Why Do Some Bands Dance More Than Others?

Marching Band

Credit: Bluecoats Facebook page

Modern marching band includes more than just playing music. It also includes dance. But why do some bands dance more than others? Let’s look at several of the reasons:

  1. Visual Entertainment: Adding dance to a marching band performance enhances the overall visual appeal of the show. The combination of music and synchronized movements can captivate the audience and make the performance more engaging, as well as add points! The combination of playing music, marching, and dancing at the same time (called “multiple responsibilities”) can really rake in the score!
  2. Artistic Expression: Dance allows marching bands to express creativity and convey a storyline or theme through movement. Choreographed routines can help convey emotions and messages that might be challenging to express through music alone.
  3. Variety and Dynamics: Dance routines break up the monotony of continuous marching and playing, adding variety to the performance. Changes in tempo and style can create dynamic shifts in the show, keeping the audience’s attention.
  4. Showmanship: Marching bands often participate in competitions or entertain at events where showmanship is crucial. Dance elements showcase the band’s versatility and dedication to putting on an impressive show.
  5. Theme Integration: When a marching band is performing a themed show, incorporating dance can help tell the story or reinforce the theme. For example, if the show is based on a specific culture or time period, dancers can emulate the corresponding dance styles.
  6. Team Building: Learning and performing dance routines requires teamwork and coordination among band members. It fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie among performers.
  7. Audience Engagement: Dance routines can be particularly engaging for audiences, as they add an element of surprise and excitement to the performance. Well-executed dance moves can leave a lasting impression on spectators.
  8. Entertainment Value: Marching bands often perform at events where entertainment value is essential, such as football games, parades, and halftime shows. Incorporating dance helps keep the audience entertained and energized.

Overall, dance complements the musical aspects of a marching band’s performance, making it more visually appealing, entertaining, and emotionally expressive. It also allows band members to showcase their talents and dedication to their craft.

Why Is Marching Band So Expensive?

Marching Band

It’s every new parent’s wonder: “Why is marching band so expensive?” Marching band can be costly for a variety of reasons, including the need for specialized equipment, the costs associated with travel and competition, and the investment required to maintain and improve the quality of the program. Here are some factors that contribute to the expenses of marching band:

  1. Instruments and Equipment: Marching band members often require specialized instruments and equipment designed for outdoor performances. This includes brass instruments with durable finishes, woodwind instruments suitable for outdoor conditions, percussion instruments, color guard equipment like flags and rifles, and uniforms. The initial purchase and maintenance of these items can be costly.
  2. Uniforms: Marching band uniforms are designed for both performance and durability. They need to withstand outdoor conditions and frequent use, which often means higher-quality materials and construction. Uniforms may also require regular cleaning and repairs.
  3. Travel Expenses: Marching bands often travel to competitions, football games, parades, and other events. This involves costs such as transportation (buses or trailers for equipment), lodging, meals, and sometimes airfare. Bands may also need to rent practice facilities or pay for field usage fees.
  4. Instruction and Staff: Many marching bands hire professional instructors and staff to provide specialized training in music, marching techniques, choreography, and color guard work. These professionals are often compensated for their expertise.
  5. Competition Fees: Participation in marching band competitions, such as those organized by Bands of America (BOA) or other organizations, typically involves entry fees. These fees cover the cost of judges, facilities, and event logistics.
  6. Props and Visual Elements: Some marching bands incorporate elaborate props, sets, and visual elements into their shows to enhance their performance. The construction and transportation of these items can add to the overall cost.
  7. Maintenance and Repairs: Regular maintenance and repairs of instruments, equipment, and uniforms are necessary to ensure the safety and functionality of the gear. This includes tuning instruments, replacing worn-out parts, and repairing damaged items.
  8. Music Licensing: Obtaining the rights to perform copyrighted music, especially in competitive settings, can require licensing fees. These fees can add up, especially if the band performs a variety of copyrighted pieces.
  9. Miscellaneous Expenses: Miscellaneous costs can include administrative expenses, insurance, first aid supplies, and other incidentals that arise during the season.
  10. Technology and Audiovisual Equipment: Many modern marching bands use audio and visual technology for amplification and visual effects. This may include speakers, microphones, amplifiers, and video projection equipment, all of which come with associated costs.
  11. Support and Fundraising: Marching bands often engage in fundraising activities to offset some of these costs. However, fundraising efforts can be time-consuming and may not cover all expenses.

While marching band can be expensive, it’s important to note that many schools and booster organizations work hard to find ways to make participation more accessible to students and their families. Fundraising, sponsorships, and community support are common strategies to help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with marching band programs. Additionally, the benefits of participating in marching band, such as skill development, teamwork, and artistic expression, are often considered well worth the investment.

How Do Drum Corps and Marching Band Differ?

Drum Corps, Marching Band

Drum corps and marching bands share many similarities, but they are distinct in several key ways. Both are musical ensembles that perform while marching, but their purposes, styles, and levels of competition set them apart.

  1. Competitive Focus:
    • Drum Corps: Drum corps, also known as drum and bugle corps, are highly competitive. These groups are often composed of young adults, typically aged 16 to 22, and they compete at the highest level in events like Drum Corps International (DCI) competitions. The primary focus is on precision, skill, and entertainment, and members usually audition for limited spots.
    • Marching Band: Marching bands, on the other hand, can be found in high schools, colleges, and universities. While they also participate in competitions, their emphasis is often more on school spirit, halftime shows, and parades. Membership in a marching band is often open to a wider range of students with varying levels of experience.
  2. Instrumentation:
    • Drum Corps: Drum corps typically use only brass instruments, percussion, and color guard performers. The instrumentation is more streamlined and specialized for a specific sound and style.
    • Marching Band: Marching bands include a broader range of instruments, including woodwinds and a larger variety of brass instruments. This diversity allows for a wider musical repertoire and more flexibility in arrangements.
  3. Repertoire and Show Design:
    • Drum Corps: Drum corps shows are known for their complexity and innovation. These shows often have a thematic concept, and the music, choreography, and visual elements are tightly integrated to create a cohesive and engaging performance.
    • Marching Band: Marching bands may have thematic shows as well, but they tend to be less intricate and may focus more on entertaining the audience through popular music selections or traditional school songs.
  4. Professionalism and Time Commitment:
    • Drum Corps: Members of drum corps often commit to an intensive summer tour, dedicating several weeks to months to rehearsing and competing. It’s a highly demanding and professional endeavor.
    • Marching Band: While marching band members also rehearse and perform, the time commitment is usually less intense, with practices during the school year and occasional weekend events.
  5. Age and Educational Level:
    • Drum Corps: Drum corps are typically composed of older, post-high school individuals, many of whom may be pursuing careers in music or the arts.
    • Marching Band: Marching bands consist of students who are still in high school or college, and participation is often part of their education.

In summary, drum corps and marching bands are both remarkable forms of musical and visual expression, but their differences in focus, instrumentation, competition level, show design, professionalism, and membership demographics make each unique and cater to different interests and goals within the world of marching music.

What Is “Bands of America”?

Marching Band

bands of America“Bands of America” (BOA) is a prominent and influential organization in the realm of high school and collegiate marching bands. Founded in 1975 by Larry McCormick, BOA has played a pivotal role in elevating the standards of marching band performances, fostering musical excellence, and promoting educational opportunities for young musicians across the United States.

At its core, BOA is a nonprofit organization that hosts a series of competitive events and educational programs aimed at marching bands. These events culminate in the Grand National Championships, which is one of the most prestigious marching band competitions in the country. The Grand Nationals typically take place annually in Indianapolis, Indiana, and attract top-tier high school bands from all over the United States.

Bands of America competitions are renowned for their commitment to excellence in music, marching, and overall showmanship. Participating bands showcase elaborate field shows that combine music, choreography, and visual effects to create captivating performances. These shows often tell a story or convey a theme, engaging both the performers and the audience in a unique and artistic way.

BOA’s mission extends beyond just hosting competitions. They are dedicated to providing educational opportunities and resources for young musicians and band directors. BOA’s Leadership Institute offers workshops and seminars on leadership, teamwork, and music education, empowering students to develop valuable life skills through their participation in marching band.

Furthermore, Bands of America actively promotes the value of music education in schools and advocates for the importance of the arts in education. They work to ensure that students have access to comprehensive music programs that can enrich their lives and contribute to their academic success.

In summary, Bands of America is a nationally recognized organization that celebrates the art of marching bands, facilitates healthy competition, and champions music education. Through their competitions, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts, BOA has made a significant impact on the world of high school and collegiate marching bands, fostering a culture of excellence and providing invaluable opportunities for young musicians to thrive.

Items to Bring to a Marching Band Competition

Marching Band

When attending a marching band competition to support your child or student performer, it’s essential to be prepared and have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are five things a parent should consider taking to a marching band competition:

  1. Tickets and Itinerary: Ensure you have all necessary tickets for admission to the competition. Additionally, bring a printed or digital copy of the competition schedule or itinerary, including performance times, locations, and any other relevant information. This will help you plan your day and ensure you don’t miss your child’s performance.
  2. Comfortable Seating and Shade: Most marching band competitions are held outdoors, so it’s important to bring comfortable seating options like folding chairs or cushions. Depending on the weather, consider bringing shade options such as a pop-up canopy or umbrella to protect yourself from the sun or rain.
  3. Snacks and Hydration: Marching band competitions can be long events, so packing snacks and beverages is a good idea. Bring a cooler with water, sports drinks, and healthy snacks to keep you and your child energized throughout the day. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, especially if it’s a hot day.
  4. Camera/Video Equipment: To capture the memories of your child’s performance, bring a camera or smartphone with a good camera and video capabilities. Make sure you have enough storage space and fully charged batteries. You may also want to bring a tripod for stability if you plan on recording video.
  5. Weather-Appropriate Attire: Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Wear comfortable clothing and consider layering to adapt to changing temperatures. If it’s a sunny day, bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. If it’s cool or rainy, pack jackets, umbrellas, and rain gear.
  6. Clear Stadium Bag: Most stadiums have now gone to a clear bag policy. Be sure to check ahead of time to see exactly what is allowed inside the stadium so you aren’t caught at the gate and have to return to your vehicle!

Additional items to consider bringing could include a small first aid kit, a notepad and pen for jotting down notes or messages, and any special items or good luck charms your child likes to have with them before performing. Remember to be respectful of the competition rules and the event organizers’ guidelines, and support your child and their band with enthusiasm and encouragement throughout the day.