Getting the Marching Band Season Started

by Creative Aims   .....     Visit our FB page or photo galleries for photos of the Marching Barbs in action!

It is nearly here! The first band competition of the year.  If you are new to marching band competitions all together, or if your memories are a little rusty from past years, here is a bit of information you might find helpful.

About Marching Competitions in General

Band competitions are usually a fundraiser for band programs or the local music boosters group. Support them! Plan to pay admission to enter. Consider supporting concessions as well. It matters. It matters to the hosting band. It matters to the local boosters. It matters to the parents volunteering. It will matter in DeKalb when DHS is hosting a competition.

by Creative Aims - creativeaimsphotography.weebly.com

Take advantage of shout-outs. What’s a shout-out, you ask? For a small fee, you can write a message to your student or the band. If shout-outs are offered, these messages would be read as DHS takes the field to set up or as the band comes off the field after their performance.  When available, shout-outs are a great opportunity to wish your student good luck, thank instructors, cheer on the band, etc. If shout-outs are offered, you should be able find the table where you can purchase them near the concessions or perhaps near the entrance to the stadium.

Tips for spectators….

Local competitions provide an opportunity to take in the world of the marching arts beyond what you experience with your student’s involvement in the Marching Barbs. Make the most of your admission fee and arrive early enough to see other bands. Or, stay later to see other bands.  Always see other bands.  

To be considerate of the bands performing, you should only be allowed to enter and exit the stadium during the brief periods between band performances. If there are not volunteers monitoring the stadium, please remember this protocol. DO NOT ENTER, LEAVE or MOVE AROUND during a marching band performance. EVER. PERIOD.

Avoid carrying on loud, long-winded conversations while other bands are performing.

Do not sing or hum along when you recognize a song.

For many, marching band competition is part art and part sport. For good bands with supportive crowds who appreciate hits - or impact points - within a show, you can expect cheering and such.  Cowbells, horns, etc., are not unheard of before a performance begins or after a band finishes. Cheering as the band performs can be fine during a show as this is not an indoor concert. For some bands, the more the crowd responds, the better the band will do. Especially cheer your heart out as soon as the Barbs finish and don’t be afraid to give them a standing ovation!

And …. Be forewarned! Don’t be surprised to hear Barbs fans going crazy during the show. The show before you – both music and drill – has specific hits written into it. And, parts of the design are written to build the anticipation of those hits.  If you don’t recognize them yourself yet, don’t worry … you will! Or, listen for the other parents.  

If recording is your thing, then maybe sit away from groups of veteran parents who are devoted band groupies because they will likely be cheering.   

But in general, always try to sit with other parents. The kids appreciate having a supportive “block” in the crowd! And, being together makes it more fun for spectators.

If you are focused on specifically seeing your student, sit lower in the stadium. If your goal is to enjoy the full performance and general effect of the Barbs’ run, sit as high as you can and as close to the 50-yard line as you can.  

Don’t forget to wear your fan gear OR at least some orange/black.  Do NOT wear your student’s band-specific show shirt. Those are earmarked for the students only. Did you miss ordering fan gear? Each year, the band parents usually sell show-themed apparel for fans. Watch for it next time. 

If you’d like a bit of info on judging for marching band field show competitions, check out this article on Illinoismarchingonline.com:

http://ilmarching.com/?p=1375

Advice from a veteran marching arts parent: Never, ever put too much stock in scores.  Enjoy them when the Barbs get good ones.  It’s fun to win. But don’t fret over poor scores.  Judging is subjective. Sometimes, frankly, it’s political. Some judges are better than others. Execution will usually trump ambition … meaning a simple park & play type show could well beat a harder-to-march and visually more interesting show that isn’t performed as well.

At the end of the day, it is really about the experience. Enjoy it!