How to Pick Band Music for a Memorial Day Parade

Start your music selection for a Memorial Day parade with a good look at your marching band. The selection should be based on the level of expertise your band has as a whole, where the event is held and how many other bands are performing. Read on to learn how to pick band music for a Memorial Day parade.

Instructions

1. Evaluate the level of expertise of your band. Find music that matches the capabilities of the band members. Use music for beginners such as a middle school band, or elaborate compilations for veteran musicians.

2. Make a list of the usual patriotic basic songs such as "America the Beautiful," "Yankee Doodle Dandy" or "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

3. Decide which of these songs you enjoy, and try to find different complications of each by browsing sheet music at a local music store or online.

4. Look for alternative musical selections for the marching band. If you're playing in a large Memorial Day parade with many other bands, you may want to find a selection that is different so you aren't playing the same song as another band.

5. Choose a song based on the length of the parade route. Base the song selection on whether you're marching a few blocks or a couple of miles. The musical medley helps avoid a selection for a parade route which may have to be played a few times.

Tips & Warnings

• Memorial Day is a patriotic holiday. Most parades are open to any music, but check with parade officials ahead of time to make sure they don't have any standards you must follow.

• If you're band is made up of new musicians, there's nothing wrong with playing "Yankee Doodle Dandy" down the entire parade route. A well practiced band playing one simple song receives better reviews than a band poorly playing a complicated compilation.