Marching Band, Help!!?

Question

I am going to be in my first year of marchingband this summer, does anyone have advise for me. Things that I should and/or shouldn't do.

Answer 1

(I'm a freshman in high school and this was my first year of marching band. )

~Don't worry about making friends, your section will become your 'family'
~Make sure that you always have a clean instrument and your drill book
~Practice! The directors will be nicer to you if you can actually play your music.
~If you need help with anything, ask your section leader or drum major.
~Make sure you follow any special rules (ex: no earrings at football games, no nail polish, etc.)
~Try to be friends with people in other sections also
~Don't quit during summer band, it's the hardest part of the whole season, and it only lasts for like 2 weeks
~HAVE FUN
~and what happens on the band bus, stays on the band bus.

(I LOVE band, and I LOVE to talk about it! If you have any other questions, just e-mail me!)

Answer 2

Just be cool and dont be too aggressive.

For some reason in every high school the girls with the reputations always seem to be in band. I dont know what it is about band, but take this to heart from a fellow band geek. Making out on the bus going to football games and competitions gets blown WAY up and it will come about that you have given some random guy head or something no self respecting girl would ever do.

Good luck, Band rules, I had such an awesome time. Of course unlike many other schools, band was the cool thing in my HS, so dont take any critism to heart. Also, just an FYI, all the band kids in my HS class went on to REALLY successful jobs, no so much with the jock world.

Oh I just read another poster's response and want to second the "dont wear shoes that cause blisters" ALWAYS wear sneakers. Cute shoes mean nothing on a big grass field and even less if you have to practice in a parking lot. Sneakers are your best friend!

Answer 3

Personally, I loved marching band. It was the most fun I had during my high school years. You seriously wouldn't believe some of the fun, crazy things that go on within the band. So give it a chance! Go into it looking to have a good time and work hard, and you will probably love it. :) And if you are going to be in marching band, yes band camp is usually required. That is where you learn the music and drill for your show, and if you don't go you won't have any idea what you are doing, as the first football games and competitions usually start just a few weeks after school starts.

Answer 4

I played drums in the marching band when I was in high school. If you don't drink a lot of water now, try to get used to drinking water, and eat as healthy as you can. You want to stay away from soda, since it can dehydrate you and when you're out on the field practicing during a hot summer you don't want that.

Marching band can be rough if you have a heavy instrument to carry, like drums or the tuba. Even lighter instruments can wear you out when you have to march, move your fingers, and blow into the instrument at the same time. Your instructors should be having you warming up and stretching before practices and performances... if they don't, something is wrong.

Don't let any of this scare you off though. Marching band is a great thing to be a part of, and a great experience. I just wish someone had told me that it can be as strenuous as any sport, and that you have to eat right, drink water, stretch, wear shoes that won't blister you and loose fitting comfortable clothing during band camp and summer practices. The hardest part to get down is learning to mark time, which is marching to the beat of the song while you play. Once you master that, everything else is cake.

Answer 5

Do:
Have Fun
Try Your Best to Sound Good
Get a Good Grade
Develop Your Abilities on Your instrument
Work as a Team

Don't
Wear Your Band Uniform to the Zoo just so you can get in free
Sleep On the Band Bus
Eat Beans Just before the big Tuba Solo
Try and Impress the Band Leader by Learning "Gin & Juice" on your instrument.
Tell your band leader you don't need an instrument because you can belch the alphabet.


Hope that Helps <

Answer 6

Do's
Bring a water bottle and drink LOTS of water.
Maybe get out and walk two or three miles to get into shape if you arent already.
Get more familiar with your instrument.

Don'ts
Stress over it too much, its supposed to be fun.
Forget to practice, memorization is a very big part of marching.

For the most part no one will be expecting you to have any clue when you get in so they will walk you through it pretty slow. Everyone has to start at the beginning so don't worry too much about it, youre gonna have a blast.

Answer 7

Follow the lead of older band members. You should have a great time. I have noticed how dedicated Marching Band members are and I admire that.

Answer 8

I am in a marching band..make sure u always look up not down and be n step with everyone else..if u are off do a little skip to get back on track..stay in line and do this by not looking with your head but with your eyes....memorize your music...good luck and have fun

Answer 9

This year was my first year too. Practice, Practice, Practice. And if you're a competition band, practices will be grueling, but trust me, everything is absolutely worth it. The friendships and fun are definitely worth it. Just enjoy yourself and have fun, thats really what it's all about.

Answer 10

Congratulations!! You are going to have so much fun! I was in band all through middle/high school and college! Was a blast! Just make sure that you study your music, and learn your steps, and you will be fine.