Tips for Small Marching Band Drill Design

With fewer members than larger ensembles, every detail of a marching band show becomes even more significant for small marching bands. However, with strategic drill design and thoughtful visual staging, a small band can rival the impact of larger bands.

This guide includes practical tips to help band directors elevate their small marching band’s performances through strategic small marching band show design.

First, The Challenge of Small Marching Band Drill Design

Before we get into the tips, let’s talk about the unique challenges small marching bands face. First and foremost, the vastness of the football field can make small bands look even smaller, making it harder to create an impactful visual presence.  In addition, with fewer performers, each member becomes more visible and any inconsistencies in spacing, alignment, or movement are magnified.

But here’s the good news—you don’t need numbers to leave an impression. The key lies in thoughtful small marching band drill design, strategic staging, and creative use of visual elements.

Visual Tips to Make a Small Band Look Larger

Create a Smaller Stage on the Field

Instead of spreading your band across the entire football field, reduce the size of your performance area. For bands with fewer than 60 members, consider using a space that spans 40 yards horizontally (between the 30-yard lines) and extends to about midfield. This condensed area ensures that your performers fill the available space without looking sparse.

Ideas for defining the boundaries of this smaller stage include setting props around the outer edge of your performance area on the field or using screen panels to frame your space.

Design Impactful Opening Sets

Your opening set is your first impression, so use this opportunity to create impact from the very beginning with your props, staging, and spacing. Choose formations that effectively cover the field, increase prop usage at this time, and consider symmetrical, bold shapes in drill design.

Incorporate Props and Backdrops

Strategic use of props and backdrops can help “frame” the performance area, guiding the audience’s attention. Consider using black panels, small stages, or other props to create an implied stage that gives the illusion of a smaller, more concentrated performance space. These elements can also hide equipment and allow for seamless transitions during the performance.

Use Front Sideline Panels

Front sideline panels serve multiple purposes. Not only do they define the performance space, but they also add professionalism and visual focus. Additionally, they can be used to store color guard equipment discreetly, making your transitions cleaner and more efficient.

Staging and Design Techniques

Prioritize Proper Staging for Impact

Position the most visually and musically important sections close to the audience at the right times. For example, brass players staged centrally (between the 35-yard lines) and closer to the sidelines will have a bigger sound impact. Keep quieter musical moments further backfield or spread formations laterally for variety.

Leverage Geometric Shapes

Four-sided shapes like squares and rectangles are ideal for smaller ensembles because they’re easy to execute and maintain their visual clarity. Be cautious with circles and complex shapes, as they require precise spacing and can be challenging for smaller groups to pull off effectively. Simple forms executed cleanly can have a much stronger impact than intricate designs that lack precision.

Avoid Overly Long Moves

Stick to drill moves of 8 or 16 counts rather than extended 32-count moves. Longer moves can lose intensity and highlight issues with precision. Shorter moves keep the performance dynamic and engaging while maintaining consistent energy.

Keep Marching Comfortable

Physical comfort is key to ensuring your performers can focus on delivering their best. Here’s how to achieve it with your small marching band drill design:

• Step Size: Keep forward march steps no more than a 6-to-5 step size and backward march steps at a maximum of 7-to-5 step size to prevent physical strain.
• Spacing: Maintain adequate distance in block formations to avoid crowding.
• Avoid Excessive Small Steps: Continuous small steps can lead to timing issues and improper technique.
• Skip 90-Degree Slides: Eliminating these demanding maneuvers helps performers sustain better upper body control and play more confidently.
• Choose music that is skill level-appropriate: Although it can be good to challenge your students, choosing music that is too difficult may jeopardize their ability to perform well and consistently Pro tip: Companies like marchingmonk.com allow you to search their marching band shows by difficulty level (as well as by mood and more) and even have a curated list of shows most suitable for small marching bands.

Creating Energy with Visual Velocity

Even a smaller band can exude energy with smart drill moves and choreography. Here are two effective techniques to amplify visual impact without overwhelming your performers.

Counter Motion

Implement side-to-side counter motion in your drills. For instance, having two lines perform “follow-the-leader” moves in opposite directions fosters visual excitement with minimal effort.

Follow-the-Leader Effects

Follow-the-leader moves, in general, are simple to execute but create dramatic flair. Try combining them with contrasting step sizes or directions to add complexity while maintaining clarity.

Enhance the Experience for Your Students

Small marching bands require careful attention to individual performer strengths and comfort levels. By setting realistic physical expectations and designing drill that supports both visual impact and playability, you create a more enjoyable experience for your students.

Small Marching Bands, Big Impact

Small marching band drill design may come with unique challenges, but these challenges open up opportunities to showcase the creativity and precision of a tight-knit group. By focusing on effective staging, creative visual design, and performer comfort, a small band can achieve a performance that captivates audiences and blows judges away.

Remember, band size doesn’t define the quality of a performance. Start implementing these tips into your next drill, and watch your small marching band deliver its biggest performance yet.