Marching band A marching band is a company of instrumental musician s performing outdoors for the purpose of entertainment and sometimes in competition . Instrumentation typically includes brass , woodwinds , and percussion instrument s . Most marching bands use some kind of uniform ( often of a military style ) that include the school or organization ' s name or symbol , shako s , pith helmet s , feather plumes , glove s , and sometimes gauntlet s , sash es , and / or cape s . Marching bands are generally categorized by function , size , age , and by the style of show they perform . In addition to traditional parade performances , many marching band s also perform field shows at special events like competition s . Increasingly , marching bands are performing indoor concerts that implement many of the songs , traditions , and flair from outside performances . History . Band is a general term for an instrumental group . The marching band originated with traveling musicians who performed together at festivals and celebrations throughout the ancient world . It evolved and became more structured within the armies of the early city - state s , becoming the basis for the military band , from which the modern marching band emerged . As musicians became less important in directing the movement of troops on the battlefield , the bands moved into increasingly ceremonial roles - an intermediate stage which provided some of the instrumentation and music for marching bands was the modern brass band , which also evolved out of the military tradition . Many military traditions survive in modern marching band . Bands that march in formation will often be ordered to " dress their ranks " and " cover down their files " . They may be called to " attention " , and given orders such as " about face " and " forward march " . Uniforms of many marching bands still resemble military uniforms . Outside of police and military organizations , modern marching bands are most commonly associated with American football , specifically the pregame and halftime shows . Many U . S . universities had bands before the twentieth century . In 1907 , the first formation on a football field was the " Block P " created by Paul Spotts Emrick , director of the Purdue All - American Marching Band . Spotts had seen a flock of birds fly in a " V " formation and decided that a band could replicate the action in the form of show formations . The first halftime show by a marching band at a football game was done by the University of Illinois Marching Illini also in 1907 at a game against the University of Chicago . Another innovation that appeared at roughly the same time as the field show and marching in formations was the fight song . University fight songs are often closely associated with a university ' s band . The University of Illinois also had the first fight song , " Illinois Loyalty " . Many of the more recognizable and popular fight songs are widely utilized by high schools across the country . Four university fight songs commonly used by high schools are the University of Michigan ' s " The Victors " , The University of Illinois ' " Illinois Loyalty " , the University of Notre Dame ' s " Victory March " , and the United States Naval Academy ' s " Anchors Aweigh " . Other changes in marching band have been : Since the inception of Drum Corps International in the 1970s , many marching bands that perform field shows have adopted changes to the activity that parallel developments with modern drum and bugle corps . These bands are said to be " corps - style " bands . Changes adopted from drum corps include : Marching band styles . Marching bands are categorized based on primary function , instrumentation , and style - although many organizations may fill multiple roles . Military style bands . Military band s and Corps of Drums were historically the first marching bands . Instrumentation varies , but generally contains brass , woodwinds , and percussion . Given their original purpose , military marching bands typically march in a forward direction with ( no variation of ) straight lines . Music is performed at a constant tempo ( 120 - 140 ) to facilitate the steady marching of the entire military group with which the band is playing . The marching step size ( interval ) is consistent , and usually at a " 6 to 5 " ( six steps per five yards ) or " 8 to 5 " . This style can include classic drum and bugle corps , pipe band s , fanfare band s , bugle band s and fife and drum corps and even cavalry mounted band s . Active duty military marching bands often perform in parades with other military units and march in the same manner as other military personnel . Due to a lack of appreciation , competition venues , and military personnel , almost all military marching bands have disappeared from schools in the United States ; notable exceptions the Fightin ' Texas Aggie Band from Texas A & M University , the Highty - Tighties of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets , and the Cadets of Norwich University Military College of Vermont , the oldest collegiate band in the United States and the nation ' s first private military academy . There is also a pocket of about 80 high school military marching bands in East Texas . Unlike in the USA , military style marching bands have a strong presence in Latin American countries , especially those that have strong military traditions , most importantly of Prussian , French , Spanish and Portuguese origins . Such bands ( military bands and Corps of Drums ) are found in Chile , Argentina , Bolivia , Brazil , Uruguay , Colombia and Peru . But in Ecuador and Venezuela , Corps of Drums are the main military style band for schools . Military style Corps of Drums are also seen in schools , colleges and universities in Mexico and in Mexican schools in the US merely using only the snare drum and the bugle ( in some schools the instrumentation can be larger ) . These bands also are present in Guatemala , Belize , Nicaragua , El Salvador and Panama . The United Kingdom keeps the military style tradition with many civil and youth bands in all of the UK keeping the military band traditions of the country , either as marching wind bands , Corps of Drums , bugle bands , pipe bands , and in Northern Ireland , fife and drum bands . Examples would be the Royal British Legion bands , and the bands of the various UK youth uniformed organizations . Styled on the UK military tradition , Fiji ' s Military Forces also have a marching band . Military style marching bands are also commonplace in Germany , Austria , the Russian Federation , Ukraine , Belarus , Italy , Spain , Portugal and France . German and French military style band types can even extend to Corps of Drums and fanfare band s staffed full - time by civilian musicians , and even to the Bagad bands in Brittany and outside France made up of bagpipers . Spanish band traditions include military style brass bands , marching bands ( using brass , woodwinds and percussion ) and bugle bands and the Asturias region ' s unique pipe bands . Corps Style bands . Corps Style band s directly reflect the trends seen in modern drum and bugle corps of Drum Corps International ( DCI ) . Unlike the military band style , drum corps style step sizes are constantly changing to accommodate the differing forms the band is creating on the field . Forms may be linear , curvilinear , or scatter . Music selections can include anything from symphonic music , film scores , to world music , jazz , rock , or pop music . Unlike a Military band ' s usage of baton twirlers , Corps Style bands may include the usage of a " color guard " which spin flags , rifles , sabres , and may also incorporate dance into their routines . Other visual elements unique to the corps style is the usage of props , backdrops , and even costuming - with the purpose of adding more theatrical elements to the show . Other elements unique to the Corps Style bands are the incorporation of the " front ensemble " . This includes the usage of keyboard percussion such as : xylophone , marimba , and bells ; and / or any other color percussion instruments such as : timpani , cymbals , conga , tambourine , triangle , drum set , etc . The front ensemble may also use sound amplification or electronic instruments such as synthesizers . The " Corps Style " is constantly evolving , with contributions coming from college bands , high school bands , and drum & bugle corps throughout the United States . Typically , corps style bands are gearing their performances for marching competitions and marching festivals . Competitions featuring the corps style on the national level include : Drum Corps International ; Winter Guard International ; and Bands Of America . Show bands . Show Band , more commonly known as Traditional Style Band , refers primarily to marching bands geared towards crowd entertainment , and perform on fields ( for example , a football field ) . Typically , they perform a routine before the game , another at halftime , and sometimes after the game as well . Competitive show bands perform only one show that is continually refined throughout a season , while bands that focus on entertainment rather than competition usually perform a unique show for each game . These shows normally consists of three to five musical pieces accompanied by formations rooted in origin from " Patterns in Motion " , a book penned by one - time Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band assistant band director William C . " Bill " Moffit , who would later become bandmaster of Purdue University All - American Marching Band and University of Houston Spirit of Houston . Depending on the band , though the show could be practiced and completed before the football season at band camp but mostly this is only done by competition show bands . There are several varieties of Traditional Style Bands , the most recognizable would be the type depicted in the film Drumline . This style of band is based upon an amalgamation of traditional styles from bands in the Big 10 and African American traditions , where the music selections are largely based on rhythm & blues and contemporary popular music . These types of bands feature a near ubiquitous show format of Patterns In Motion drill ( though French curves and Band Pageantry [ innovated by former FAMU director of bands William P . Foster ] are also common ) , a large amount of stand fast time where the band plays a one or two selections in place , and a physically demanding , thoroughly choreographed full band dance routine . Band members are also known to include a smaller dance routine while standing in their forms instead of marking time . Many of these types of show bands may have both a twirler line and a dancer line , such as Jackson State University ' s " Prancing J - settes " , along with or in place of a more conventional flag corps . Examples of these types of college bands include Albany State University ' s " Marching Ram Show Band " , Bethune - Cookman University " Marching Wildcats " , Grambling State University ' s " World - Famed Tiger Marching Band " , Jackson State University ' s " Sonic Boom of the South " , the " Ohio University Marching 110 " , Florida A & M University ' s " Marching 100 " , Tennessee State University ' s " Aristocrat of Bands " , and Southern University ' s " The Human Jukebox " . Other Show Bands are semi - military and semi - corps style , such as University of Texas , or Ohio State University . These bands perform a show that is designed to entertain the audience , but feature more traditional symphonic styles of music rather than contemporary music ( marches , film scores , jazz , or older pop music ) . Typically these types of Show Bands don ' t include a dance line ( usually the drill team is a separate entity from the band , though may be featured during the half time show . ) These types of show band feature more marching while playing , and limited amounts of stand fast time . Most show bands of either type include the traditional military band instrumentation of woodwinds , brass , and battery percussion . Some also include the front ensemble keyboard percussion , and may also incorporate the use of a color guard for flag and rifle routines . Carnival bands . Carnival bands are a UK variant of show bands . Carnival bands typically march in time to the music , and may also participate in parades and competitions . They contain brass and percussion , but may or may not use woodwind s . Scramble bands . Scramble band s ( also referred to as ' Scatter ' bands ) are a variation on show bands . They generally do not march in time with the music , but , as their name implies , scramble from design to design and often incorporate comedic elements into their performances . Most of the bands in the Ivy League use this style . Instrumentation . The size and composition of a marching band can vary greatly . Some bands have fewer than twenty members , and some have over 500 . American marching bands vary considerably in their instrumentation . Some bands omit some or all woodwind s , but it is not uncommon to see piccolo s , flute s , soprano clarinet s , alto saxophone s , and tenor saxophone s . E♭ clarinets , alto clarinet s , bass clarinet s , and baritone saxophone s are less common , but can be found in some bands . Bassoon s and oboe s are very seldom found on a field due to the risk of incidental damage , the impracticality of marching with an exposed double reed , and high sensitivity to weather . The brass section usually includes trumpet s or cornet s , French horns , alto horn s , or mellophone s , tenor trombone s , baritone horn s or euphonium s , and tuba s or sousaphone s . E♭soprano cornet s are sometimes used to supplement or replace the high woodwinds . Some especially large bands use flugelhorn s and bass trombones . Specially designed versions of the lower brass have been created for use while marching . These are typically wrapped in such a way that allow the bell to face toward the audience at all times . Bands may also modify their instrumentation to remove slide trombones completely and replace them with another instrument , such as a valved trombone or marching baritone horn . Marching percussion ( often referred to as the drumline , battery , or back battery ) typically includes snare drum s , tenor drum s , bass drum s , and cymbal s and are responsible for keeping tempo for the band . All of these instruments have been adapted for mobile , outdoor use . Marching versions of the glockenspiel ( bells ) , xylophone , and marimba are also rarely used by some ensembles . Historically , the percussion section also employed mounted timpani that featured manual controls . For bands that include a front ensemble ( also known as the pit or auxiliary percussion ) , stationary instrumentation may include orchestral percussion such as timpani , tambourine s , maraca s , cowbell s , conga s , wood block s , marimba s , xylophone s , bongo s , vibraphone s , timbales , claves , guiro s , and chimes or tubular bell s , concert bass drums , and gong s , as well as a multitude of auxiliary percussion equipment . Drum sets , purpose - built drum racks , and other mounted instruments are also placed here . Until the advent of the pit in the early 1980s , many of these instruments were actually carried on the field by marching percussionists by hand or on mounting brackets . Some bands also include electronic instruments such as synthesizer s , electric guitar s , and bass guitar , along with the requisite amplification . If double - reed or string instruments are used , they are usually placed here , but even this usage is very rare due to their relative fragility . Unusual percussive instruments are sometimes used , including brake drums , empty propane tanks , trashcans , railroad tie s , stomping rigs , and other interesting sounds . A rare inclusion in a marching band that is becoming more popular is the use of Electrophone s in a marching band . The most common electric instrument seen is a bass guitar , but some schools also use keyboards and lead guitar . To make the electric instruments usable , external power in the stadium is normally used , but some groups may use a car - battery mechanism that requires a car battery and a converter to give the instruments and amplifiers remote power . Most bands will have the guitars in the pit with keyboard and auxiliary percussion , but some guitarists do march in the field show . This is made possible by the use of wireless transmission systems that allow the guitarists to hook a wireless transmitter to their instrument , while a receiver is hooked to the amp . This allows free motion of the guitarists to a fixed range of distance between the transmitter and receiver . This implementation of equipment can also be used in parades . Some band scores have parts for bass guitar , but in the event that a score does not , the bass guitarist will normally play bassoon , baritone - bass clef , euphonium - bass clef , or trombone music . It is very rare for a score to have a part for electric guitar , but the guitarist may use oboe or flute music in this situation . Auxiliary . Many bands have auxiliaries that add a visual component to the performance . For ceremonial bands , this could be a traditional color guard or honor guard . For drum & bugle corps and corps - style field bands , this could include Dance lines , majorettes , Auxiliary units may be collectively referred to as color guard or visual ensemble . Auxiliaries may perform as independent groups . In the early 1970s , color guards began to hold their own competitions in the winter ( after the American football season , and before the beginning of the summer drum and bugle corps season ) . These became known as winter guard . There are also numerous dance competitions in the off - season . The color guard of a marching band or drum and bugle corps may contain saber s , mock rifle s , and tall flags . In modern bands , other props are often used : flags of all sizes , horizontal banners , vertical banners , streamers , pom - poms , even tires , balls , and hula hoops or custom built props . The color guard may also employ stage dressing such as backdrops , portable flats , or other structures . These can be used simply as static scenery or moved to emphasize block drill , and are often used to create a " backstage " area to store equipment and hide personnel . While military color guards were typically male , band color guards tend to be primarily female , though it is becoming more common for men to join as well . A few independent units are all - male . Guard members nearly always wear a special uniform or costume that is distinctive from that of the band , not necessarily matching in design or color . The men ' s and women ' s guard uniforms are usually designed in one of two ways : nearly identically , but with gender - specific parts ( i . e . skirts ) adapted for the use of the opposite sex ; or complimentarily , with the two uniforms designed similarly but with variations in color or form . The color guard uniform , especially in a high school marching band , need not be in school colors ; in fact , they rarely are . These uniforms are designed to represent a certain aspect of the halftime show , characterize the guard members through costumization , or tell some sort of story , and can thus be in any design or color ( a surprisingly common complaint among the high school audience is that guard uniforms and equipment " aren ' t school colors " ) . Personnel . Irishman Patrick S . Gilmore started the concept of a band leader . A marching band is typically led by one to three or , occasionally , four drum major s , also called field commanders , who are responsible for conducting the band ( sometimes using a large baton or mace , though such tools are used rarely in modern marching bands for conducting ) and commonly referred to as the leader of the band . When there is more than one drum major , one may be the head drum major , who stands on the 50 - yard line while conducting , whereas the other ( s ) often directs from convenient angles ( should the marching block not be facing forward ) and / or functions as an apprentice of sorts . The number of members in the band often determines how many drum majors are needed , based on the complexity of the show ( in which case , in a three - person scenario , one stands on the 50 - yard line while another stands on the 30 - yard line and the third stands on the other 30 - yard line ) , and occasionally , additional individuals may be asked to perform brief conducting duties if beneficial in a particularly tricky part of the show ( more often , such people are those on the sidelines or in the pit ) . The modern - day concept of the Drum Major has been exponentially expanded upon by George N . Parks , often known as the " Dynamic Drum Major " , through his Drum Major Academy . Bands may also be led by a more traditional conductor , especially during field shows , where a stationary conductor on a ladder or platform may be visible throughout the performance . Aural commands – such as vocal orders , clapping , or a whistle – may be used to issue commands as well . In show bands , particularly in HBCU and Big 10 bands , drum majors often have a visual on - field role with a baton or mace , with the job of conducting relegated to the director ( s ) . In these cases , the number of drum majors is often based on tradition , rather than being in proportion with the number of musicians . For example , the Florida A & M Marching 100 has one drum major for each university president . FAMU has had 10 presidents , thus the Marching 100 currently has 10 drum majors . Other leaders within the band may include field lieutenants and captains of sections such as brass , drumline , and woodwinds , and members that lead a section , squad , letter , row , etc . The size of the band may not only determine how many drum majors there are , but how many section instructors are needed as well . Section instructors function like the music director , but are mainly responsible for teaching members of a given section . Because they are commonly previous members of the section they teach , they ' re able to provide better instruction to combine the needs of the show with the characteristics of the given instrument . As bands require leadership from within as well as from without , section leaders will usually be selected from among the members of each instrumental section ( a " section " comprises all the band members who play the same instrument — flutes , trombones , etc . Saxophones can be split several ways depending on numbers ) . The section leader is always an experienced band member , and is usually selected by the band director ( rather than elected or self - appointed ) for his or her leadership skills and experience . The section leader is responsible for the minute - to - minute instruction of his or her section members , and reports to the drum majors and the band director . The director provides general guidance , selects the repertoire , interprets commentary and evaluations from judges , and auditions and / or recruits prospective members . What content is not provided by the director may be contracted from arrangers ( who compose original works or adapt existing works ) and copyists ( who reproduce the parts of the score ) , choreographers , and drill designers ( primarily for field bands ) . With the assistance of section instructors , the director also teaches performance technique — musical , martial , and visual — and assesses the pool of talent , choosing leaders and soloists as needed . The director also selects venues for public performance and oversees the staff that help provide funding and equipment . Many opportunities for member improvement are present : the director may organize clinics with various professionals , send representatives to specialty schools or camps , and / or plan trips abroad for education or exhibition . Large bands also require a number of support staff who can move equipment , repair instruments and uniforms , create and manipulate props used in performances , and provide food , water and medical assistance . Additional staff may be utilized when the band hosts functions such as competitions and reviews . In high school bands , these activities are usually performed by volunteers , typically parents of band members or the band members of the lower grades . These people are often referred to as " runners " or " boosters " . Significant support staff for college bands and independent corps are typically paid by the university or the corps organization , respectively . Performance elements . The goal of each band ' s performance is different . Some aim for maximum uniformity and precision ; others – especially scramble band s – want to be as entertaining as possible . Many U . S . university marching bands aim for maximum sound " impact " on the audience . Some bands perform primarily for the enjoyment of their own members . However , there are some common elements in almost all band performances . The following overview is heavily focused on U . S . marching band tradition . Music . The traditional music of the marching band is the military march , but since show bands also evolved from the concert and brass band traditions , music has always been varied . Often , music from other genres is adapted for the specific instrumentation of a marching band . Commercial arrangement s that are tailored for the " average " band instrumentation are also available . Military and university bands typically have a repertoire of " traditional " music associated with the organization they serve . Some competitive bands will choose to use an arrangement of popular music varied for marching band , as well as music from a movie or other such theme . However , the largest and most successful marching bands tend to steer clear of " show tunes " and popular music , instead preferring compilations or arrangements of classical or traditional concert pieces ( i . e . Stravinsky ' s The Rite of Spring or Puccini ' s Nessun Dorma ) or of entirely new compositions . Music may be memorized , or it may be carried on flip folders , which are held by lyres that clip onto the instruments . Having music memorized is usually considered an advantage for competitive bands , and at competitions , there is usually a penalty for the use of the sheet music on the field written into the scoring rubric . Practically , memorization prevents obstruction of vision caused by the folders . The memorization of music is usually a matter of pride for the marching band , as a band that must use sheet music might be seen as of lesser caliber than one that performs with memorized music . Band Camp . Most bands will meet in the summer , normally in August for summer training . This involves learning basic marching fundamentals such as the type of marching step the band uses , commands , and how to move on field . The band is also given music to learn for their show . Drill for the show may or may not be provided to learn during band camp . The camp takes place outdoors on field for marching , and in a band hall for music - only rehearsals . Sectionals , which is when instrument sections split up to practice their music as a section , take place here . Directors may use time during band camp to place band members in their sections based on playing and / or marching level and ability . For bands that require auditions for the band , drumline , or auxiliary , auditions may happen the first few days for placement . Band camp may last 1 – 2 weeks . It can be a day camp or a residential camp . In most university bands , band camp means an earlier move - in date for university students in the band . The High Step . The high step is used by many colleges and universities , including all Big Ten Conference bands and most Historically Black Colleges or Universities such as Southern University , Florida A & M , Grambling State University , and Tennessee State University . Some bands , such as the Florida State Marching Chiefs , Norfolk State University Spartan Legion , and the Kansas State University Marching Band use both high step and glide step , depending on the situation . The most important part of this style of marching is known as " stop action , " which means all movement ceases momentarily at the apex of each step . This requires a band to have a great deal of stamina , but is effective visually . Glide Step / Roll Step . Many bands are known for using some variation of the glide step , also known as the " roll step " . This step involves bringing the heel gently to the ground with the toe pointed up , and then rolling forward onto the toes before lifting the foot ( or walking on the ball of the foot with heel elevated when backwards marching ) . This style is a direct imitation of drum and bugle corps . It gives the drill a fluid and smooth appearance , and allows for better control of the difficult formations and various styles of music played by those bands which roll step . With this control comes the ability to perform a much broader range of tempos ; the proper execution of a roll step will give a player marching at 40 beats per minute the same smooth tone as a player who is marching at 180 . The roll step allows for much better control of the upper body , and thus better control of the air support needed for playing . Marking time . When a band is not moving , the members may " mark time " , or march in place . The step used usually resembles the step that is used for marching forward , though mixing a high step mark time with a roll step march ( or vice versa ) produces an interesting visual effect . For a typical mark time , the foot is raised to the ankle bone of the opposite leg . The toe should not come off the ground and the knee should not come out much past the still - straight leg . Some bands mark time by bringing their feet all the way up to their knee , this is also known as high - mark time . Some bands practice marking time during concert arch with the toes coming off of the ground in order to give the marcher a greater sense of marching while actually standing still . The heel should hit the ground on the beat . Some bands forgo marking time and instead come to a complete halt when not marching . Traditionally , the drumline would put their feet in a V - shape and lift their feet fully off the ground a few inches . This is to avoid hitting the drums . Sliding . When band members are marching in one direction but want to focus their sound in another , they may rotate their bodies at the waist , so that only the upper portion of the body faces in the direction of play . This is known as " shifting " , " traversing " , or " sliding " . A slide is not a change in the direction of march , only in the direction the upper body faces . Percussion players , whose large drum harnesses often prevent them from twisting their torsos , and sometimes tuba and sousaphone players , will instead use a " crab step " when moving sideways . During a crab step , the musician crosses one leg over the other , either marching on the toes or rolling the foot sideways . Percussionists may also substitute roll step when their instruments would interfere with performing the high step . Changing direction . A true direction change ( involving the feet actually moving in a new direction ) requires the use of a " prep step " , rarely referred to as a " flank " . Say Band Member X needs to change from a direct forwards march to a forward march to the left ( basically , he ' s turning left ) . To perform the prep step , on the last count of movement in the first direction X will plant the toe of his foot with the heel turned outward in half the angle of the turn desired ( for our ninety - degree turn , his heel is turned 45 degrees ) , his upper body still facing forward . On the next count , his other foot snaps into position completing the ninety - degree turn . His upper body may or may not turn with his lower body ( the incorporation of a slide ) . When performing a prep step , the foot used is usually the right one . Some bands plant the heel on the prep step rather than the toe , but the angle of the foot is preserved . This is usually a matter of preference . Backward marching . A " back march " may be used when the band wishes to move in the opposite direction from where it is projecting its sound . There are several ways to back march , one of which is to walk backwards , putting each foot down and rolling from the toe to the heel ( the exact reverse of the roll step ) . Another variation involves marching on the platforms of the feet , dragging the toe of the moving foot on the ground . Backwards marching usually employs the same preference for leg straightness as forward marching ( if the band marches with legs completely straight while marching forwards , they will also do so while marching backwards , to preserve uniformity of style ) . Using peripheral vision to align oneself to formations or field markings is even more important during backward marching . Staying in step . Even when marking time , it is often considered good form for all band members to stay " in step " — that is , step with the same foot at the same time . A large majority of bands " step off " with , or start marching on , the left foot . Staying in step is generally easier when the band is playing music or when the drums are playing a marching cadence . When the band and percussion are not playing , rhythm may be maintained in a variety of ways : a drummer may play clicks or rim shots , the drum major may clap or use a wood block , a drum major or band member may vocalize a sharp syllable like " hit " , " hut " , or " dhut " ( the latter is usually characteristic of the drum line , and often said before playing in the rhythm ; dhut , dhut , dhut - dhut - dhut - dhut [ one , three , one two three four ] ) , or band members may chant the military call of " Left , left , left right left " . Band members may count the steps of the move out loud so as to keep the entire band together . Typically most moves consist of a number of steps that are a multiple of four . This is because most marching band music is in the time signature of 4 / 4 . Even - numbered time signatures like 4 / 4 aid in staying in step because they assign odd - numbered counts to the left foot , and even - numbered counts to the right foot . If a band member is on the wrong foot , for instance odd on the right foot and even on the left , this is out of step but when a band member is completely off tempo is called being out of phase . For example landing on the left foot on the + of 3 ( " + of 3 " or " add of 3 " is half way in between 3 & 4 ) . Parade marching . For parades , bands usually line up in a marching block composed of ranks ( rows ) and files or company fronts ( columns ) . Typically , each member tries to stay within his or her given rank and file , and to maintain even spacing with neighboring musicians . It is usually the responsibility of the people at the end of each rank and the front of each file to be in the correct location ; this allows other band members to " guide " to them . Band members also try to keep a constant pace or step size while marching in parade . This usually varies between 22 and 30 inch es ( 56 – 76 cm ) per stride . A step size of 22 . 5 inches is called " 8 - to - 5 " because the marcher covers five yard s ( about 4 . 6 m ) in eight steps . A step size of 30 inches is called " 6 - to - 5 " because five yards are covered in six steps . Because yard lines on an American football field are five yards apart , exact 8 - to - 5 and 6 - to - 5 steps are most useful for field shows . A " drum cadence " ( sometimes called a " walkbeat " or " street beat " ) is usually played when the band is marching , sometimes alternating with a song . This is how the band keeps time . Alternatively , a drum click or rim shot may be given on the odd beats to keep the band in step . Between songs and cadences , a roll is usually given to indicate what beat in the measure the band is at . Cadence tempo varies from group to group , but is generally between 112 and 144 beats per minute . Street marching . In Minnesota , Upstate New York , and Wisconsin , bands perform on city streets ( called a performance route ) with compact formation elements , sometimes referred to as a street show . These shows are judged using similar criteria as any other marching band competition . Elements of difficulty increase with street marching competitions because of the varying widths of streets in each community . Street marching is typical for bands who operate during the spring and early summer months . Typically , a band that performs street marching competitions will not be involved with field marching , and vice versa . Various venues exist for street marching competitions between high school marching bands . Field marching . While playing music during a field show , the band makes a series of formations , called drill , on the field , which may be pictures , geometric shapes , curvilinear designs , or blocks of musicians , although sometimes it may be pure abstract designs using no specific form . Typically , each band member has an assigned position in each formation . In many show bands and most drum corps , these positions are illustrated in a handheld booklet called a drill book ( also known as a dot book ) . Drill books , or drill charts , show where each person stands during each set of the show . The drill charts include yard lines and hashes as they would be on an actual football field , which shows the band members where to stand in relation to the yard lines and hashes . There are many ways of getting from one formation to the next : Players may point the bells of their instruments in the direction they are moving , or " slide " ( also called traverse ) with all the bells facing in the same direction . Bands that march in time with the music typically also synchronize the direction of individuals ' turns , and try to maintain even spacing between individuals in formations ( called intervals ) . Sometimes bands will specifically have wind players turn their instruments away from the audience in order to emphasize the dynamics of the music . Auxiliaries can also add to the visual effect . Backdrops and props ( " scrims " ) may be used on the field that fit the theme of the show or the music being performed . In comedic shows , particularly for university bands , an announcer may read jokes or a funny script between songs ; formations that are words or pictures ( or the songs themselves ) may serve as punch lines . Fundamental commands and drill down . In some marching bands , a drum major has the option to give out a set of commands to the rest of the band either vocally , by hand command , or by whistle . These commands originated from the military history of marching band . Different bands might have different sets of procedures such as the number of counts it takes to carry out the command , but the overall result will be the same . Aside from field show and parade , competitions among secondary school can also have the " March Off " ( also " concentration block " or " drill down " ) . This event involves all participants on the field following the commands of a drill sergeant . If a participant makes a mistake , either by execution or wrong timing , then the participant will fall out of the field . A winner is crowned when there is only one participant left on the field . Delay . Each musician in a marching band creates sound waves . The waves from each musician , traveling at the speed of sound , reach the other musicians , field conductors and listeners at slightly different times . If the distance between musicians is large enough , listeners may perceive waves to be . Typically , in this case , listeners perceive that one section of the band is playing their parts slightly after another section . This " delay " effect is informally referred to as " ensemble tear " or " phasing " ( not to be confused with the music composition technique of the same name ) . Consider also that viewers perceive the movement of marchers as light waves . Since light travels faster than sound , viewers may perceive that movement is out of phase with the sound . Sound waves may also reflect off parts of the stadium or nearby buildings . For example , if two musicians , one standing on the front sideline of the football field and one on the back sideline , begin playing exactly when they see the beat of the conductor ' s baton or hand , the sound produced by the musician on the front sideline will reach listeners in the stands noticeably before the sound played by the back musician , and the musicians will be seen to move before the sound reaches the stands . Delay can be reduced in several ways , including : Uniforms . Nearly all marching band personnel wear some kind of uniform . Military - style uniforms are most common , but there are bands that use everything from matching T - shirts and shorts to formal wear . The school or organization ' s name , symbol , and / or colors are commonly applied to uniforms . Uniforms may also have substantially different colors on the front and back , so if band members turn suddenly ( " flank " ) , the audience will see a striking change of color . Band members at many Ivy League schools wear a jacket and tie while performing . The Southern Methodist University band will wear a different combination of jackets , vests , ties , shirts , and pants for each half ( changing before halftime ) of each game and no clothing / uniform combinations are repeated during the marching season . The Alma College Kiltie Marching Band is famous for wearing kilt s made of the official Alma College tartan . The components of a band uniform are numerous . Common design elements include hats ( typically shako s , pith helmet s , combination hats or other styles of helmets ) with feather plumes , capes , gloves , rank cords , and other embellishments . The USC Spirit of Troy Marching Band and Troy University ' s Sound of the South Marching Band wear traditional Trojan helmets . It is also common for band uniforms to have a stripe down the leg and light - colored shoes , or spats over dark shoes to emphasize the movement of the legs while marching . Competitive bands however , many times opt for matching pants and shoes ( usually white or black ) to hide the visual effect of members who are out of step as seen from a distance . Occasionally , a band will forgo traditional uniforms in favor of costumes that fit the theme of its field show . The costumes may or may not be uniform throughout the band . This kind of specialized uniform change is usually confined to competitive marching bands . Drum Major s , the field commanders and band leaders , usually do not wear the regular band uniform , to better distinguish them from the rest of the band . Some wear more formal outfits or costumes that match the theme of the music , or most commonly a differently - designed version of the regular band uniform , often employing different colors ( especially white ) or features such as capes . Some ( especially at the college level ) still employ the tall wool - lined shako or much larger bearskin ( both often derisively referred to as a " Q - Tip hat " ) . Sousaphone players typically use a military - style beret , as other hats may be in the way of the bell . Some auxiliary groups use uniforms that resemble gymnastics outfits : Often , these uniforms are themed , drawing inspiration from the music . Many auxiliary groups change the outfits they use from season to season based on the needs of the band , although some that do also have a " base " uniform for occasions such as parades or other ceremonies . Rehearsals . Some bands will perform the same field show at all of their appearances during a single season . Others will avoid repeating a performance in front of the same crowd . In either case , the amount of rehearsal required varies greatly depending on the number and complexity of the formations , and the difficulty of the music . Some bands do a new field show every week , but only practice drill for two or three hours immediately before the performance . Other bands can practice a single show upwards of 20 hours per week ( or more , for some competitive drum and bugle corps , who have been known to practice as much as 16 hours a day ) for an entire season . This amounts to an average of 400 hours spent rehearsing for every minute of a competitive show in a season . In the US , some states , such as Texas , have association rules that prohibit high school bands from practicing too much , in order to avoid injuring or overworking students . Texas has an ' Eight Hour Rule ' which states that no competitive part of a marching band can spend more than 8 hours per week , including full band rehearsals , sectionals , and time before competitions , rehearsing . The things that do not count towards the 8 hours are competitions , parades , football games , and rehearsals during the scheduled school day . In other states ; however , high school marching bands can practice 40 or more hours a week , such as Indiana . Music for parade and show bands is typically learned separately , in a concert band setting . It may even be memorized before any of the marching steps are learned . When rehearsing drill , positions and maneuvers are usually learned without playing the music simultaneously – a common technique for learning drill is to have members sing their parts or march to a recording produced during a music rehearsal . Many bands learn drill one " picture " or form at a time , and later combine these and add music . Rehearsals may also include physical warm - up ( stretching , jumping jacks , etc . ) , " music warm - up " ( generally consisting of breathing exercises , scales , technical exercises , chorales , and tuning ) , " basics " ( simple marching in a block to practice proper technique ) , and " sectionals " ( in which either staff or band members designated " section leaders " rehearse individual sections ) . When learning positions for drill , an American football field may be divided into a 5 - yard grid , with the yard lines serving as one set of guides . The locations where the perpendicular grid lines cross the yard lines , sometimes called " zero points " or gacks , may be marked on a practice field at eight - , four - , or two - step intervals . Alternately , band members may only use field markings – yard lines , the center line , hash marks , and yard numbers – as guides ( but note that different leagues put these markings in different places ) . In order for members to learn their positions more quickly , they may be given " drill charts " , which map their locations relative to the grid or field markings for each formation . In other groups , spray chalk or colored markers are used to mark the location of each person after each set of drill , with a different color and , sometimes , shape for each move . Some bands use small notebooks , also known as a dot book or drillbook , which they hang about their necks , on the drum harness , or around the waist . These contain pages of " drill charts " , which often either give a picture or list coordinates that band members use to find ' pages ' or ' sets ' on the field . Coordinates are normally listed in 8 - to - 5 steps off the front sideline and front and back hashes , along with the number of 8 - 5 steps off of the yardline listed on each page . Some bands are even using small plastic pouches that hang about their neck on an adjustable strap , which has a zipper pocket for holding drill , flags to mark sets , and a pencil . There is also a clear plastic window in front to display the current part of drill being worked on at that point in time . Members may also group into squads , ranks , sections , or ( especially with scramble band s that primarily form words ) letters . Instead of each member having an individual move , moves are then learned on a squad - by - squad ( rank - by - rank , etc . ) basis . March steps and traditional music and drill that are unique to an organization are often taught at a band camp , a time set aside for intense rehearsal before the performance season begins . Many U . S . university bands meet for a week of band camp prior to the beginning of the autumn semester . Other band camps exist for individual band members , drum majors , and auxiliaries to practice their skills and learn generic techniques in the off - season . For many bands , band camp is actually camp : the groups board at a campground for a period of time . Other groups simply hold band camp at their typical rehearsal facilities . Many bands have an initiation night at the end of the camp to help build a greater bond between the musicians . More often than not , initiation is focused at the newcomers to marching , for example , freshman in high school / college . One of the major exceptions to this practice are Summer Sessions , practices that those who are planning on trying out for The Ohio State University Marching Band attend . Northern Ireland . There is a huge marching scene in Northern Ireland with most of the parades being organized by loyalist bands and the Orange Order . In football games . Marching bands serve as entertainment during American football games . For college marching bands , this is the primary purpose of the ensemble . The band plays the national anthem before kickoff ( when home ) , often as part of a pre - game show , as well as other music while in the stands during the game . Sometimes , short songs from past field shows are used as stand tunes later . Bands cheer with the cheerleaders , and some bands create their own cheers . Marching bands perform their show during halftime . When both teams ' bands are present , it is common protocol for the visiting band to perform first . After halftime , some high school bands will use the third quarter of the game to take a break and get food . College bands do not have such breaks , but continue playing in the stands during the entirety of the game . The band will stay the entire game , playing the school ' s fight song and alma mater at the end of the game regardless of the outcome . Three National Football League teams designate an official marching band : the Washington Redskins , Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens ( the Ravens ' band , Baltimore ' s Marching Ravens , predated the team ' s move to Baltimore and previously had served as the marching band for the Colts during their time in Baltimore ) . Marching bands were once common fare during Super Bowl halftime show s during its earlier years but were later replaced by short stadium rock concerts from high - profile recording artists , some of which have incorporated marching bands into their performances . Marching bands are otherwise uncommon at the professional level . Competitions . In competitions , bands are usually judged on criteria such as musicality , uniformity , visual impact , artistic interpretation , and the difficulty of the music and drill . Competition exists at all levels , but is most common in the U . S . among secondary school bands and drum and bugle corps . Performances designed for a competition setting usually include more esoteric music ( including but not limited to adaptations of modern orchestral pieces ) . Many traditional style bands compete in contest known as a Battle of the Bands , similar to the Atlanta Classic from the movie Drumline . Although its legitimacy is often called into question , competitive marching band is sometimes considered a sport , due in large part to the physical exertion required in combination with teamwork . Many HBCU marching band fans refer to band as " marching sport . " Sports Illustrated considered the activity a sport in 1987 , describing the Drum Corps International World Championships “ one of the biggest sporting events of the summer . ” In the same article , Sports Illustrated quoted basketball coach Bobby Knight , " If a basketball team trained as hard as these kids do , it would be unbelievable . I like to take my players [ to watch drum corps ] to show them what they can accomplish with hard work and teamwork . Besides , once they see them practice 12 hours a day , my players think I ’ m a helluva lot easier . ” In his presentation to the American College of Sports Medicine ' s annual meeting in 2009 , researcher and exercise physiologist Gary Granata presented research after studying members of the Avon High School Marching Black and Gold , noting " At the top levels of marching band and drum corps , you get a level of competition and athleticism that is equal to a division I athletic program . " Granata further pointed out , " Performers are constantly moving , and often running , at velocities that reach 180 steps or more per minute while playing instruments that weigh up to 40 pounds . " Moreover , in an ESPN segment from 2005 , researchers from Indiana State University placed devices on Drum Corps members that recorded metabolic rates during performances and practices , utilizing measurements of oxygen consumption , carbon dioxide production , and heart rate . The findings were that the performers metabolic rates matched those of marathon runners halfway through a marathon , while the heart rate was more along the lines of someone who was running a " 400 or 800 meter dash . " Spring competitions . Spring and early summer parade marching ( or street marching ) is popular in the northern midwest and Upstate New York , where temperatures are moderate enough for students to march distances in standard uniforms . Performance styles range from traditional block marching to elaborate productions with evolving drill patterns . Summer competitions . There are also some circuits in the United States which continue to hold field show competitions during the summer months . Much like drum corps , these bands rehearse and tour full - time for about a month from mid - June to mid - August . Such circuits include the Mid - America Competing Band Directors Association , or MACBDA , and the Catholic Youth Organization circuits . MACBDA is currently host to more than 20 actively competing , summer - only field show bands from the US ( Wisconsin , Illinois , Indiana , and Michigan ) and Canada ( Saskatchewan and Alberta ) . The circuit sponsors fourteen field show competitions each summer and the circuit championships move on a three - year - rotation from Calgary , AB , Canada , to Traverse City , MI , to the Southern Wisconsin / Northern Illinois area . The Honda Battle of the Bands is an annual marching band exhibition which features performances by HBCU bands . Seemingly contradictory to the name , Honda ' s " battle " is not a competition in the traditional sense ; that is , no winner is crowned during the event . Rather , the bands compete for the favor of the audience , each other , and the greater community . Fall competitions . Most high school marching band competitions occur in the fall when the majority of schools begin classes . In the United States , there are two national competition circuits in which bands can compete ; Bands of America and the United States Scholastic Band Association ( USSBA ) . USSBA was formed in 1988 through the help of the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps . Over 700 high school bands compete during the Fall season with bands of similar size and talent . Each competition provides approximately 40 professional judges who give feedback on the show ' s programming and design . At the season ' s end the top 50 bands are invited to compete in the US Scholastic Band Championship , which is hosted at a college or professional stadium . Also , many states have their own competition circuits as well as rules that govern competitions that occur in their circuits . Several colleges host annual independent competitions , many of which hold varying degrees of prestige , such as the Contest of Champions at Middle Tennessee State University , which is the longest running high school band contest in the United States . In order to make competitions fair , bands are normally split up into different " classes " or " divisions " based on certain factors . One popular classification system uses the size of the school to split up the competing bands . This is the method used by Bands of America , the Indiana State School Music Association , and the University Interscholastic League . Alternatively , the number of band members determines the class — with the largest bands being Division I , and smaller bands being classified as Division II , III , and IV . The Sudler Trophy and Sudler Shield . The Sudler Trophy and Sudler Shields are awards bestowed each year by the John Philip Sousa Foundation on one university marching band and one high school marching band . The awards do not represent the winner of any championship , but rather a band surrounded by great tradition that has become respected nationally . No school may be honored with either award twice while under the same director .