How to Play With a Marching Band

Although marching band could be considered a sport, it isn't in most academic institutions where it's considered a hobby or extracurricular activity. Those who have participated in marching band, or know someone who has, knows the amount of time and effort needed to succeed in playing with a marching band. It's hard work but after all the competitions are over, it is worth the effort.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Learn to play an instrument. Ones you can walk with are the best to use for marching bands, such as clarinet, flute, trumpet, saxophone, or even a base drum.

2. Practice, practice and practice some more. For marching band competitions, bands usually play three or four songs. Judges not only judge on how the band marches but also how well the band plays while marching.

3. Master the steps for each show. Always be a little bit ahead of yourself and know where you need to be on the field. You are part of a whole and one little mistake can and will be noticed.

4. Position your body correctly while marching and playing. Learn proper bodily alignment depending on which instrument you play. Posture is important when marching because it helps you to keep your balance.

5. Buy proper marching shoes. Some marching bands use black shoes while others use white. White is the hardest color to march in because if you make a mistake it will be easier to see opposed to if you were wearing black. However, marching shoes regardless of color will help you maneuver around the field as well as keep proper marching technique.

Resources

• Here is news regarding to current marching bands.
• Find out the lasest on all middle school, high school, college and university marching bands.