal is participating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
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Step 4
Schedule an audition. Make sure you advertise well in advance, and continue generating interest with your target groups so you have the highest participation possible.
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Step 5
Determine how large your band will be. A marching band is usually composed of brass, woodwind and percussion instruments. It can have less than 20 or over 500 members. Turnout for the audition will tell you if the size of your band is realistic.
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Step 6
Assess the general skill level of your new band during the audition. This will help you to decide what music you will play. Select enough members at the audition so you have a few substitutes available.
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Step 7
Post a list of the members you've chosen along with the first practice date.
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Step 8
Develop a timetable that will allow these diverse musicians to merge into a cohesive marching band. Gradually schedule events, pick costumes, hold fund raisers and add auxiliary units.
