Monday, September 20, 2021

Fundamentals are Everything

Marching band is a rare case where "everything trickles up." Without solid fundamentals, both musically and visually, bands don't mesh well as an ensemble. As a result, they are not nearly as effective.

Four Things to Reinforce Visually
(Adjust to your specific technique.)

1. Posture
   • Stand tall. Keep shoulders above hips.
   • Don't bend back at the waist.
   • Chin up.

2. Keep shoulders square to front while on the move (unless it's a "follow-the-leader" move). This needs to be reinforced daily, especially at the beginning of the season.
3. Your technique
   • Is it obvious? Are they all doing it the same way?
     • Toes up when moving forward
     • Heels lifted when moving backward
     • Straight legs on the pulse
     • Is your last step rolled or toes-pointed? ("roll close" or "plant clase"?)

4. Spacing
   • I've said the phrase "stay halfway between two people" as kids are moving approximately...a billion times. Like any repeated phrase, it gets in their head as part of the move when you're not there.

Four Things to Reinforce Musically

1. Tone
   • It doesn't matter if it is loud, low, high, fast, or whatever; teach each student to play with a fundamentally good sound at all times.

2. Articulation
   • It only takes one student to muddy up a phrase.

3. Ensemble Sound
   • There shouldn't be any heroes during ensemble moments (or ever).
   • Each section should mix well within itself and the the rest of the musical ensemble.

4. Phrasing
   • Just because it's marked forte, doesn't mean it has to be loud for the entire phrase. Create nuance, musicality, and effect through added dynamics.
   • Repeated reminders become "a part" of their music when you're not around.

Good luck to everyone. I look forward to seeing you and your kids at upcoming festivals!

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