So what is the best marching band instrument?

Question

I say something in brass, just because you can actually hear it when the players are marching.

Answer 1

This argument went on at my house for years! And it wasn't which was the best. It was which was the hardest to hold up for hours on end.

I played flute. I did so much twisting with my arms out to the side that I royally screwed up my neck and shoulder. I much prefered piccolo over the flute, because it was easier on my shoulder.

My brother played the euphonium. At first they just used concert baritones, but before he graduated from high school, they got some marching euphoniums. They were extremely heavy, and he had to carry it right in front of him.

My sister played the french horn. They marched with mellophones. Not as heavy as the euphoniums, but it was still a lot of instrument right in front of you. She had forearms of steel.

My youngest brother plays snare drum. That harness is very uncomfortable. And the drum is heavy!!!

So anyway, we just called a draw. everyone had hardships in their own way. But as for the BEST instrument, it depends on what you mean by best. Do you mean the lightest to carry? Definitely the piccolo. Do you mean the best to be heard? That's the trumpet. Do you mean the best stuff to play? That's mellophones. Do you mean the coolest stuff? That's drumline. And if you don't want to march, they join the front ensemble. There are plenty of fun percussion parts.

Answer 2

Best Band Instrument

Answer 3

Well, the answer kind of depends on the type of marching band you are talking about. Take a band like Ohio State. They are a high-stepping band, and they are also an all brass band. The Ohio University 110 is also high stepping, but they include clarinets, saxophones, etc. If you're talking about corps bands, all of the extra percussion like bells becomes very important. My answer is that every instrument in the band is important in order for that band to be successful at the style they choose. It is important to consider that without percussion, the band would likely fall apart, and also the tubas /sousaphones play an especially vital role on the whole.

Answer 4

There is no one instrument that makes a good marching band although there some that are just brass and drums. I play picollo myself and can be heard just fine over all the brass and drums ( sometimes to my directors dismay). At the end of a parade I am less tired than some of the heavier intstrument players. I can also stick it in my pocket. I truly believe it is personal preference

Answer 5

It really depends on the college; what school(s) are you looking at? If your main instrument is oboe, then the easiest switch would probably be either clarinet or saxophone. Typically, marching bands are short on baritones and mellophones, and sometimes sousaphones and trombones. Most bands are always looking for trumpets because they are so popular (can't go wrong with the trumpet!). Good luck! Marching band is awesome!

Answer 6

I was a clarinetist myself. I also play the piano, but couldn't bring that onto the field. I personally think the trumpet is the best marching band instrument. Although the percussion section sure adds a lot too.

Answer 7

I would think it would be the percussion section.... what would a band be with out the beat of a drum to keep everyone in step! Afterall, isn't that what a marching band is all about?

Answer 8

As kooky as it may sound I really like someone who knows how to play the xylophone in a band. Some people can really jam and it sounds good too....

Answer 9

I agree....BRASS...or Drums. Stay away from flute, clarinet...etc. You want to be heard. Louder the better.

Answer 10

You do realize we're all going to plug our own instruments, right? I'd say the trombone (that's mine!) because we're loud and our sound is clearly defined.