Marching Band News from Marching.com

Nation's best marching bands gather for Bands of America Grand National Championships

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 10:00:00 CST

More than 90 marching bands from 19 states will perform in the 2009 Bands of America Grand National Championships, presented by Yamaha, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis November 11-14.

Give marching-related gifts this holiday season

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 10:00:00 CST

Before you wrap up your Christmas shopping, check out these gift ideas that your marching friends are sure to love.

Field show bands gear up for 2009 circuit and state championships

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:00 CST

Champions will be crowned as field show bands compete in their 2009 circuit and state championship events. View dates and locations of major championships across the United States in chronological order.

Tis the season for bowl parades and holiday parades

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:00:00 CST

Marching bands have performance opportunities at holiday parades and events held in conjunction with college football bowl games. Marching.com has compiled a guide to major 2009/2010 events along with television and online broadcast schedules.

Wanna march? DCI corps auditioning for 2010 season

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:00:00 CST

As the fall season for high school and college marching bands nears the end, drum and bugle corps are already looking ahead to next year. Units that compete on the Drum Corps International summer tour will hold auditions for prospective members in November and December.

Carrie Underwood donates instruments to hometown school band

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:00:00 CST

American Idol winner Carrie Underwood surprised the staff and students at Checotah High School by personally visiting her alma mater to unveil a major donation of instruments for the school district's music programs.

Photos of the 2009 Bloemencorso Lichtenvoorde Flower Parade Marching Bands

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a gallery featuring photos of every marching unit performing in the Bloemencorso Lichtenvoorde (Lichtenvoorde Flower Parade) on September 13, 2009 in Lichtenvoorde, Netherlands.

Photos of the 2009 Bloemencorso Lichtenvoorde Flower Parade Floats

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a gallery featuring photos of every float in the Bloemencorso Lichtenvoorde (Lichtenvoorde Flower Parade) on September 13, 2009 in Lichtenvoorde, Netherlands.

U.S. postage stamp features marching band

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:00:00 CST

The United States Postal Service has issued a commemorative stamp in four designs celebrating Thanksgiving Day parades and prominently featuring a marching band.

Photos of the 2009 Beatrix Drum and Bugle Corps Mediastad Muziek Festival

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a gallery featuring photos of the Mediastad Muziek Festival hosted by Beatrix Drum and Bugle Corps on September 12, 2009 in Hilversum, Netherlands.

Photos of the 2009 Fruitcorso Tiel Parade Floats

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a gallery featuring photos of every float in the Fruitcorso Tiel Parade on September 12, 2009 in Tiel, Netherlands.

Photos of the 2009 Fruitcorso Tiel Marching Bands

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a gallery featuring photos of every marching band in the Fruitcorso Tiel Parade on September 12, 2009 in Tiel, Netherlands.

Photos of the 2009 Bloemencorso Zundert Flower Parade Floats

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a gallery featuring photos of every float in the Bloemencorso Zundert (Zundert Flower Parade) on September 6, 2009 in Zundert, Netherlands.

Photos of the 2009 Bloemencorso Zundert Flower Parade Marching Bands

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a gallery featuring photos of every marching unit performing in the Bloemencorso Zundert (Zundert Flower Parade) on September 6, 2009 in Zundert, Netherlands.

Photos of the 2009 Drum Corps Netherlands Finals

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a gallery featuring photos of every corps performing in the Drum Corps Netherlands Finals on September 5, 2009 in Dordrecht, Netherlands.

PepWear partners with National Relief Charities to remember Native American youth

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:00:00 CST

PepWear has donated 12,000 brand new t-shirts and hoodies to National Relief Charities, a nonprofit dedicated to quality of life for Native Americans living on poverty-stricken reservations.

NAMM Foundation announces scholarship application deadline

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 CST

NAMM Foundation Music Products Industry Scholarships offer tuition scholarships of $2,500 to $5,000 to support full-time music business and music education college students who demonstrate unique qualifications and proven interest in pursuing careers in the music products industry. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2009.

Photos of the 2009 DCI World Championships Open Class Semifinals

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a gallery featuring photos of every corps performing in the Drum Corps International World Championships Open Class Semifinals on August 7, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Photos of the 2009 DCI World Championships World Class Quarterfinals

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a gallery featuring photos of every corps competing in the Drum Corps International World Championships World Class Quarterfinals on August 6, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Claim Fame for your band in Halftime Magazine

Sat, 1 Aug 2009 10:00:00 CST

Halftime Magazine, in conjunction with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, is giving your band a chance to win a private screening of the new movie, Fame. Hurry: the deadline to enter is August 10, 2009.

Throw It Down captures intensity of drum corps

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:00:00 CST

Throw It Down, an 88-minute documentary from director John E. Maher, offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the reality of marching in a top-ranked drum and bugle corps. The film follows the 2006 season of the Bluecoats from Canton, Ohio, and presents themes that are universal to anyone involved in the marching activity.

Bands of America to hold celebration at 2009 DCI Championships

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:00:00 CST

Bands of America invites alumni and fans to a party on August 8 outside the Drum Corps International Championships.

Photos of the 2009 Vikingland Band Festival Parade Marching Championship

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring every marching band performing in the 25th Annual Vikingland Band Festival parade marching championship on June 28, 2009 in Alexandria, Minnesota.

Photos of the 2009 Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade Marching Bands

Tue, 8 Jun 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring the marching bands performing in the Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade on June 6, 2009 in Portland, Oregon.

Photos of the 2009 Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade Floats

Tue, 8 Jun 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring the floats in the Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade on June 6, 2009 in Portland, Oregon.

Photos of the 2009 Portland Rose Festival Bandfest

Tue, 8 Jun 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring the bands performing in the Portland Rose Festival Bandfest on June 5, 2009 in Portland, Oregon.

DCI offers clinics, ticket discounts for band groups

Tue, 19 May 2009 10:00:00 CST

Band directors can expose their students to powerful drum and bugle corps performances during this year's Drum Corps International summer tour. Groups ordering 25 or more tickets qualify for ticket discounts, and select events will feature pre-show educational clinics. Order by June 15 to receive a free chaperone ticket for every 15 tickets.

Photos from the WGI Color Guard World Championships Scholastic World Class Prelims

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring every guard competing in the WGI World Championships Scholastic World Class Prelims on April 3, 2009 in Dayton, Ohio.

Photos from the WGI Color Guard World Championships Independent World Class Prelims

Sat, 4 Apr 2009 22:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring every guard competing in the WGI World Championships Independent World Class Prelims on April 3, 2009 in Dayton, Ohio.

Marching Outside the Box

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:00:00 CST

Minnesota parade bands and Indiana track show bands have perfected the art of marching beyond the football field. You might be surprised to learn about the excellence and innovation that take place in these unique marching venues.

The new checklist for marching posture

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 10:00:00 CST

One hallmark of a great marching unit is consistency in body position and posture. Jeff Young of Dynamic Marching presents a checklist to help you look great without creating too much tension in your body.

The Competitive Edge: Planning for Success

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:00:00 CST

You want your show to reflect your band's identity, challenge your performers and appeal to both the judges and the crowd. That's a tall order, but author and arranger William Spencer-Pierce explains that the key to achieving those goals is planning.

Winter circuits gear up for 2009 championships

Thu, 5 Feb 2009 10:00:00 CST

Champions will be crowned as guard and percussion circuits hold their championship events throughout March and April.

McGrath inspires generations through music on Sesame Street

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:00:00 CST

Even after 40 years on Sesame Street, Bob McGrath talks about the importance of music in early childhood education with a freshness and enthusiasm one might display in a new career. It's clear that Bob McGrath found his calling.

Photos of the Bands of America Honor Band in the Rose Parade

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring the Bands of America Honor Band performing in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2009 in Pasadena, California.

Photos of the Bands of America Honor Band at Float Decorating and Judging

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring the Bands of America Honor Band decorating a Rose Parade float and performing during float judging on December 30-31, 2008 in Pasadena, California.

Photos of the Bands of America Honor Band at the Tournament of Roses Bandfest

Fri, 9 Jan 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring the Bands of America Honor Band performing in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Bandfest on December 30, 2008 in Pasadena, California.

Photos of the 2009 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Bandfest

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring some of the marching bands performing in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Bandfest on December 30, 2008 in Pasadena, California.

Photos of the 2009 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade Marching Bands

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring the 22 marching bands performing in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2009 in Pasadena, California.

Photos of the 2009 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade Floats

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery of the 46 floral floats featured in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2009 in Pasadena, California.

Rose Parade float decorators find fun, satisfaction

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:00:00 CST

Hundreds of volunteer float decorators are busily working toward their New Year's Day deadline getting floats ready for the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Making The Blue Band showcases Penn State marching band

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:00:00 CST

A new documentary takes viewers behind the scenes as students pursue their dream of playing for the celebrated Penn State college marching band. Catch the Blue Band in the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game on January 1, 2009!

Photos from the Bands of America Grand National Championships Semi-Finals

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring the 33 high school bands competing in the BOA Grand National Championships Semi-Finals on November 15, 2008 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Sounding the bugle on Veterans Day

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:00:00 CST

Bugles Across America is a remarkable organization that remembers and honors veterans by supplying buglers to play Taps at funerals.

Choreography team helps movie dance to success

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:00:00 CST

Bonnie Story is no stranger to creating choreography for large groups. Perhaps that's why she has been so successful as one of the choreographers for High School Musical 3. Go behind-the-scenes with Bonnie to learn how she helped make a huge cast look great on the big screen.

BOA beginning new era at Lucas Oil Stadium

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:00:00 CST

Bands of America's storied history begins a new chapter November 12-15, 2008, when the Grand National Championships move to a new home at the Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis. The move comes with both great excitement for the future and warm sentiment for the past when events were held at the neighboring RCA Dome.

Working In Harmony

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:00:00 CST

Fillmore Central H.S. provides opportunities often afforded only to students in larger cities. What the region lacks in size or financial resources, is more than made up for with a small-town work ethic and unbridled teamwork.

Behind-The-Scenes Photos from High School Musical 3

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:00:00 CST

High School Musical 3: Senior Year starring Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens is in theatres October 24, 2008. In celebration of the new movie, Marching.com has featured a series of team spirit stories involving marching bands from across the USA. These behind-the-scenes photos from the set of High School Musical 3 are courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion pictures.

Marching Amidst the Glaciers

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:00:00 CST

Colony H.S. band members are hardy souls. As performers in Alaska's only active marching band, they've successfully blazed a trail to elevate the team spirit at their school.

Patrick Henry Hughes tells his inspirational story in I Am Potential

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 10:00:00 CST

The marching band community knew and appreciated Patrick Henry Hughes even before he and his family gained national attention on a February 2008 episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. So it's great to know that, even with newfound fame and national television exposure, marching band is a core part of Patrick's new book titled I Am Potential.

Empowering Multiplicity

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 10:00:00 CST

Teamwork and support among activities is a way of life at Peabody H.S. in Trenton, Tennessee. That's why you'll see so many football jerseys in the band at halftime.

Visualizing the Extraordinary

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 10:00:00 CST

Sebring H.S. marching band member Cody Breen is living the philosophy taught by his band director: that anything is possible. Discover why this story is so extraordinary.

Competition: How important is it?

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:00:00 CST

Competition is one part of a well-rounded marching band experience that also includes teamwork and friendship. Rob Stein explains that if winning is your ultimate goal, you might have a rough season in terms of defining success for your group.

Henson blends winter guard with puppetry in Panther and Crane

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:00:00 CST

Heather Henson, daughter of Muppets founder Jim Henson, is prominently featuring flags and props inspired by winter guard in her elaborate stage show titled Panther and Crane. The spectacle is a work in progress that Henson hopes will someday deliver its environmental message to a broader audience.

European flower parades display creative genius

Fri, 5 Sep 2008 10:00:00 CST

They may not have the name recognition enjoyed by the Tournament of Roses or the Portland Rose Festival, but flower parades in European countries produce amazingly creative entries enhanced by a dose of theatre.

Building the Green Machine documents Cavaliers history

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 10:00:00 CST

Journalist Colt Foutz has written an in-depth book that serves as a biography of Cavaliers founder Don Warren and a comprehensive history of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.

Photos of the Cavaliers 60th Anniversary Alumni Corps

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring the Cavaliers Alumni Corps at the Indiana State Fair Band Day and DCI World Championship Semifinals.

Photos of Beatrix Drum and Bugle Corps

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring the International Class champion Beatrix Drum and Bugle Corps from Hilversum, Holland performing in the DCI World Championship Open Class Semifinals.

Photos from the DCI World Championship Open Class Semifinals

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 24:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring corps competing in the DCI World Championship Open Class Semifinals on August 8, 2008 in Bloomington, Indiana.

Photos from the DCI World Championship World Class Quarterfinals

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 24:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring all 20 World Class drum and bugle corps competing in the DCI World Championship World Class Quarterfinals on August 7, 2008 in Bloomington, Indiana.

Photos from the 2008 Indiana State Fair Band Day

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 10:00:00 CST

View a photo gallery featuring some of the units that performed in prelims of the Indiana State Fair Band Day on August 6, 2008.

Air Blade becoming hot new equipment option for color guards

Mon, 29 July 2008 10:00:00 CST

A new piece of color guard equipment is generating enthusiastic buzz among instructors and performers. The "Air Blade" spins similar to a rifle but has an unmistakable modern design. The new product was launched in May 2008 and is already being used by several World Class drum and bugle corps on the DCI summer tour.

Poetry book delivers humorous observations of band life

Mon, 2 June 2008 10:00:00 CST

Don't let the word "poetry" scare you. The engaging Band Nerds Poetry From The 13th Chair Trombone Player by DJ Corchin uses clever prose and perfectly matched illustrations to celebrate the quirks of life in and around the band room.

Macy's Great American Marching Band returns

Wed, 7 May 2008 10:00:00 CST

The Macy's Great American Marching Band will return in 2008 for the 82nd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The rolling admission deadlines are May 30 and June 30 for students who would like to apply to perform in the band.

XtremeBrass Technique helps brass players reach peak potential

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:00:00 CST

Blue Devils music director Wayne Downey shares his XtremeBrass Technique to help brass players produce a beautiful tone and quality sound.

The Dynamic Marching Band gives directors a manual of proven techniques

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 10:00:00 CST

A new book offers a rare opportunity for band directors to learn techniques that were used in one of America's most successful marching band programs. In The Dynamic Marching Band, Wayne Markworth draws on 35 years as director of bands at Centerville H.S. in Ohio to create a how-to manual covering a broad range of topics related to preparing a marching band.

Father of Patrick Henry Hughes recognized for extraordinary support

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:00:00 CST

Music For All has created the Patrick John Hughes Parent/Booster Award to annually recognize extraordinary support, involvement and contributions of music parents and boosters. Patrick John Hughes is the father of Patrick Henry Hughes, a remarkable young man who participates in marching band even though he was born without eyes and without the ability to fully straighten his arms and legs.

Halftime Magazine celebrates the spirit of marching band

Wed, 3 Oct 2007 10:00:00 CST

A glossy new magazine covering all things marching is now available. Halftime Magazine provides a well-rounded look at topics of interest to marching students, directors, alumni and fans.

Lead by example: How to be a "leader" without the title

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:00:00 CST

Strong student leadership is a necessity to achieve success in the marching arts. But you may be surprised to know who the 'leaders' are.

From The 50 Yard Line brings marching band to the movie screen

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CST

A new independent film delivers an emotional, insightful look into the student marching band experience. The documentary From The 50 Yard Line is currently touring film festivals and will hopefully obtain broader theatrical and DVD distribution in the future.

From the theater of the mind to the downbeat on the field

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:00:00 CST

Developing the concept for your marching band show can be a daunting task. Bobby Hullett, founder of Sounding Ground, takes a creative spin as he describes one process that may help you find and capture ideas for your next marching show.

Three tips for cleaning drill efficiently

Sat, 22 Sep 2007 10:00:00 CST

Are your visual rehearsals producing results? Rob Stein, co-founder of Standing 'O' Marching Arts Specialists, explains how three simple steps can maximize your rehearsal time and help your marching band achieve new levels of excellence.

American Band documents the competitive marching band experience

Mon, 6 Aug 2007 10:00:00 CST

The Concord High School Marching Band from Elkhart, Indiana provides the setting for a new book that details the triumphs and trials of the marching band experience. Author Kristen Laine immersed herself in the band for six months to gather research for American Band: Music, Dreams, and Coming of Age in the Heartland.

Brentwood H.S. Marching Band plays on Brad Paisley's 5th Gear CD

Thu, 8 Nov 2007 10:00:00 CST

Country music star Brad Paisley's latest CD 5th Gear features a cameo appearance by the Brentwood H.S. Marching Band. A song titled "Online" makes reference to playing tuba in the Rose Parade, so Paisley's production staff had the idea to incorporate a marching band into the cut.