A Few Things to Reinforce in Each Marching Caption

Marching Festival Season is Finally Here!
A Few Things to Reinforce in Each Caption
by AAron Bryan

Don't Forget the Fundamentals
Marching band is a rare case where "everything trickles up." Without solid fundamentals both musically and visually, bands don't mesh well as an ensemble and as a result, are not nearly as effective.

1. Posture: Stand tall. Don't bend back at the waist. Keep shoulders above the hips.
2. Shoulders square to the front when playing and moving.
3. Your foot technique: Is it obvious? Are they all doing it? Toes up moving forward? Heels lifted moving backwards?

Four Things to Reinforce Musically

1. Tone: It doesn't matter if it is loud, low, high, fast, or whatever; teach each student to play with a fundamentally good sound at all times.
2. Articulation: It only takes one student to muddy up a phrase.
3. Ensemble Sound: There shouldn't be any heroes during ensemble moments. Each section should mix well within itself and with the rest of the musical ensemble.
4. Phrasing: Just because it's marked forte, doesn't mean it has to be loud the entire phrase. Create nuance, musicality, and effect through added dynamics.

Good luck to everyone. I look forward to seeing you and your kids at upcoming festivals!

AAron Bryan Vice President - Palen Music Center abryan@palenmusic.com AAron Bryan taught band for 13 years, the last eight at Broken Arrow High School, home of the nationally acclaimed Pride of Broken Arrow Marching Band - the 2006, 2011, and 2015 Bands of America Grand National Champion. Bands under Mr. Bryan’s direction were awarded the Oklahoma Band Sweepstakes eight times, and his Wind Ensemble performed as one of three Oklahoma bands selected to OMEA’s Friday evening Honor Concert in 2009. AAron was a lead soprano soloist and served on the brass staff for the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps. Later, Mr. Bryan was the Brass Caption Head for the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps. AAron holds Master of Arts degrees from Truman State University in Conducting and Trumpet Performance, and a Bachelors Degree in Education from Missouri State University. He has been with Palen Music Center since 2011.