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Marching Band Percussion Instrumentation Choices

publication date: Sep 4, 2009
 | 
author/source: Jeff Young
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This article is a supplement to the instrumentation section of the "Have no Fear Get the Gear" track on Dynamic Music - In the Mix with Michael McIntosh.  In this article we present 3 scenarios for instrumentation of a marching band battery and front ensemble, based on the number of performers you have.

Instrumentation

Scenario 1A - Small Percussion Section (8 members)

  • Xylophone
  • Vibes
  • Marimba
  • Timpani
  • *Tip:  Stage this type of ensemble behind the winds on the field
  • *Key:  Amplification should be strongly considered  

Scenario 1B - Small Percussion Section (8-10 members)

  • Xylophone
  • Vibes
  • Marimba
  • Timpani
  • 2 Snare Drums
  • 3 Bass Drums
  • *Tip:  A synthesizer would add more options and color to this scenario  

Scenario 2 - Medium Percussion Section (13 members)

  • Xylophone
  • Vibes
  • 2 Marimbas
  • Timpani
  • 2-3 Snare Drums
  • 4-5 Bass Drums  

Scenario 3 - Large Percussion Section (21 members)

  • 1 Xylophones
  • 2 Vibes
  • 4 Marimbas
  • Timpani
  • Auxiliary Percussion
  • 4 Snare Drums
  • 3 Tenor Drums
  • 5 Bass Drums
  • *Tip:  People see what they hear.  Make your ensemble set-up visually appealing
  • *Tip:  consider using a variety of rack-mounted instruments and cymbals for easy multi-tasking from each member
  • *Tip:  Accessory pods are a great addition to the ensemble. 
  • *We use a drum set accessory pod and a crotali/ bell/ cymbal accessory pod.
  • *Key:  Minimize the distance traveled by each performer between instrument pods
  • *Key:  Amplification is key. 
            



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