Have Some Tips on How to Conduct a Marching Band Show

Nobody is quite as captivating as a marching band conductor and none other than a marching band show is such a fun. One of the most satisfying and impressive feats that you will ever undertake is learning to conduct a band.

Get to Know the Band

Determine whether the band will play in a classical music marching band show or will march along a street, with you as its leader. This determination will play an important role when you learn basic conducting gestures. Learn the exact positioning of the group of instruments-brass, woodwinds and percussion- within the band. Understand the sound and volume range of each by listening to each group of instruments. Pitch must be paid attention to. Notice the off-key playing of any instruments or groups of instruments.

Study the Score

The piece of music to be conducted should be selected first. For a beginning band conductor a piece of music in 2/4 time is best. As a fast tempo allows more general conducting gestures, it is more forgiving for a novice conductor.

To have an understanding of the overall tone and rhythmic structure of the piece of music, read through the entire score. The main instruments and the melodies that will play these melodies in a custom marching band shows are to be identified. Identify the instruments that will play those harmonies and the harmonies that will accompany those melodies.

Learn Basic Conducting Gestures

Stand with straight legs1 foot slightly in front of the other, feet about 12 to 18 inches apart.

Slightly away from your chest and body keep your elbows out. Your hands should be visible to all band members and your forearms should be parallel to the ground.

Mark the beat using your right hand. Move your right hand up and down in a vertical line to mark time for a march in a 2/4 time signature. The uppermost point of your hands is the first beat, and lowermost point is the second beat. To indicate any changes in mood in the piece and to point to the groups of instruments that should begin playing use your left hand.

Based on the Type of Band You Are Conducting Adapt Your Conducting Gestures

Remember, you are the one to march at the head of the band, with your back to the musicians for a band marching in formation. A baton or mace should be there vertically in your right hand, and it should be used to mark time.

Stand on a podium high enough, so that you are visible to all band members for a band standing in a fixed position. Clapping your hands or blowing a whistle must be practiced to supplement the gestures of your left hand. Your right hand should still be marking time when you are not clapping.

To be visible to the marching band members you should make sure that your hand gestures are broad enough.

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