Marching Band season is one of my favorite times of the year. I get to see lots of friends, work with lots of kids, and see lots of creative shows!

However, this is the time of year when it feels like we never have enough rehearsal hours. It's the time of year when prioritizing your rehearsal outcomes is a must. It's also the time of year when the tendency to do a quick musical warm-up, then jump right into "that thing" in the show that kept you up last night, creeps in.

However, this is the time of year when it feels like we never have enough rehearsal hours. It's the time of year when prioritizing your rehearsal outcomes is a must. It's also the time of year when the tendency to do a quick musical warm-up, then jump right into "that thing" in the show that kept you up last night, creeps in.

I definitely fell victim to this tendency as I began teaching in the public schools, even after drum corps had beaten the opposite into my head. My rationale was "drum corps have all day - literally." What I came to realize though, is bad habits will creep in if regular reinforcement of fundamentals is not consistent.

The One Caption That Affects the Rest? Visual Performance Individual

I've said this to many of you in person, and have written it in numerous articles over the years: "An All-State musician who does not march well does not sound like an All-Stater on the move." This is especially true of students with less musical talent. A student needs to be able to march smoothly, in any direction, without having to think about it. Those fundamentals need to be repeated regularly until it's in the subconscious part of their mind. The inability to move well affects their ability to play well, which affects both ensemble captions, and makes the whole product less effective.

So, let's get the best of both worlds. If you absolutely can't take the time to start a marching block for a few minutes each day, go ahead set up "that thing" that bugged you all night - but do it as if you are in your fundamental block. March the phrase without music. Call out individuals who need correction looking only through the Visual Performance Individual lens for a few reps. Reinforce perfect posture (that's the first thing to go), perfect shoulder orientation (a close 2nd), and perfect foot technique.

In addition, remind them to "stay between two people" (true, most of the time) while on the move. It's the same as active listening to be able to play within the ensemble; active eyes will help clean the vast majority of the show, just by being spatially aware. It's a super easy concept, but will need regular reinforcement.

By taking the time to solely focus on individual marching daily, then reinforcing those fundamentals throughout your rehearsals, you'll see and hear a positive difference in your show as the season progresses.

I'm so appreciative of everyone's hard work. Best wishes to you all for the remainder of your seasons, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

We are excited to promote a new website helping students prepare for all-district and all-state auditions. The site -- https://www.allstateband.org/ -- was created by Tyler Vahldick, a Branson High School alumnus and graduate of the Manhattan School of Music. The site is completely free for student use and features video recordings of all of the Missouri All-State Band audition repertoire. Tyler has plans to add the material for the Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas regions as well. Palen Music Center is proud to be the premier sponsor of this helpful site. Please help us spread the word!