Marching as a Sport

Show-Style Defined
Drum Major Entrance
The Drum Major is the leader of the marching band and is often the first person that is seen. They are the start of the show and usually the one that gets the crowd on their feet. Drum major entrance is a high point in the show band because the Drum Major usually put a s lot of thought into how they will enter the field different than any other Drum Major on the plant.
This take a lot of creativity and skill to capture the audience in a 16-32 count entrance that will set the tone for your entire bands performance. Also, since the DM entrance is usually a solo or small group performance then it must be high choreographed to maximize the moment. DM entrances have a lasting impression and are often talked about to year and years to come.
The High Step
The high step is used by many colleges and universities, including most Historically Black Colleges or Universities and Big Ten conference bands. Some bands use both high step and glide step, depending on the situation. “Tucking” or “ankle-knee” high step involves bringing the foot up to the inside of the leg to the knee before coming down and forward. This is the style used by most bands from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The “Chair Step” involves the lifting of the knee with legs directly in front, thighs parallel to the ground, and toes pointed downward. When the leg is elevated, there should be a 90-degree angle with the body and the thigh, and a 90-degree angle with the thigh and the shin.
The leg is then lowered, and this is repeated with the other leg. Most schools in the Big Ten Conference use this style. The “extended high step” requires the thigh to be parallel to the ground (perpendicular to the body) with the lower leg extended outward at a 45-degree angle from the body (135-degrees from the thigh) and toes pointed downward. The leg is then driven quickly back to the ground while the other leg repeats in this fashion. At the same time, the upper body swaggers 22.5-degrees left or right of center with each step. The most important part of this style of marching is known as “stop action,” which means all movement ceases momentarily at the apex of each step. This requires a band to have a great deal of stamina, but is effective visually.
Fast Cadence or Run-On
Music Selections (rhythm & blues and contemporary popular music)
Concert Formations
Show Style Bands will often form an orchestra concert style formation on the field and play a very difficult musical selection to show case the musicianship of its members. The arrangements are sometime accompanied by a vocalist and is still focused on capturing the crowds attention and nothing more. Concert formations are very emotional times during the show and often allows the band to pay tribute or to honor someone or something very special. Concert formations are very popular in show bands and often have the crowd singing and in tears at the same time. If a band wants to send a clear message this is where they do it at during the concert formation.