How do you make a marching band show?
Top 10 Marching Band Show Design Tips
Table of Contents
- Know what your group does well.
- Have a plan to teach and clean your big moments.
- Do something interesting at least once per minute.
- Pacing, pacing, pacing.
- Make your transitions effective.
- Key is important.
- Identify things that may not work and have a backup plan.
How many movements are in a marching band show?

3 movements
Movement – Songs a Marching Band plays. Our shows usually have 3 movements designated as Movement 1, Movement 2, and Movement 3. Percussion Instrument Team (PIT) – Percussion section of a Marching Band that does not march. They are staged at the front of the band during shows and competitions.
How much does it cost to buy a marching band show?
Estimated Total Marching Show Cost: $27,440.00 Note: In addition, the Winter Arts Programs (Winter Guard, Winter Percussion) have their own budgets of $10,000 each.
What do marching band judges look for?
These judges look for musical difficulty, how well the group works together, how well the color guard performs, difficulty of moves, as well as how the band “sells” the show to the audience. But judging doesn’t just come from a distance.

What is the stick called in a marching band?
Essentially, a drum major is the leader who keeps the tempo with the use of a baton or other forms of time-keeping, such as conducting. The drum major often holds the responsibility to keep the band organized and structured.
What is the most expensive marching band instrument?
The Most Expensive Band Instruments
Instrument | Beginner-level | Professional |
---|---|---|
Bassoon | < $5,000 | >$10,000 – $35,000 |
Oboe | $1,200 – $1,500 | > $8,000 |
French Horn | $1,200 to $3,500 | > $4,500 |
Saxophone | $800 – $2,700 | > $3,000 |
How long should a marching show be?
Shows are typically about five to ten minutes long, and may be performed in any kind of weather. Depending upon the skill of the band, a show can be an extraordinarily hard workout.
What is a marching band hat called?
A shako (/ˈʃækoʊ/, /ˈʃeɪkoʊ/, or /ˈʃɑːkoʊ/) is a tall, cylindrical military cap, usually with a visor, and sometimes tapered at the top. It is usually adorned with an ornamental plate or badge on the front, metallic or otherwise; and often has a feather, plume (see hackle) or pompom attached at the top.
What is a show style marching band?
In contrast, show-style bands are characterized by high steps—with individuals’ knees reaching a 90-degree angle—and often, on-field dancing. A number of predominately African-American schools, such as Prairie View A&M University, prefer show-style marching.