What are some good ways to practice my marching outside at home?

Question

I live in the country, so I could do whatever out there like play my trombone and stuff. Anyway, I'm a freshman...what are some good ways to practice so I can be pretty good on Monday at band camp? So far I've been to rookie camp and I seem to be struggling just a little. I'm that kind of person that won't stop until I get what I want! (lol) Anyway, any suggestions? Thanks

Answer 1

i think it's awesome that you want to practice outside of camp! that means youa re very dedicated, so kudos to you for that.

you could practice marching in step, like, count out loud or something. like i don't know how to explain it, but just like, count to 2, and stop with your feet in the correct position. then try marcihng 8 steps, and then post to a halt. and etc.

if you want to march holding your trombone, that's a good idea too. have you learned any of your drill yet? if so, try marching to the drill in your yard. and like, play the music while marching.

if you have difficulty playing & marching at the same time, don't worry! you're just now getting used to it, so it's ok to have some trouble. try standing in place, and marking time. (w/ feet together, lift left heel up, then lift right heel up) it'll make more sense when you put it to music.

make sure you keep the toe pointed as high as you possibly can!!

and if you have ANY questions, don't be afraid to email me.

goodluck & happy marching!

Answer 2

I respect you for this. I wish all freshmen where as dedicated as you great Job. I would practice all the fundimentals (you know like backward marching, slides, flanks, turns. etc) in your backyard and then when you feel comfortable take out your trombone and play your major scales while marching. Also remember to practice holding your horn up 15 degrees above parallel. When I was in high school we did something called fundimental block and we did all of that. One more thing...Enjoy it while you can because you really will miss it when you graduate

Answer 3

As a freshman there will be a lot of technical concepts being taught to you throughout the course of bandcamp and through the rest of your marching career. The one thing that will always help, regardless of level or experience, is watching yourself in a mirror. Watch yourself at different angles and be honest about your technique. Are you picking up your heels to high? Are the balls of your feet coming off the ground high enough? Too high? Does your upper body shift or wiggle side to side? This can all be practiced at home and you should be your own worst critic!

Answer 4

A great way to get good practice is to just work on keeping in step. As a freshman you will be learning more and more about marching as the years progress. Make sure you are marching with a nice heel/toe movement (let the heel hit first then roll to the toe) also make sure you are standing straight up and don't lock your knees as this is what makes you lose balance. Just go to camp and have fun with it!

Answer 5

First...posture. You need to look like you know what you are doing when you march. Always think "be tall."

Second...stay in step. Keep the beat and be on the correct foot. (A lot of people need to work on this)

Third...step size. You have to practice this on the field with yard lines

Fourth (this is important)...know your drill. Most students mess up on any "change of direction" (when to move left, when to mark time, when to move forward, etc.) You can actually practice this in your basement. For example, you don't really need to march to the left. Just mark time and then take one step to the left at the appropriate time.

Marching is a physical activity..you can't "think" your way through it. You have to practice it just like you practice your scales.

By the way, when I was 13, I used to mark time in my sleep!