Checklist for Success for Your Upcoming Marching Band Season

Checklist for Success for Your Upcoming Marching Band Season

Last fall, after I had just finished judging state marching band finals in another state, it got me thinking about what I would tell each of the band directors of the groups that I saw regarding next season. For most of these bands, state is the end of the marching band season and they will not perform that show ever again. They all went off to concert band, jazz band, musicals, and orchestra. My advice to all band directors is to take a moment to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of last season before jumping head-long into this next season.

Last fall, after I had just finished judging state marching band finals in another state, it got me thinking about what I would tell each of the band directors of the groups that I saw regarding next season. For most of these bands, state is the end of the marching band season and they will not perform that show ever again. They all went off to concert band, jazz band, musicals, and orchestra. My advice to all band directors is to take a moment to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of last season before jumping head-long into this next season.

Brainstorming… 

• Did I choose a show that matched the abilities of my players well? Was it too hard visually/musically? Was it too easy visually/musically? Make some detailed notes on what your performers were able to do well and what they struggled with.
• Was I pleased with the drill writer/music arranger/composer that I used last season? If not, change it up! Unless this person is your spouse, it is perfectly “ok” to try out a new arranger/composer/drill writer. Don’t keep using the same person just because that is what you have always done!
• What comments did I consistently hear from judges regarding the actual product? (Not the performance quality of the students , but the actual repertoire) If you heard some of the same things from many judges, they might be on to something! For example: I spoke about color guard staging, transitions, and the musicality (or lack thereof) in the color guard writing a LOT last year when I judged. I hope that many groups will hear this feedback and think ahead to next season.
• Did you just run out of time trying to “clean” the show? If so- you may need to adjust your rehearsal calendar next season.
• Is your Group fundamentally sound? If you are not scoring in “box four” for the individual performance captions, think about hiring a Dynamic Marching consultant or purchasing our instructional DVDs.

For More Information please visit www.dynamicmarching.com