10 Must-Have Accessories for Marching Band Students
- Matt
- May 25
- 5 min read
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Marching Band Essentials: Your Complete Guide to Gear and Performance
Watching the Super Bowl halftime show brought me back into a memory of a time in high school when our family hosted a tuba player from the visiting marching band. I wasn't even sure what that was living in Australia but this kid could play an instrument while marching in perfect formation - it blew my mind then and still does now.
I was playing guitar in our jazz band and thought I was pretty decent but I could barely walk around on a school stage with out fumbling a note. The skill these kids had was just incredible - we also liked them as they had American candy which was extremely rare down under back in the day
The Super Bowl got me thinking about exploring this world more and taking a look at what someone might need when starting out. Please check out the article and leave a comment if you have anything to add or a product I missed.
Contents
Background & History of Marching Bands
Marching bands started with military groups using drums and horns to communicate on battlefields.
Modern marching bands started to take shape in the 1800s with European military regiments needing music for marching - bit different style of music im sure :)
American marching bands really took off when these traditions moved to the US around the mid-1800s.
John Philip Sousa shaped the American marching band sound in the late 1800s with marches like the famous and patriotic "The Stars and Stripes Forever".
Brass instruments were chosen because they project sound better than woodwinds when performing outdoors.
Each instrument has a unique role - brass handles melody and harmony while percussion keeps everyone in step.
You can see marching bands at football games, parades, competitions and other ceremonies.
Training is intense! Players must master their instrument but also learn drill formations and memorize music. This is all the while needing some crazy stamina from the marching.
Being In A Marching Band Today
Today's marching bands have become really amazing experiences to see. High school band go all the way to compete at state and national levels - looking at the shows its amazing who crazy professional productions they are.
The artistry and pure athleticism that I have seen really leaves me flabbergasted. I didnt know how easy I had it standing on a stage slowly walking around! Put that together with the visuals, costumes and other entertaining element - It's a really spectacular thing to watch.
I have learnt that players can move on up from high school into college programs - some even make it to professional groups - the ones I read about were the Blue Devils or Carolina Crown (let me know in the comments of any others I should check out).
These elite groups will tour the country and world as well as competing at the highest levels.
5 Cool Facts About Marching Bands
The largest marching band ever assembled had over 8,000 members and was formed in India in 2014.
Marching band members can walk 3-5 miles(!) during a single football game when you add up all their pregame, halftime and postgame performances.
The famous "drum major" position with the tall hat and baton started as a military tradition where the drum major would actually lead troops into battle.
Some marching bands have budgets that are the same as small orchestras - top high school programs spending over $100,000 per year on instruments, uniforms and travel.
The halftime show at the Super Bowl typically features 500 -1000 performers.
Essential Gear for Marching Band Success
Adjustable Music Lyre
This little device clips right onto your instrument and holds your sheet music while you march. It's absolutely essential because you can't exactly carry a music stand around the field. The adjustable feature means it works with different instruments and you can position it perfectly for easy reading while maintaining proper playing posture.
Sheet Music Folder
A good folder protects your music from weather and keeps everything organized. Marching band music can take a beating so having something that can handle rain, wind and the general chaos is needed to keep your parts readable.
Marching Band Gloves
These gloves give you better grip on your instrument while protecting your hands. They're designed for musicians so they don't mess with your playing technique but still give you protection and comfort.
Care Kits
Keeping your instrument in tip top condition is a no brainer for good sound and stopping expensive repairs. These kits include everything you need for regular maintenance.
Garment Bag
Marching band uniforms are really expensive so special care is needed. A good quality garment bag protects your uniform during transport and prevents wrinkles.
Hearing Protection
With all the brass and percussion happening around you, protecting your hearing is a necessity. Musician's earplugs reduce harmful noise levels while still allowing you to hear the music clearly.
Practice Pad with Drum Sticks
Even if you're not a percussionist, having a practice pad helps you work on rhythms and timing at home without disturbing the neighbors. For percussion players, it's absolutely essential for practicing techniques and building the muscle memory you need for complex parts.
Slings and Straps
These accessories help distribute the weight of heavier instruments and make long rehearsals and performances more comfortable. Proper support prevents injury and fatigue, allowing you to focus on your performance instead of dealing with discomfort from carrying your instrument.
Shoes
Marching band requires special footwear that provides support for all that movement while looking uniform with the rest of the ensemble. Good marching shoes have the right sole for traction on grass and pavement, plus the support your feet need during long practices and performances.
Themed T-Shirts
Band pride is real and wearing your program's gear helps build team spirit and shows your commitment to the group. These shirts are great for casual wear and help promote your band program in the community. Plus, they're comfortable for those long summer rehearsals when you're not in full uniform.
Summary - Marching Bands & Tools Of The Trade
Marching band for me are a melding of coordinated music athletics which really has to be seen to be believed. With all that entails, its probably a good start to make sure you have the right equipment that you dont have to worry about when you perform so I am hoping I helped in this regard.
Would love to get some comments on your experience in a marching band or if you are just starting out, how is it going and what are you finding the trickiest?
Thanks for reading!
About the Author
Matt A, Founder and Head Writer @ Music Thought House
I have had a lifelong passion for music. I picked up my first guitar when I was 10 and it's been there, most of the time haha, ever since. I have played and studied music ever since that time, always trying to learn more and get better. There is not one aspect of music that I am still not in awe of.
I have gathered a lot of information over time and now, with Music Thought House, I have decided to release it on the world.
I know that music can be daunting and seemingly complex and I am not a complicated person. The blog posts I write am to keep things simple and straightforward so everyone can get a better understanding of music.
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