The offseason is the hardest period of any activity. No longer regularly training or regularly practicing, participants must seek other ways to keep in shape—mentally, physically or otherwise. In the case of marching band, there are more than simple mechanics and cardio that must be maintained: A heightened sense of working as an ensemble, something more than simply a team, is paramount, along with general musical prowess.
During the immediate offseason, there are several ensemble settings that can further one’s skills as a musician; more often than not, however, such a setting is a far cry from marching on the field, or even playing in the stands. More than anything, the summertime is often the time during which the most issues may arise. At this point, individuals have few means to practice their instruments, the nature and cost of the instrument are additional expenses to account for when fulfilling other summertime obligations or getting ready for the next academic year.
Coming fresh out of high school front ensemble, the idea of actively practicing cymbals was completely foreign to me: I had to practice, and without a pair of my own cymbals, I clapped. When I was preparing for auditions this past season, I spent 30 minutes every day studying the music, clapping different parts, playing provided audio files, and overall trying to think as not just one musician, but as part of a line of cymbal players. By no means is this sentiment unique, as other first-year MVs have had similar experiences.
Sam Lightfoot playing “chicks.” Source: Lexie Hackman
“I had last year’s music!” —Celie Anderson
Another freshman cymbalist, Celie Anderson, had little to no experience with the material to prepare for this past season prior to auditions. On accident, she downloaded the previous season’s music, and never laid eyes on the preparation music for 2019-2020 drumline. Only playing cymbals in WGI, she too has never marched on the field with plates. Her winter experience did, however, give her a leg up in technique and visuals, though now having to accommodate for even more cymbals and in an entirely different environment. A large part of playing cymbals in the MVs, for example, is the strength required to crash them at eye level, and the ability to quickly shift from position to position to play different notes.
Celie Anderson in the stands. Source: Alana Hassett
Other sections have similar strength and discipline requirements.
Charles Tapp, a freshman trombonist, has been marching his instrument for some time now. Like other instruments, he has to maintain his arm strength, including the ability to quickly adjust the slide and account for frequent octave jumps.
Charles Tapp in action. Source: Alana Hassett
“Work on being ‘clean, crispy, and confident’ ” —Jenna Helme
The Jenna Helme (bottom, middle) and the colorguard seniors at the Belk Bowl. Source: Olivia Monseur
After five years without touching a flag, senior Jenna Helme decided that this year would be the year to resume her colorguard career. Despite her doubts of her ability, she made the team—but she didn't stop there. Weeks of practicing after rehearsal returned her muscle memory and routine building, building her strength, stamina, and memory retention as well. By working through her struggles, she went from having to pry open her hands the day after auditions to being able to spin with the best of them.
Jenna Helme (bottom, middle) and the colorguard seniors at the Belk Bowl. Source: Olivia Monseur
“Practice every so often, not just stand tunes, but also your fundamentals” —Autumn Edson.
Autumn Edson, a freshman horn player, found a wealth of challenges preparing. By working through the music and listening to audio files until she could play it, she overcame the challenges of previous years easily. Her difficulty largely stemmed from not owning a mellophone herself, having to transition from the concert to marching horn rather abruptly. For the next year, she plans on working particularly on the stand tunes we play at games—a task that may be harder than usual, as she is marching Spirit of Atlanta this summer!
Autumn Edson in the stands. Source: Autumn Edson
Good luck to our DCI MVs this season! Source: Autumn Edson
Good luck to her, and the other MVs who will work on their skills in DCI this season.
For the incoming freshmen hoping to join the MVs, take heed of what you heard here, and just remember to have fun! See you in August.