Orders vs Commands Do you know the difference between an order and a command? The difference is this: an order is a direction to do something with an implied threat attached to it. A command is a direction to do something with no threats attached. It’s really just that simple. People do not mind being […]
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The Baton and Mace Whistle/Signal System
The Baton/Mace and Whistle Signal System While watching bands recently, I’ve seen a number of bands get confused when the drum major gives a command using their mace/baton and a whistle. This happens because the band doesn’t understand how the mace/baton and whistle system works. It’s really very simple. When the drum major blows a […]
Guide to Parade Salutes
Parade Salutes Here are some basics to remember when saluting a Reviewing Officer in a parade or band review. Be sure you are saluting the Reviewing Officer. Usually the Reviewing Officer is dressed in some sort of formal military dress uniform. They are usually standing on some sort of platform along side of the street, […]
How to do a Column Turn Sequence
How to do a Column Turn Command Sequence A column turn is a very precise, marching turn that directs the entire marching “column” of band members either left or right. The command sequence for the drum major has three parts. They are: The Turn Signal- This tells the band what direction to turn. The Half […]
How to Beat Time with a Military Baton
How to Beat Time with a Military Baton This text will be replaced
How to Beat Time with a Baton
How To Beat Time With A Baton Beating time is simply giving the band the beat or tempo of the music with your baton. It’s done in an up and down motion with beat one being at the top of the beat (left foot), and beat two at the bottom of the beat (right foot). […]
Leadership and Conducting: An Interview with Benjamin Zander
An Interview with Conductor Benjamin Zander By Rick Wilson A few years ago, I had an opportunity to spend some time with Benjamin Zander, the Conductor of the Boston Philharmonic. He has a world-wide reputation and is considered one of the very best conductors alive today. I was able to watch him rehearse and later […]
How to Coordinate Multiple Field Conductors
How to coordinate multiple field conductors By Rick Wilson As marching bands and drum corps have gotten larger, they have begun to turn to multiple drum majors. This can be both a blessing and a curse. It depends on how well the drum majors coordinate with one another and how well they achieve their primary […]
Getting Maximum Energy from Your Group
Getting Maximum Energy From Your Group By Rick Wilson Photo: UCLA Drum Major Bryan Kreft. Here’s his description of the moment: “This photo was taken at the UCLA/USC game… at halftime… when we were playing One More Time Chick Corea… These were the last couple of blastissimo chords at the end… in between some skyrocketing trumpets. […]
Acknowledging Your Audience
Acknowledging Your Audience By Rick Wilson When leading a band in performance, don’t forget about the audience. They are there to be entertained, to see a show. Give them one. When you get an audience’s response, be sure to acknowledge their applause. Give them a salute. Take a bow. Let the audience know you hear […]