Category Archives: Parades

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 […]

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 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​ This text will be replaced

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). […]

Parade Competitions (Note the specifics given here apply to Band Reviews in Northern California. While much of this will apply to your area, be sure to always check the competition rules for exact information.) Here is a basic description of a standard pattern for most parades and band reviews. The competition area for most band […]