Developing A Basics Program...Your Four Essential Ingredients!
publication date: Feb 22, 2009
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author/source: Brandon Cochenour
Just like the Shamwow
guy...it really is that easy!!! Just
four steps. Whether you're looking to
revamp your existing technique program, or looking to build a program from the
bottom up...developing a "visual style" is something that takes a lot of time,
patience, and hard work. Amazingly, the
components that go into a successful marching program are few.
1. Body - Competitive marching band is a sport. You would not run a 5k without training first, and no uniform can hide poor physical appearance...in fact, it will probably make it worse. Incorporate stamina and cardiovascular training into your program. Additionally, don't be afraid to borrow tips and exercises from ballet and dance. They will promote better balance, posture, and efficiency.
Musical Analogy - Lipslurs, embouchure development, range, etc.
2. Timing - If it isn't in time, it doesn't matter. If it isn't in time, it doesn't matter. If it isn't in time, it doesn't matter. The ugly reality of our activity is that when you spread a bunch of people out over a 100 yard football field, it is essential that everyone have a good sense of pulse. You probably wouldn't think Yo-Yo Ma was a great cellist if he played with a great tone, but missed all his entrances and played a half a beat behind the rest of the orchestra. For your program, coming up with simple timing exercises will help with pulse in the feet...first and last steps...and improving audio/visual demands in your show.
Musical Analogy - Practicing with a metronome or Dr. Beat. Playing with the conductor.
3. Technique - Details are important. Everything we do, we have to do together. When students march onto the field...everyone is dressed the same. There are no individuals. Wouldn't it be confusing then to see the trumpet section all holding their horns differently? Or someone marching backwards with straight legs next to someone marching backwards with bend legs. As a staff...come to a consensus on HOW you will do things. There are many ways to do something. Often there is no right way. What's important is that the approach is the same.
Musical Analogy - Tone quality, articulation, etc.
4. Ensemble Responsibilities - In not so many words - how will we learn and clean drill?
Musical Analogy - Balance and Blend
This is it. Four basic components that you need to get your basics program off on the right (or left) foot. Check out the Dynamic Marching DVD's for more details, ideas, and exercises to help you develop each of these four components.
1. Body - Competitive marching band is a sport. You would not run a 5k without training first, and no uniform can hide poor physical appearance...in fact, it will probably make it worse. Incorporate stamina and cardiovascular training into your program. Additionally, don't be afraid to borrow tips and exercises from ballet and dance. They will promote better balance, posture, and efficiency.
Musical Analogy - Lipslurs, embouchure development, range, etc.
2. Timing - If it isn't in time, it doesn't matter. If it isn't in time, it doesn't matter. If it isn't in time, it doesn't matter. The ugly reality of our activity is that when you spread a bunch of people out over a 100 yard football field, it is essential that everyone have a good sense of pulse. You probably wouldn't think Yo-Yo Ma was a great cellist if he played with a great tone, but missed all his entrances and played a half a beat behind the rest of the orchestra. For your program, coming up with simple timing exercises will help with pulse in the feet...first and last steps...and improving audio/visual demands in your show.
Musical Analogy - Practicing with a metronome or Dr. Beat. Playing with the conductor.
3. Technique - Details are important. Everything we do, we have to do together. When students march onto the field...everyone is dressed the same. There are no individuals. Wouldn't it be confusing then to see the trumpet section all holding their horns differently? Or someone marching backwards with straight legs next to someone marching backwards with bend legs. As a staff...come to a consensus on HOW you will do things. There are many ways to do something. Often there is no right way. What's important is that the approach is the same.
Musical Analogy - Tone quality, articulation, etc.
4. Ensemble Responsibilities - In not so many words - how will we learn and clean drill?
Musical Analogy - Balance and Blend
This is it. Four basic components that you need to get your basics program off on the right (or left) foot. Check out the Dynamic Marching DVD's for more details, ideas, and exercises to help you develop each of these four components.
 | Brandon Cochenour frequently writes articles and teaches clinics on marching, movement, music, and visual instruction. For a more complete bio please visit our consultants and clnicians page here. |