by Tara A. McMillan

Created on: June 12, 2008

When one thinks of high school music programs, the first things to come to mind are typically orchestral band and choir. What people tend to overlook is the marching and color guard. Marching band is often thought synonymous with orchestral band, but in truth, they are very different. While many students may be involved in both, some prefer not to march and remain solely with the orchestra. Color guard is a big part of the marching band and is often under appreciated as simple flag-spinning but the truth is far more complex than most initially believe.

Have you ever been to a high school football game? If you have, you might have noticed the band playing during it and the specially choreographed show they perform during half time. That is the marching band. However, what most people don't realize is that their world goes beyond the football game. In fact, the football game is just a "practice" for their real goal. Competition.
Like football players, the entire marching band and color guard attends a camp before school starts. Yes. The infamous "band camp". Here, they are introduced to the music and theme for their show. The band members learn their music and marching patterns while color guard learns flag spins, weapon tosses and dance moves. They spend at least two weeks on training, by the end of which they are able to perform their complete show. Once school begins, they continued to have after-school and weekend practices unless there is a game, which in itself, becomes an additional practice only, this time, with an audience. Then begins the real fun.
Competition. Schools all over the region meet at designated schools sometimes twice a week. Typically, on a Saturday, sometimes on Sundays. The competitions can go on until 10:00 at night, depending on how many schools are involved and how long the awards ceremony is. The hosting school cannot compete, but they are able to perform and receive all of the proceeds from admissions to put towards their marching band fund. Schools are divided into categories based on the size of their band and are judged inside those categories. This way, no school has a greater advantage over another due to size difference.
A show comprises of more than just music and simple choreography. Many bands provide a set and use additional props like platforms and even the occasional hand-crafted 10ft Egyptian Pyramid. Anything is game. The show is judged in four categories: marching band, pit, color guard, and overall effect. Each category is individually judged based on their skill and ability to perform their show in an accurate, consonant and aesthetically pleasing manner. Both the guard and band must be consistent with the theme and with the purpose. Everything is judged from rhythm, to facial expressions and group unity.
The marching band season runs as long as the football season and usually culminates at a championship, typically held at a stadium. For New Jersey and neighboring bands, this is Giant Stadium, just outside of Rutherford.
Marching band kids are as dedicated as any athlete. They really don't get enough credit for all of their hard work. So next time you're at a football game, pay attention to the half-time show. Think about all of the time and effort they put in to execute such a performance. Give them a hand; let them know they're doing a good job. These kids deserve appreciation for their hard work. Marching band needs more acknowledgment from the general public, because this is their time to shine. So sit back and enjoy your next half-time show.

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