TOP 5 "DO'S AND DON'TS" FOR MARCHING BASICS BLOCK - Part 2
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4. DO always provide both correct and incorrect demonstration of technique, DO NOT simply tell students what is wrong or right about their execution without providing a visual example.
-Especially for new members, visual learning is an absolute necessity in this activity. During basics, it is important for students to see both correct and incorrect demonstrations of the desired technique in order to better comprehend what exactly is desired of them. Most importantly, make the students become the instructors; ask them questions that cause them to think about their technique. For example, “ok folks, I see some of us doing this as we march backwards. (March backwards while leaning back for 16 steps). Now, what did everyone see there? What did I do as I moved backwards? (Students will say, “you leaned back.” If they don’t, guide them to the answer. “What was my upper body doing?)” Additionally, “Here’s what I need to see all of us doing together as we forward march. (Execute correct forward marching technique for 16 steps.) What did everyone see there? What was my upper and lower body doing? (Students will respond, “you were rolling your feet, your back was straight,” etc.) Another great idea is to bring out various students in the group who will provide good examples of correct marching technique. Have them perform the exercise for their peers, with comments from the students afterwards on what they observed. By providing students with correct visual demonstrations and making them think and analyze what they saw, they will attain a better understanding of the desired visual technique.
5. DO give time during the rehearsal block for students to drink and stretch, DO NOT give the students too much physical demand without allowing their bodies to maintain proper physical conditioning.
-We have all been culprits of being so dedicated to the success of our students and providing them with quality information that we lose track of time and forget to give them water and stretch breaks. Especially in hotter weather, and for students are not used to strenuous physical activity, proper hydration and stretching is paramount. Students should receive at least one water and stretch break per hour. If the temperature is over 80 degrees, their breaks should be roughly every 45 minutes. At 90 degrees and above, no longer than 30 minutes between water breaks, (even if they are quick.) Per day, the recommended amount of water to be consumed is 64 ounces, or 8 glasses. Most people do not drink that much water in the off season, so they will certainly not be inclined to hydrate enough during rehearsal unless they are encouraged to do so. Once a student begins to feel the symptoms of dehydration, it is too late and the student is already dehydrated. I always assign section leaders to double check that each member drinks water during water breaks and gets some shade in extremely hot weather. Stretching, in addition, is key for proper body maintenance. Marching requires students to use main and supporting muscles most of them have never used before; it is important to keep these muscles loose and flexible during periods of physical activity in order to avoid pain and possible injury.
Rob Stein
Standing ‘O’ Marching
A Quick Overview of Marching Designs:
The Drill Designers page has articles from marching show design experts and listings of marching band drill designers for marching band, colorguard and indoor percussion ensembles.
On the Arrangers and Composers page you can find articles and information related to marching music and arranging as well as music selection and programming for marching band shows and winterguard.
The Instructors and Choreographers page deals with marching technique and marching clinics as well as colorguard choreography with in-depth articles and information.
Ever wonder where you can find a good camp for your drum majors or a clinician for your color guard? The Camps and Clinics page is the online resource for camps and clinics for marching band, color guard, marching percussion and drum majors.
Uniforms and Color Guard Equipment is more than just a listings of marching band and colorguard uniforms. You can find articles and information on band uniform design and great resources for color guard equipment, colorguard flags and rifles.
The Instruments page has information on everything from brass to marching percussion and drums with articles on maintenance, tuning and other topics related to marching band instruments.
All the Supplies and Equipment your marching band or colorguard could ever need can be found here - from metronomes and audio systems to band towers for marching rehearsals.
How did you build those big marching band props? Where did you get those custom printed flags for your colorgaurd? You can find those answers and more on the Printing and Props page. While you're here you can get some custom designed shirts for the directors and t-shirts for your entire band.
One of the hardest things to do is find a marching contest on a particular date or a score from last year's marching competition. On the Contests page you'll find a comprehensive marching contest events schedule plus links to the marching band contests and marching circuits to help you schedule and get information and scores from marching competitions around the country.
All the news, scores, and information for DCI and the Drum Corps activity is located on the Drum and Bugle Corps page.
The Software page is the best online resource for drill design, band administration and music notation software as well as information and articles on marching software.
The Audio / Video is your online resource for audio engineering and music production for winterguard, videographers for marching bands and information on how to use technology for your marching show.
You can find instructional videos, magazines and books marching band, color guard and marching drums on the Publications page.
The Associations page is a handy online reference of marching circuits and music education associations.
