What is marching band? - Questions for college project

[nomorehoney]

Hello, I'm sure some of you have seen me on here before. I'm currently doing a research project for my English 102 class where I am supposed to study a subculture and ultimately write a research paper about it. I chose the marching band subculture for this project, and I even though I am an insider I still feel it would be helpful for my research to have some questions about the subculture answered by dedicated members who've been in the game for years. 

The following will just be some basic questions about you, the activity, and your relation to the activity. You don't have to answer all of them, and feel free to provide as much or as little detail as you want.


- What is marching band?

- What is your background? What introduced you to the marching band subculture?

- Based on your personal experience, why do you feel the activity is important?

- What are some of the goals and values of those who participate in the activity?

- What does the activity mean to those involved?

- What does the activity teach to those involved?

- What compels you to stay involved in the activity if you're no longer a participant in a band/guard/etc.?


Thanks! I hope to see some responses in here lol. I might want to interview some of you guys later in the semester if you'd be willing to participate. 

(also if this has been posted in the wrong place, I'm sorry)

[realjsnacks]

- What is your background? What introduced you to the marching band subculture?
I marched with the Pride of Piedmont from 2015-2018, and played until I graduated in the spring of 2019. I had been playing the trumpet since the 6th grade, and back then the band was (still is) a major player in our competitive division, having just come off of a back-to-back state championship, so our director at the time had a major focus on recruitment into the program. Even for those in the middle school bands, each Monday after a competition weekend for the marching band was a time for him to discuss what we as middle schoolers could achieve if we kept going through the program as we got into high school (we also marched select 8th graders at the time, so for some of us it was incentive to try our hand at receiving that opportunity). Many of us already knew about the band in town, as people would sometimes go to the football games just to watch the band as the football team wasn't the best at the time, so for someone like me, who already thought marching bands looked cool and were more entertaining than football, this was a great opportunity to become part of the experience, though prior to my director telling us about the band's accomplishments I had no idea there was any kind of competitive scene for marching band. Or just how deep the rabbit hole went.
- Based on your personal experience, why do you feel the activity is important?
I believe the activity is important not just because of the educational aspect of it, but because of the avenues it opens up for those students who participate in such an endeavor. There are numerous scholarship opportunities out there for those who are willing to get good enough at their instrument. But even without that, I've found it is highly effective for promoting a healthy social environment for high school students. Remember, these are still teenagers - kids. The world is still a pretty big and scary place, and high school is the largest obstacle most of these kids are facing so far. I remember being so scared about not being able to fit in or make friends as a freshman. But, I already had a bunch of friends in the band before school had even started thanks to band camp! And the bond only continues past there- the kids spend so much time together that by the end of one season they are practically a second family. It serves as a second home, a safe haven for some, away from life's big stressors. Not to mention, it can set some kids who aren't quite sure what they want to do yet down a path of life where they can do something really cool- and have fun with it too.
- What are some of the goals and values of those who participate in the activity?
Every band is going to differ slightly on their goals and values, but probably the most consistent thing you will find among the most successful ensembles is the common goal of using music and the marching arts to promote and actively put into motion the pursuit of excellence. For all of these bands, the music and the marching and cool choreography and competition days aren't about the resulting medals and trophies, they're about what will result from all that hard work- responsible young men and women that are set up to do remarkable things in life. It's been about four years since I marched my last show, and I still feel like I have to show up at least 20 minutes early to any event I have a commitment to ever. There are many habits that this activity teaches that are still useful later in life, and at the end of the day, that's probably what this activity promotes better than anything else.
- What does the activity mean to those involved?
For those who participate in this activity we call marching band, it means friendship and finding your place in the world. Sure, we all want to win- to be that Regional champion or state champion, or even maybe someday a Grand National finalist or champion. But at the end of the day, none of that even mattered years later because what I remember from my days of marching band are all the laughs I shared with my friends, the tears I cried after an amazing state finals performance, the games we would play in the semi trailer on contest days, the band booster meals, and the long hours I spent in the heat with people I probably would've never associated with otherwise. At least, that's what it meant to me. The person I was before I did band and the person I blossomed into at the end were completely different people. And one was much, much louder and outgoing than the other. So I would say while band encourages competition among those who participate, the memories they make throughout the entirety of their seasons trying to be the best are what it means/will mean to them.
- What does the activity teach to those involved?
I believe this activity teaches those involved how to be a part of something that's much bigger than themselves. Sure, there's the whole learning how to play an instrument/spin a flag/toss a rifle/jazz run/march/ at 170+ bpm, but none of that truly matters if the group can't work together as one. As a team where everyone is on the same page and has the same commitment to excellence. As I mentioned earlier before, the show is simply a mechanism used to teach this major life lesson to impressionable teenagers. And even if a band doesn't march a competitive show, it can still teach teamwork and camaradarie; after all, a balanced sound is the best sound!
- What compels you to stay involved in the activity if you're no longer a participant in a band/guard/etc.?
Honestly, it's just plain interesting and cool. This activity is one that is CONSTANTLY evolving, and every year there's a new group that does something to push the envelope. More and more bands are getting well deserved attention for their accomplishments by their communities. What's even more mind-boggling is that you can see the crazy things these kids are doing, and it's easy to forget these kids are as young as 14 years old! There's a lot of talented people in the world, and this activity is a great way to see what's being put into action by the most artistic visionaries. 


Well, I think it's about time I climb off the soapbox now. I hope these answers are of some substance to you. Good luck on your project!

[nomorehoney]

Oct 2, 2022 21:14:54 GMT -6 realjsnacks said:

- What is your background? What introduced you to the marching band subculture?
I marched with the Pride of Piedmont from 2015-2018, and played until I graduated in the spring of 2019. I had been playing the trumpet since the 6th grade, and back then the band was (still is) a major player in our competitive division, having just come off of a back-to-back state championship, so our director at the time had a major focus on recruitment into the program. Even for those in the middle school bands, each Monday after a competition weekend for the marching band was a time for him to discuss what we as middle schoolers could achieve if we kept going through the program as we got into high school (we also marched select 8th graders at the time, so for some of us it was incentive to try our hand at receiving that opportunity). Many of us already knew about the band in town, as people would sometimes go to the football games just to watch the band as the football team wasn't the best at the time, so for someone like me, who already thought marching bands looked cool and were more entertaining than football, this was a great opportunity to become part of the experience, though prior to my director telling us about the band's accomplishments I had no idea there was any kind of competitive scene for marching band. Or just how deep the rabbit hole went.
- Based on your personal experience, why do you feel the activity is important?
I believe the activity is important not just because of the educational aspect of it, but because of the avenues it opens up for those students who participate in such an endeavor. There are numerous scholarship opportunities out there for those who are willing to get good enough at their instrument. But even without that, I've found it is highly effective for promoting a healthy social environment for high school students. Remember, these are still teenagers - kids. The world is still a pretty big and scary place, and high school is the largest obstacle most of these kids are facing so far. I remember being so scared about not being able to fit in or make friends as a freshman. But, I already had a bunch of friends in the band before school had even started thanks to band camp! And the bond only continues past there- the kids spend so much time together that by the end of one season they are practically a second family. It serves as a second home, a safe haven for some, away from life's big stressors. Not to mention, it can set some kids who aren't quite sure what they want to do yet down a path of life where they can do something really cool- and have fun with it too.
- What are some of the goals and values of those who participate in the activity?
Every band is going to differ slightly on their goals and values, but probably the most consistent thing you will find among the most successful ensembles is the common goal of using music and the marching arts to promote and actively put into motion the pursuit of excellence. For all of these bands, the music and the marching and cool choreography and competition days aren't about the resulting medals and trophies, they're about what will result from all that hard work- responsible young men and women that are set up to do remarkable things in life. It's been about four years since I marched my last show, and I still feel like I have to show up at least 20 minutes early to any event I have a commitment to ever. There are many habits that this activity teaches that are still useful later in life, and at the end of the day, that's probably what this activity promotes better than anything else.
- What does the activity mean to those involved?
For those who participate in this activity we call marching band, it means friendship and finding your place in the world. Sure, we all want to win- to be that Regional champion or state champion, or even maybe someday a Grand National finalist or champion. But at the end of the day, none of that even mattered years later because what I remember from my days of marching band are all the laughs I shared with my friends, the tears I cried after an amazing state finals performance, the games we would play in the semi trailer on contest days, the band booster meals, and the long hours I spent in the heat with people I probably would've never associated with otherwise. At least, that's what it meant to me. The person I was before I did band and the person I blossomed into at the end were completely different people. And one was much, much louder and outgoing than the other. So I would say while band encourages competition among those who participate, the memories they make throughout the entirety of their seasons trying to be the best are what it means/will mean to them.
- What does the activity teach to those involved?
I believe this activity teaches those involved how to be a part of something that's much bigger than themselves. Sure, there's the whole learning how to play an instrument/spin a flag/toss a rifle/jazz run/march/ at 170+ bpm, but none of that truly matters if the group can't work together as one. As a team where everyone is on the same page and has the same commitment to excellence. As I mentioned earlier before, the show is simply a mechanism used to teach this major life lesson to impressionable teenagers. And even if a band doesn't march a competitive show, it can still teach teamwork and camaradarie; after all, a balanced sound is the best sound!
- What compels you to stay involved in the activity if you're no longer a participant in a band/guard/etc.?
Honestly, it's just plain interesting and cool. This activity is one that is CONSTANTLY evolving, and every year there's a new group that does something to push the envelope. More and more bands are getting well deserved attention for their accomplishments by their communities. What's even more mind-boggling is that you can see the crazy things these kids are doing, and it's easy to forget these kids are as young as 14 years old! There's a lot of talented people in the world, and this activity is a great way to see what's being put into action by the most artistic visionaries. 


Well, I think it's about time I climb off the soapbox now. I hope these answers are of some substance to you. Good luck on your project!

Thank you so much!

[boahistorybuff]

So I will give a few of my thoughts and comments. I think you will find most of the answers to your questions within my comments.

Most everyone who has an intense interest in marching band gets involved in the activity in high school. Most have played a musical instrument in elementary and middle school. For guard, often those who really enjoy performance art find themselves in marching band in high school.

Most everyone simply enjoys the activity, from learning the show to perfecting it to performing it. You also develop life long friendships in band and you get to spend a lot of time with friends/band mates.

Marching band also teaches a lot of life skills, skills that are not easily learned in a classroom, lecture hall, or seminar. Some of those skills include discipline, working as a team and leadership. It also gives the satisfaction of accomplishment from hard work. In some cases that amounts to the joy of being rewarded, especially at the big competitions. There is a flip side. Sometimes, despite an enormous amount of hard work, you don't achieve your desired outcome. So you have to learn how to handle disappointment, which unfortunately life is full of. However, that often leads to an increased level of determination, which sometimes does eventually get rewarded.

Despite being out of high school for 30 years, I continue to follow competitive marching bands. I simply enjoy it. I enjoy seeing how the activity continues to evolve and how each year seems to bring more creativity to the activity with the bands getting stronger and stronger. This also draws more people into the activity, both spectators and participants. With the advent of social media and online forums, all those with an intense interest in marching band have found an outlet for their interest to share and gain insights from others.

I think it is also important to look at how the activity has evolved into such a large community of marching arts enthusiasts.

You of course have to look at drum corps since that has been a huge influence on competitive marching band. In the early to mid 20th Century, drum corps parades and field shows were very much a display of military style pageantry. Over the last 50 years, there has been a gradual evolution toward something more like a Broadway style show on a football field. Military precision has been replaced with crowd pleasing displays of music set to motion.

The other thing I would mention is that the marching arts has evolved into a near year round activity, with drum corps in the summer, marching band in the fall and indoor guard, percussion and winds in the late winter/early spring. In the mid 20th Century, almost everything done in a high school marching band, from the field show design to the music arrangements was done by the school directors and in some cases even the students. Over the last 50 years, what we have actually seen is the development of a complete industry for the marching arts. It is no longer just band directors who earn a living off the activity. There are now designers, instructors, music arrangers, etc all who earn an income off the marching arts. There has also been an expansion of competitive circuits at the state, regional and national level and in the case if DCI, the international level. There are now complete non profit organizations like Music for All and Drum Corp International that employ a full time staff. There is also a ton of advertising dollars being put into the activity, seen in the program books and online streaming services. There are now corporations that exist solely for the marching arts. FJM for instance makes band uniforms and costumes. Companies like Yamaha and Pearl make a fortune off the marching arts. That of course gives them incentives to sponsor competitions. Also look at all the money that now pours into this industry, a lot of which comes from parents and agressive fundraising activities. So not only has marching band (and I would probably say the marching arts in general) formed a large group of fans (many of which are past participants), it has formed an entire industry which employs a lot of people. Now although the number of active drum corps have decreased over the decades, their budgets certainly have not. In terms of high school marching bands, the number of bands participating in a competitive circuit(s) have increased steadily over the decades. This has actually created a feedback loop. More bands competing create more people who develop life long interests in the marching arts who will in turn spend money on tickets, program books and streaming services and who may encourage their kids to participate in the activity. This then creates a bigger need for designers, instructors and larger non profit organizations to provide more competitions.

So I guess this is not only a community of those with similar interests, it is a full fledged industry focused as much on competition as it is focused on entertaining large audiences, an industry that is expanding.

[philodemus]

Dude... I could ramble on for hours on this topic, but here's something I was mulling over at a show this weekend while I chatted about it all with a couple old friends.

Maybe the most unique thing about it is the combination of the high brow with the low brow.

So, it's in a football stadium, there are nachos, and someone is playing Shostakovich. There's a Dad on the sideline with a megaphone pumping up the crowd for some Copeland. The same mix of high and low is found in the music arrangements themselves. Where else would you hear some Tchaikovsky seamlessly integrated with Sia? Or an aggressive, 60 brass arrangement of Radiohead?

Or, where else do 15 year old boys from the Midwest learn the difference between 2nd and 3rd position and what a rond de jambe is?

Where else does a crowd leap to its feet like a touchdown has been scored for the Great Gate of Kiev?

Every now and then I've heard a music snob decry this aspect of the marching arts, but to me, it might be the very best part.

[philodemus]

So, another great thing about our activity that occurred to me, though it is one which I am almost afraid to jinx by bringing it up... I'll knock on wood before writing...

This weekend I watched a very openly gay guard instructor and a very Good Ol' Boy band dad sit and size up the competition, exchanging opinions and joking about an activity they both love whole heartedly. I know and love both these men and I am quite certain they do not vote the same way. Quite. But here, in the marching world, it just doesn't matter. Here they're on the same team. No culture war on the sidelines at a band show.

I think due to it's military origins, the marching world can be quite attractive to people who are culturally conservative, but because it is also an artistic activity, it tends to pull in people from the culturally liberal end of things as well. The band room can be a home for the ROTC kid who loves the the discipline and drill, but in a lot of small town America it is also the best refuge for the gay kid looking to be express himself safely. Those two are on the same team, they can respect each other.

Our culture needs places where we set aside the politics and culture war and come together around a shared passion. Sports used to be that for many people, but honestly it just isn't anymore. The band world might be the last place in America where we leave all that at the door and come together.

Hope I didn't just jinx it...