ABSTRACT
The marching band experience is valued by many of those participating as is evident by the huge college marching bands that are populated primarily by nonmusic majors—students who have little interest in participating in the concert organizations. Marching bands can require a disproportionate amount of resources to spend on stipends for additional instructors of percussion, flags, twirlers, other auxiliary groups. While instruments are in the “carry” position they can be held any number of ways, but should be uniform within each section. One suggestion is to keep the tip of the mouthpiece at eye level or even with the chin and the instrument vertical. Establish, enforce a common position; players have been known to become lazy. The marching band show is performed on a regulation football field for school games and at festivals and competitions. In many communities, the weekly Friday night or Saturday afternoon football game is the highlight of the week and can take on a carnival-like atmosphere.
