Marching Bands

Most people who see drummers in a marching band expect the snare drummer to perform a few tricks. Some tricks exist just for show while others are incorporated into the playing of the music. This type…

Several categories of marching bands exist and fall under the classification of ceremonial and parade bands. These ensembles are designed to entertain, and consist of woodwind, brass and percussion…

A marching band sectional rehearsal can be fun and still be productive. A section leader can play several games with his group to help improve issues specific to a saxophone player's technique. Any…

Imagine a college football stadium without a marching band. The beat of the drums, the blare of the trumpets and the twittering piccolos add to the excitement and energy of football season. Without a…

Big band music was a sub-genre of jazz that got a lot of attention during the 1930s and '40s. Today, many university music programs, as well as individual composers, write music for Big Band…

The position of drum major in a marching band involves field direction. The drum major either conducts from an upraised podium or marches in the lead position to demonstrate a constant tempo, or…

Much like a family, a marching band needs a unique bond accented with mutual respect and the ability to compromise in order for them to work together well. Team-building exercises can strengthen a…

Mexican marching band music had its origins in the music of military marching bands. It became established in the 19th century following the Mexican-American war, and gained new popularity when it…

Arranging music for a marching band means using the band's strengths, as well as its limitations, to serve the music. The standard composition of a marching band -- brass, woodwind and percussion…

Many high school and middle school marching bands and orchestras travel across the country to participate in competitions or play at sporting events. Because these bands and orchestras contain minors,…

Marching bands are highly visible to the public and the role they play is important. They represent their school at events like parades and support athletic teams at sporting events. Additionally,…

The tenor drums, a set of drums that a player traditionally mounts on his body, are a fixture in most marching bands. They require not only rhythmical dexterity but also stamina and concentration. The…

A marching band is a specific type of band in which woodwind, brass and percussion players play their instruments while marching. They perform in parades, but they're better known for their exciting…

Go to any high school, college or professional football game, and at half time, you'll see a highly organized, talented group of musicians entertaining you on the field. Normally, members of marching…

Breathing exercises are important to all musicians, but carry extra weight in a marching band. They can help the members learn to manage air properly, allowing for ease of playing while being…

The Black Crowes sprang out of Marietta, Georgia, and into the popular conscious of rock music fans in 1990, after their debut album "Shake Your Moneymaker" spawned three hit singles: "Jealous Again,"…

The drum line is an essential part of a marching band of any style. Marching bands with drum lines may be corp bands, show bands, or drum and bugle corps. Aside from contributing to the sound of show…

Practice should focus on the areas where the marching band is weakest. Learn how to practice for marching band in this free music video series.

All the member's weight needs to go at the same time when marching backwards. Learn how to backward march for marching band in this free music video series.

A chart will give the football field layout. Learn how to read a chart for marching band in this free music video series.

When marching forward a member should push all of the weight forward at the same time. Learn how to forward march for marching band in this free music video series.

The first thing that needs to be done when choreographing a marching band show is choosing a theme. Learn how to choose a show theme for marching band in this free music video series.

Keep the bell of the instrument toward the sideline when marching side-to-side. Learn how to march side-to-side for marching band in this free music video series.

If the marching band is not moving together, then the show is not up to snuff. Learn about tempo and movement for marching band in this free music video series.

Correct spacing is part of dressing a form. Learn how to dress a form for marching band in this free music video series.

Dressing a line involves individual band members lining up their hip bones with one another. Learn how to dress a line for marching band in this free music video series.

A drill program for the computer will be helpful when choreographing the show. Learn how to write choreography for marching band in this free music video series.

The way that the performers carry themselves during the show communicates a lot to the crowd. Learn about standing and posture for marching band in this free music video series.

Before a band member begins moving it is important that he or she has very good balance. Learn about balancing for marching band in this free music video series.

There are numerous steps and areas that must be covered in order for a marching band to perform a show. Learn how to choreograph a marching band show in this free music video series.

Marching band is fun, as well as providing an outlet for competition and artistic expression. Learn the purpose of a marching band in this free music video series.

Practice makes perfect, but you need stunning uniforms to really make an impression with a marching band. Custom design uniforms are easy to order for any size marching band, and with just a few quick…

Multi-tenor drums--also known as quads, quints and tenors--provide the middle range sound within the battery percussion of a marching band or drum corps. The snares provide the higher pitches, the…

Marching band uniforms often are based on current or historical military style uniforms or new marching band uniform designs. Here are a few ways to choose the best headwear for your marching band.

It takes cooperation, teamwork, discipline and hard work to excel in marching band competition. The Avon High School Marching Band in Indiana is exemplary in music, visual performance, percussion and…

Writing a marching band routine is definitely challenging. However, it's also the best way to maintain artistic control over your show. Designing a show from scratch, including writing the drill,…

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…

Marching bands have long attracted audiences at competitions, parades and athletic events, exciting both the spectators and the musicians. Often, directors wish to incorporate popular pieces into the…

Marching bands perform in local parades, sporting events, and competitions. They add the pep to pep rallies, and oomph to any parade. Follow these steps to start your own marching band.

Whether you're in high school or college, it's exciting to lift school spirit by playing with a marching band. An even more challenging aspect is performing in marching band competitions. Band…

There is nothing quite as much fun as a marching band and nobody is quite as charismatic as a marching band conductor. Learning to conduct a band could well be one of the most satisfying and…

Summer band camps and marching clinics have become a standard for many high school band programs. While enjoying a summertime tradition of going away to camp, students can also hone their skills and…

Listening to a marching band is invigorating, but these outfits don't have the same impact without matching uniforms. Whether you're looking for a standard uniform or something custom-designed, plenty…

Thanks to such high profile events as the Rose Parade in California and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, marching band music is as popular today as it was 50 years ago. Whether you're…