Posted by Steve raybould - April Mentor on April 08, 2008 at 10:27:08:
In Reply to: another marching question- very small band- should I even do this? posted by anon. on April 08, 2008 at 08:32:54:
First, this is a public performance and you need to play quality music. If that means not marching, then just put your foot down and not march. It is rare that an administrator would mandate that you march. But there is a better way and will accomplish the goals of everyone and make you and your students look and sound really good.
The parade probably starts at a specific time and there is probably a grandstand or reviewing stand. You need to have a reverse parade. You stay stationary at that reviewing stand and have the people mill past you as they are going to their lineup or getting their spot along the route. Play a few patriotic tunes. Repeat them as you need to. Once the formal parade starts, then move your ensemble to the formal ceremony and play music appropriate for this. Everyone wins. You get a really good community performance. You continue the tradition of participating in the community event. Your superintendent comes out looking good and your students have one great experience.
: I teach in a very small rural school. It is my first year at this school. My MS band ( grades 5-8 ) is only 14 kids.- only alto sax, clarinet, trumpet, fhorn, and bass clarinet and 3 percussion) Basically I am rebuilding after a teacher who had been here forever. The teachers here told me that before I came, they used to play "name that tune" at the concerts because they couldn't recognize the songs. Anyways, we are having a great year so far, I have challenged these kids more than ever- our concert stuff is great- I have received so many compliments about how well the kids are doing. only problem is, there is a parade on memorial day that they marched in every year.( this is the only marching event) I have no experience with marching whatsoever. I would love to just have the kids play at the ceremony at the graveyard- and not march. My question is, should I even have them march if there are only 14, or should I talk to my superintendent about just playing at the ceremony? I really feel that the kids would look and sound alot better if we could just play seated at the ceremony. I am the only music teacher here, and I want to concentrate on concert band. What should I do? Also- only one kid signed up for "marching band" at the beginning of the year!