Company
October 16, 2023
Key Takeaways
Just like athletes who train and actors who rehearse, a marching band goes through months of preparation before performing a field show. From the drumline to the colorguard, every member of the band works on hitting their marks and playing their part. During the summer, in preparation for the fall marching season, many bands will hold band camp. Band camp is a place for focused rehearsals and is when the majority of preseason prep takes place. The camps are usually 1-2 weeks long. Because of the need for unity and synchronization on the field, band camp is also a time for bonding between band members. Some bands and their staff will wear group t-shirts or marching band pins during the camp as a way to show their unity. But, whatever they do, from high school groups to the professional Drum Corps, band camp is as important to marching band as spring training is to baseball.
A marching band field show involves many different elements. Music and marching are obvious, but other parts such as dance, equipment changes, and the creation of various forms on the field are also included. Because of this, practice is a key factor for bands. Members must not only learn to play their music (often memorizing them as well), but also how to perform the pieces while marching. The musicians learn to hit their mark in each set (or form) as well as to avoid collisions with other marching members and color guard. The shapes formed on the field only work if each member is in the correct position, and the music is only complete when each part is accounted for. With so many elements to work on, the benefits of a band camp with focused rehearsals become much clearer. The 1-2 week time period allows each member to understand their part and to see how it interacts with others on the field. This practice allows for effortless synchronization during a field show performance.
Though band camp is not as publicized as spring training or a theater’s dress rehearsal, it is just as important. Its benefits of practice and unity help a marching band give flawless performances. PinProsPlus has designed marching band pins as a way to help with the unity of a band not only during band camp, but throughout the rest of the marching season as well. They can work with you to design your own marching band pins, whether for camp or for fan support. If you attend any marching events, be sure to look for the marching band pins while you’re watching. And be sure to remember the hard work that bands put in at band camp in order to give you their best performance. Order custom band pins from PinProsPlus today!
