Klarinet Archive - Posting 000911.txt from 1997/04

From: deerich@-----.net
Subj: Marching Bands
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 1997 05:24:01 -0400

I, too, had good experiences in marching bands. But I would have to say
that the different schools that I attended had more balanced programs
than some I have read about in this group.

The typical program that I was involved in had band 5 days a week. We
would work on marching two or three days and concert music the other two
or three days. You see we not only marched in the fall, but usually had
a concert. Occasionally we would have an additional practice outside of
our regular class sessions but nothing like some of the schools I read
about. In addition, my band directors had each student scheduled for a
lesson during a study hall, or before or after school once a week.
Beginning and intermediate students were often in pairs or small groups
while advanced students had individual lessons.

As long as a program has a reasonable balance, marching band is fine.
It is fun for the spectator and participant alike. As one commentator
on this item said, it can help improve one's sense of rythem. There are
studies that support the idea that some people need to involve their
whole body to master timing of physical activities.

It has been almost 30 years since I have been high school, but I lived
near Decatur, Illinois in 1995 and 1997 and participated in their
Municipal Band. When there was a parade, I volunteered. Of course we
just marched and played, no maneuvers of any kind but still pleasant.

It is sad to hear about some of the bands whose sole purpose seems to be
marching and about some bands who totally neglect it.