How to Mark Time or March in Place in a Marching Band

There will be periods in most marching band shows during which you are asked to mark time, or march in place. This step is used when the band or section is not moving forward as a whole, but holding in one position, either as a block or a formation. Though some bands choose not to mark time when standing still, learning how to march in place is a common skill that every marching band member should master.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Mark Time or March in Place in a Marching Band

1. Stop moving in the direction you are currently going, following the signal from the drum major or conductor. The signal is often a whistle blast, but can be a vocal call out as well.

2. Bend the knee of the appropriate leg, raising the heel off the ground, while still keeping time with the cadence.

3. Lift your heel to about the ankle of the opposite (stationary) leg. Your knee will come forward slightly, but don't let it go too far in front of the opposite leg.

4. Keep the opposite (stationary) leg straight.

5. Lower your heel back to the ground on the downbeat, straightening the leg.

6. Repeat the procedure with the opposite leg: lift your heel to the ankle of the now-straightened stationary leg, letting your knee project slightly forward.

7. Bring the heel of the second leg back to the ground on the downbeat.

8. Bring the foot all the way up to the knee of the opposite leg if your band calls for "high-mark time."

9. Practice marking time until the procedure is as natural as standing still.

Tips & Warnings

• There are several ways to mark time or march in place and different marching bands use different styles. Be sure you know the style of the band you are marching with and use it accordingly. If you march with more than one band, it might be a good idea to remind yourself of the style of the band you are about to perform with, and practice marching in place with that style just prior to the show, in order to stay in unison with the rest of the band.
• Be careful not to stray or drift when marking time. Even very slight variations in where your foot falls can gradually move you out of place, disrupting the formation and causing confusion for the band members around you. It can also give you problems when the band starts moving again, as you will be in the wrong start position and have to compensate for it to make it to your next target point.
• Practice playing your instrument while marking time. Since your heels will be hitting the ground on alternating beats, be careful to avoid a prominent "thud" that can disrupt the sound of your instrument.

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