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1). Focus on Warm-Ups: Ensure you are not putting this on auto-pilot. Your daily warm-up is a chance to focus your performers' minds on tone, tuning, blend, dynamics, articulations, etc. Treat it just as seriously as you would any repertoire. Focus on creating a blended sound and a large, noticeable range of dynamics. Focus on releasing together at all times. Gradually expand these warm-ups over the season. Never go through the motions; make it a meaningful procedure that produces improvement daily. (for Free Marching Band Warm-Ups, CLICK HERE
2). Focus on Posture: Posture is the visual equivalent of tone. If a band's tone is bad, the entire performance will sound bad, regardless of the rest of the technical proficiency displayed. The same is equally true about posture. Even if a group is in-step and in-formation, the band will never achieve that "polished" look if the posture is poor or inconsistent. Clearly define the head angle, how far the elbows should be away from the body, the horn position, and the leg and feet angles. Review them daily. Make it a ritual. (Check out this video as a resource)
3). Focus on Leg Shape in Maneuvers: I often hear directors talking to their students about the fact that their toes should be up and they should roll on the heel. This is all well and good, but the shape of the leg is far more noticeable to the adjudicators and audience. Clearly define the leg shape at every moment of the motion. Is it straight or bent? Where does the foot pass through for the next step? At the ankle? At the foot? At the calf? Should the leg lock or bend when changing directions? All of these details, if attended to, will produce a more uniform look throughout the ensemble. Oh, one final thing...if a student isn't getting their toes up, it's probably not the foot. It's probably the leg angle (their knee is too bent). (Check out this video as a resource)
4). Pick Music that is Achievable For Your Students: Music selection is one of the number-one factors determining your success or failure throughout the season. I have seen many performances where groups were being asked to perform music that was not within their reach. While we always want to challenge our students and spur growth, it needs to be realistic with the personnel, resources, and time you have. How much rehearsal time will you have? How many additional staff do you have? What is the current playing level of your band? If you're unsure, my general rule is to play one grade level under what your group can play sitting still. If they can normally play a Grade 3, consider Grade 2-2.5 for the field. Remember, they WILL be moving while performing this music. Also, the marching band is often the MOST VISIBLE part of your program. Showcase your best assets (or as I say, "Challenge in private, succeed in public"). Still, looking for marching band music? Please consider our shows
5). Teach Your Students How to Read the Grid/Field: If you dedicate time to teaching your students how to navigate and measure the grid/field, you will save hours! We need our rehearsals to be as efficient as possible. Everyone will have their own approach, but here was mine: Teach students an 8 to 5 stride (or have some type of measuring device such as taped-off poles/ropes), and use an 8 to 5 grid on the field. Also, learn the landmarks and how many steps each one is in relationship to the grid (yard lines, hash marks, field numbers, etc..). Also, label the field as Side 1 and 2 (or A and B). Left and right can get confusing as facings change, but always having the same sides as A and B will clarify the intended directions. (here is a video about this)
I hope these suggestions assist you in getting off to a great start with your marching band this year. Remember, enjoy the journey, have fun, and as long as you improve a little bit each day, you are successful.
Peace Love and Music,
Randall |
