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MUSE 360

MUSE 360
MARCHING BAND TECHNIQUES

Catalog Entry

MUSE 360.  Marching Band Techniques. (1)

Corequisite: MUSE 300 or MUSE 400 – Field Experiences in Music

Two hours lecture/laboratory. 

A survey of the methods and materials necessary for the organization, administration, and instruction of school marching bands.  A minimum of four (4) hours of observation/participation in public school music classes are required.

 

Content 

This course focuses on the following: 

  1. Philosophy of the marching band.
    1. Purpose in Public Schools      
    2. Contest and festival participation
    3. Legal and Ethical issues.
      1. Copyright laws.
      2. Appropriate use of technology.
      3. Student safety and security
      4. Other issues related to teaching
  2. Planning and organization for marching bands.
    1. Creating a band handbook.  
      1. Code of conduct
      2. Expectations (rehearsal/competitions)
      3. Disciplinary measures
      4. Scheduling
      5. Equipment
      6. Uniforms
      7. Fees
      8. Travel policy
    2. Budgeting – insurance, finances
    3. Fundraising
    4. Recruiting 
    5. Parent organizations (tax exempt non-profits), 
    6. Staffing
  3. Evaluation of marching band styles.
  4. Show design principles for the marching band. 
    1. Show design rubric
    2. Design team selection
    3. Design team meetings
    4. Design timeline
    5. Hiring writers/designers
    6. Prepackaged shows
    7. Musical considerations
    8. Copyright/music selection
    9. Design software (music/drill), 
    10. Wind arranging, percussion arranging
    11. Drill writing 
    12. Electronics (amplification, voice-overs, triggering sounds/events
    13. Props (purchase, construction, cost, transport)
    14. Rules/regulations of circuits (field timing, boundary limits, electronic use guidelines), etc. 
  5. Marching fundamentals and techniques.
    1. Movement exercises
    2. Simulated basics block
    3. Peer teaching exercises
  6. Teaching and rehearsing the field show.
    1. Rehearsal structures and procedures.
    2. Pedagogical techniques.
    3. Coordination of music and motion.
    4. Time management
      1. Setting short, medium, long term goals
      2. Tracking student learning and adhering to a predetermined schedule of completion to show attainment
    5. Changing rehearsal focus throughout the season
  7. The color guard.  
    1. Function, design, instruction, implementation.
    2. Relationship of the guard to band
    3. importance of staging, equipment needs/changes, and uniforms.  

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course includes readings, video assignments, offsite observations, in-class peer teaching, in-class movement exercises, and three large scale projects related to wind arranging, percussion arranging and drill writing.  

Detailed materials, both traditional and media based, are provided by the instructor.  Students should be prepared during the marching and movement portion of the course to wear appropriate footwear and clothing to allow for the practice of basic marching skills and drill cleaning techniques in class.  All students are expected to participate in these exercises unless physically unable.  The scope of the course is based on the idea that the marching program is fully competitive, with a detailed design process, intense rehearsal regimen, and a number of adjudicated performances within a circuit or otherwise.

 

Goals and Objectives of the Course

At the conclusion of the course, the student will:

  1. articulate a philosophy of the role of the marching band within the framework of the total music education program of schools
  2. describe the planning and organization concerns and processes for marching band directors
  3. understand and demonstrate various marching styles
  4. describe the music selection process for school marching bands
  5. design marching drill by hand and with the aid of a computer program
  6. understand methodologies for teaching marching fundamentals
  7. understand methodologies for teaching field shows
  8. discuss the role of auxiliary units in the marching band program
  9. be able to apply learned information and techniques to the National Standards for Arts Education (Music)
  10. be able to apply learned information and techniques to the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs).

 

Assessment Measures

Three main projects (drill writing, wind arranging, percussion arranging), 4 observation reviews (rubric provided), in-class peer teaching, movement exercise proficiency, mock basics block session.

 

Other Course Information

None

 

Review and Approval

February, 2021

January, 2022

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