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Visual Responsibilities of Music Instructors
publication date: Feb 18, 2009
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author/source: Brandon Cochenour
Sometimes the "marching" part of marching band takes a backseat in music rehearsals. The reality though is that when we ask the performers to move around the field like we do today, how we march is 100% related to how we'll eventually sound. It is the visual staff's job to provide the performers with the physical tools necessary to make good sounds (posture, horn carriage, technique, etc.). As such, it is the responsibility of music instructors to make sure these concepts are reinforced in music rehearsals. Here are some simple rules the music staff can follow... Demand students mark time and
understand tempo. Require proper posture and horn carriage. Reinforce starts and stops. Match feet to musical cues, especially during complex rhythmic phrases. Relate music phrases to visual phrases (drill phrases). Provide musical exercises to be played during marching basics. Likewise, introduce "tracking", where passages from the show can be rehearsed with simulated marching. Educate the visual staff to music concerns.
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