Children who choose to play an instrument are often limited to the piano or violin. Once children get close to high school, then joining a marching band may seem more appealing. While performing in a marching may appear to be fun and easy, there are a variety of different aspects that go into these performances. Participating in a marching band is not necessarily the easiest musical activity to embark upon. Students are often required to perform outdoors in inclement weather conditions, all while wearing heavy uniforms and carrying even heavier instruments. Band members are expected to be able to do all of these things and to still play at a high level. Find out about all the ins and outs of joining a marching band and how to encourage your child once he or she becomes part of the team. Practice Schedules and Time ManagementOne of the most crucial aspects of participating in a marching band is finding time to practice and to manage your time effectively. Band members are expected to balance their academic requirements and complete their homework on time, which can be a challenge when you’re trying to squeeze in time for band practice. Interestingly, marching bands are one of the few extracurricular activities that is undertaken almost year-round, and in many cases, practices even occur over summer break. Members of the marching band are around each other for a great deal of time, helping to foster strong bonds among the band. In general, children who desire to join a marching band have been shown to be high achievers and are usually well behaved in the classroom. Ensuring that these children are around other like-minded individuals can have a positive effect, and it has been shown that relationships with one’s peers can have a significant impact on how students view their overall high school experience. Rehearsals for marching band routines are typically long and conducted outdoors, regardless of the weather. Practicing under these grueling conditions requires strong mental fortitude and a solid work ethic. Building Teamwork SkillsMarching band stands apart in the world of high school activities because it brings together students from various classes and age groups. From freshmen to seniors, the marching band offers students the opportunity to network with those who not are not necessarily in their graduating class. Joining a marching band can be a great way to make new friends, and some schools even allow incoming students to join a summer program prior to their freshman year, which will provide them with instant friendships once the school year actually begins. Marching band routines are often choreographed, and students have to learn to work closely with one another and exhibit a true team mentality in order to pull off a successful performance. Teamwork skills can help prepare students to join college marching bands, where routines are often televised, and any discord is quickly noticed by fans. Scouts are often on the lookout for the best and brightest individuals to join some of the country's most prestigious marching bands, so it is always important for all members to work together to produce the best performance possible. Working with Band DirectorsDuring a marching band performance, most of the focus is on the musicians, but the team cannot accomplish anything without the help of a strong band director. Similar to an orchestra conductor, marching band directors are responsible for organizing the performances and making the entire production appear effortless. While they often don’t receive credit, band directors play a central role in the success of a band. The reason why many great marching band directors are generally not seen is that they understand that in a team environment, when one individual succeeds, the entire team succeeds. Opportunity for ExerciseIn addition to all of the social and time management skills required to participate in a marching band, it is also a great form of exercise, even for those who don't necessarily enjoy it. Being part of a marching band requires a great deal of movement—often in hot weather—which will inevitably burn a lot of calories. Sedentary children will have a chance to engage in much-needed physical activity and develop stamina. Even those students who start out slow will soon be able to keep up with their band mates. Students who participate on a marching band use several different muscle groups, which can help them to become stronger overall and perform better in other extracurricular activities. Marching bands can also help students develop proper breathing technique, as breath control is essential to play instruments while engaging in rigorous physical activity. One survey even indicated that marching band performers move about 180 steps per minute on average while playing instruments that can weigh upwards of 40 pounds. Marching band practice is certainly rigorous and not for the faint of heart. However, despite the long practice hours, exposure to the elements, and the physical requirements of being in a marching band, many members generally would not trade the experience for anything else. Comments are closed.
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Photo used under Creative Commons from Marina K Caprara