Maximizing Your Marching Band Competition Season: The Impact of a Structured Marching Fundamentals Routine

by Chris McLellan

Marching band season is an exciting adventure that combines music, visual, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. Every band member, from the seasoned leaders to the newcomers, knows how vital it is to stay in sync, but one of the most common areas of inconsistency is matching marching style. Therefore, to truly elevate performance, a structured and consistent fundamentals routine is essential. This blog post explores how such a routine can transform not just individual performances but the entire ensemble during the competition season.

Understanding the Importance of Fundamentals

In marching band, the foundation rests on solid fundamentals. These core skills—such as posture, marching technique, and coordination—are crucial for producing a polished performance. When each member masters these basics, the whole ensemble shines together.

A structured routine helps each band member develop these vital skills. Consistent practice builds muscle memory, boosts confidence, and fosters a sense of comfort on the field. The ability to break down the step, leg shape, and how to engage your core to control your upper body, balance, and change of direction, are essential and must become habit.

Establishing a Consistent Practice Schedule

For a structured fundamentals routine to be effective, it must be practiced regularly. Consistency is key to success. Setting aside time each week to focus solely on fundamentals can create a solid foundation for the band.

Summer band rehearsals (especially those prior to August 1) need to focus on marching fundamentals. In Texas, we are allowed 20 hours between the last day of the previous school year and August 1 to teach marching fundamentals. I recommend allowing one full week to focus on fundamentals and create a routine that is applicable to your drill.

Tailor your fundamental instruction to your drill. For example, many programs spend quite a bit of time focusing on exercises that only incorporate 8 to 5 size steps. In today's drill design, 8 to 5 may only be a small portion of the drill. Adjust your exercises to incorporate 4 to 5, 6 to 5, 10 to 5, and 12 to 5. Many times, backwards maneuvers use even smaller steps, such as 16 to 5. Whatever the case, spend enough time with different step sizes to develop a feel for them. This will greatly benefit your ensemble during the drill learning process.

Vary your tempo. Start slow and gradually increase tempo as your skills improve. It is also important to practice exercises at varied tempos to make sure that timing, leg shape, and change of direction, are consistent at different tempos. We've all seen groups that may march well at a moderate tempo but struggle at slow or fast tempos.

Practice parade marching. Even if you don't perform in a parade, I always found that marching in parade block (usually to a drum cadence) helped younger students to understand tempo/beat and begin to march in step. Once everyone was in step, we would start adding wind warm-ups and progress from there. By the end of our two fall parades, virtually all students were in step and had a much higher level of coordination.

Additionally, working movement in all directions is equally important. Having short/concise exercises to practice these skills is crucial so that these can be practiced daily. It is not always necessary to do every exercise in 8 count segments; utilize 4 count exercises for change of direction drills and add them to your everyday routine. These types of drills are quick, provide a time for focus, and allow directors/techs enough information to critique and adjust. Daily drills should include:

• Forward and backward left and right slides (focusing on shoulders)

• Forward and backward march

• Change of direction drills (Box drill or similar) I also used several other exercises that were very effective and were quick to work. An example of a weekly (in-season) fundamentals routine could look like this.

• Any visual elements that you plan to use in your show should also be rehearsed daily. Consider developing a warm-up routine that incorporates these elements in a fun way that can be practice with popular music (find the correct tempo) and will help the students get focused. Any visual elements should be just as refined as any marching maneuver.

  
  

Dedicating the first 30 minutes of a 2-3 hour rehearsal to warm-ups and exercises tailored to marching style, as well as specific techniques like footwork drills and visual elements. For shorter rehearsals of an hour or so, identify at least one fundamental skill to review and focus on during the rehearsal. When every member commits to this schedule, it cultivates discipline and responsibility, leading to greater unity within the band. I know it is difficult to dedicate time to fundamentals daily, but it is necessary to be truly outstanding. Would you start a music rehearsal without proper warm-up and fundamentals focus?

Fostering Teamwork and Cohesion

For pre-summer band fundamental camps, consider a camp that allows for 4 hours in the morning for fundamental training followed by a social gathering to begin to build teamwork. This could be section lunches, group lunch followed by team-building activities and even a group outing to a waterpark or similar.

A structured fundamentals routine does not just promote individual improvement; it also enhances the overall band experience. When everyone practices the same exercises together, a shared understanding develops, fostering a cohesive rhythm across the ensemble.

This teamwork builds trust among members, as they recognize that their efforts contribute to a common goal. Celebrating achievements—no matter how small—can create a positive atmosphere and motivate the entire group. For example, acknowledging a member who nailed a difficult choreography move can encourage others to strive for their best.

Incorporating Feedback and Reflection

Effective routines always include feedback. Dedicating time for reflection after practice allows members to discuss what went well and identify areas for improvement. Such collaboration fosters a growth mindset, encouraging members to support one another.

By establishing a feedback loop in your fundamentals routine, your band can continuously enhance its technique. For instance, a weekly evaluation of a specific aspect, such as alignment or spacing, can lead to consistent improvements and ensure that everyone stays on the same path to success.

Building Confidence Among Performers

Confidence is crucial for successful performances. A structured routine lays the groundwork for this by making sure every band member feels prepared. When individuals consistently practice their fundamentals, they gain a better understanding of their roles, fostering a greater sense of ownership.

This confidence not only boosts individual performances but also enhances the overall presence of the band. A confident ensemble can create a more powerful visual and auditory experience on the field, making a lasting impression on judges and audiences alike.

Enhancing Physical Stamina and Technique

Todays marching band requires a unique blend of athleticism, artistry, and stamina. Incorporating targeted exercises into your structured fundamentals routine can help build both strength and endurance.

For example, adding specific conditioning drills—such as running, calisthenics, stretching, and balance—can enhance overall physical capabilities. Increased stamina reduces fatigue during grueling rehearsals or high-stakes competitions. Bands that integrate physical training into their routines are often able to perform at a higher intensity for longer periods.

Preparing for Competition Day

As the big day approaches, members may feel anxiety about competing. A structured fundamentals routine serves as a comforting reminder of the hard work put in during the season.

Before stepping onto the field, bands that have practiced their fundamentals can perform a brief warm-up session. This not only reinforces their training but also helps to settle nerves. This is especially helpful at contest where you have extended warm-up slots or have the space to do a physical warm-up/fundamental routine before entering the music warm-up area. When the basics are solid, bands can truly shine in their performances, standing out among their competitors.

Celebrating Progress and Remaining Adaptable

The beauty of a structured fundamentals routine lies in its ability to highlight measurable progress. By setting specific goals, such as mastering a challenging sequence or improving timing accuracy by 20 percent, members can track their development and celebrate achievements together.

However, flexibility is key. As the season progresses, you may need to adjust the routine based on performance levels or changing needs. Maintaining open communication about these adjustments ensures that all members remain engaged and involved in the process.

Final Thoughts

As marching band continues to evolve, the visual aspect of the production is increasingly becoming a greater percentage of the total score. We know that muscle memory is important for playing an instrument at a high level. It is equally important for all members of the ensemble to march and perform visual elements at a high level. The only way to achieve this is by implementing a structured and consistent fundamentals routine. It enhances individual skills, builds confidence, and fosters teamwork and cohesion.

The biggest obstacle to doing this is planning. Create a plan to address fundamentals daily. All too often, bands spend time on fundamentals during the summer and then rarely address them or practice them once the season starts and drill is being taught. If you need help with fundamentals planning, implementation, or ideas for drills/exercises that will help you be more efficient and detailed, please reach out.

As the season unfolds, each member's commitment to perfecting their fundamentals not only enhances their own performance but also strengthens the overall unity of the ensemble.

When the music starts and the field lights shine bright, remember that the essence of your marching band's success lies in those foundational skills practiced with dedication. Embrace the routine, and watch your band thrive!