Cymbals Direct

We've all watched them in parades and at football games: Marching bands are a bigger part of our culture than some may think. Unlike competitive sports such as baseball and basketball, marching bands are about music. Or are they? It is a little known fact to those on the outside of this growing sport that it is as highly competitive as football, basketball, or baseball.

Although you might not really notice them if you are focused on the cheerleaders during half time at the big game, it is the high school show band that is providing the beat in the background for routines and cheers. On their own, show bands can provide music and set routines to entertain the crowd. If the show band is one that competes in large competitions, they will usually focus on one routine throughout the year in order to perfect it.

If you think that football is more competitive the marching band, think again. The marching band circuit is fiercely competitive, and there is much more involved than running in formation to catch a ball. Experts choreograph the routines carried out, and often a band will work feverishly on that routine for competition. Marching bands will use the backbeat of the music to mark time, which is the act of keeping in step with your fellow performers. Each movement is precise and carried out specifically to the beat of the music.

Among the lively musical instruments that are played by a high school band, it is the drums and the cymbals that are used to gain attention and provide the beat. Band Crash Cymbals are carried by the player and introduced at key moments in the music. Often the Cymbals are held wide in order to resonate more fully, and those playing will create specific formations and designs as they walk with their Cymbals.

In much the same way that college football has the Rose Bowl and Orange Bowl, marching bands have competitions such as Bands of America, MACBDA, or the Honda Battle of the Bands. Depending on whether you are high school or college level, entrants into these competitions are weeded out through smaller contests where the best bands advance. Every single step is analyzed during a competitions, as is originality of music and routine and best overall performance. Those involved in marching bands are extremely dedicated to their sport, and often spend the summer in band camp in order to perfect their routine and skills for the next year.

High profile competitions take place beyond the traditional exhibitions as bands compete for spots at high profile events. President Obama's inauguration provided the most recent skirmish for bands, as the winner was asked to play for the President and his wife in front of millions of people. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is also a coveted trophy for marching bands across the USA, and bands will often work on their routine for years in order to gain a spot.

If you have children entering high school and they are more 'music buff' than they are interested in field and court sports, steer them in the direction of the school marching band. To be involved in a marching band you need dedication and devotion to the sport, but the rewards reaped by such an experience are highly worth it for both yourself and your child.

Labels: Marching Band