CATEGORIES

Vandegrift High School

When Mozart composed “The Magic Flute,” he likely didn’t envision a 386-member marching band and dance company performing the famous opera.

Captain Of Her Own Destiny

During my first season of high school marching band as a freshman trumpet player at Clear Creek High School in League City, Texas, I hardly noticed the four girls twirling flags at the back of the field.

VARSITY SPIRIT

A major new player has entered into the marching arts activity. See how Varsity Spirit, known for cheerleading apparel, competitions, and camps, has already made an impact to elevate the student experience.

THE AMBULANCE ARENA

Know how and why to activate the Emergency Medical Service for your event.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Group management tools help band directors communicate information, share photos, videos, and files, and even manage finances at their fingertips.

TARPS ON THE FIELD

Used in various shapes, sizes, and colors, tarps help marching groups transform the football field into their own stage.

THE DRUM MAJOR LIFECYCLE

From aspiring hopeful to drum major, from student to teacher, and from motivated to motivator, a drum major grows by leaps and bounds during her time on the podium with the University of Delaware and with the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy.

SPIRIT & SYNERGY

With formations of giant stick figures doing the “floss,”

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

The University of Southern California ( U S C )Trojan Marching Band (TMB) has many nicknames:

REVIEWING GAME DAY SECURITY

Safety first! Both host and visiting bands must join forces with administrators and security personnel to create a positive event experience.

The Uniqueness of Uniforms

Groups competing in Drum Corps International have spent the past few years tailoring their uniforms to each season’s show while still working to maintain elements of their corps’ signature look.

People Over Product

With her commitment to solving problems and forming connections, two-year Phantom Regiment head conductor wins the 2019 Jim Jones Leadership Award.

DCI Champions 2019

Portraying ghosts and The Beatles with journeys to the cultural underground and under the sea, the 2019 Drum Corps International winners took fans on a wild ride of evolution, transformation, and the pursuit of happiness.

Core Connections

Strengthen the legs, spine, and abs to lighten the load of carrying heavy instruments.

Small But Mighty

Marching bands in rural locations make the most of limited resources to participate just as fully in the activity.

Show of Unity

Joined by their love of music and a common cause, many marching bands find ways to collaborate during halftime even despite perceived rivalries.

The Evolution of Plumes

As marching shows and uniforms have changed over the years, so too have plumes. Mainly white or black in the past, now plumes seem endlessly customizable to match the latest fashion and to surprise audiences.

Dont Give Up

Encouraged by supportive directors, a struggling student overcomes personal and musical challenges to lead the band.

Trip Prep

Booster organizations make careful plans to ensure excursions to out-of-town events go smoothly.

Implementing the Student Succeeds Act

With ESSA as a guide, education accountability plans will be developed at the state and local levels. Many states are at different points in the process. Get ideas from the front-runners.

field of vision

aligned with their band directors on common goals and values, booster organizations can better promote their organizations’ cultures and support their long-term goals.

Extended Drum Corps Family

After experiencing amazing acts of kindness from strangers, a drum corps drum major realizes the activity’s biggest benefits.

In The Social Media Craze

Bands are jumping on the bandwagon of the latest online trends.

Note Worthy

WAGNER COLLEGE AND MORE IN THE MEDIA

Missouri State University

With one year under his belt directing the Missouri State University Pride Marching Band, Dr. Bradley Snow follows in the footsteps of long-time director Jerry Hoover while continuing to increase membership and take the band to the next level of excellence.

Prepping for the Winter

Booster organizations shift gears at the end of the fall marching season, putting their focus on winter guard and indoor drumline.

All the Fun Without the Fuss

To some young adults, alcohol may seem like an unavoidable part of their college experience. Marching bands across the country are finding solutions that keep their members safe and performing at their best.

Old Kids In The Block

Participating in the marching arts is not just for the young but can also be for the young at heart. Even if you go away from the activity, you might find yourself being easily welcomed back.

Dealing With Change

In stressful situations, remember to work together rather than tear each other apart.

Wearing Your Band On Your Sleeve

Band boosters and parents can show their pride by purchasing merchandise that features the organization’s name and logo.