Why don't professional marching bands have a woodwind section?

Question

Why don't professional marching bands have a woodwind section?

Answer 1

if they are truly marching "bands" they should have woodwinds.

are you perhaps seeing brass bands or drum & bugle corps? they have an entirely different tradition that has developed a culture of their own, (no woodwinds allowed). most of this culture comes from the military brass band traditions of europe and america.

Answer 2

do you mean like drum corps?

i've always been curious of that myself.

but i found this in an article on the internet:

"Drum and Bugle Corps do not use woodwinds, but many woodwind players have become good brass players in a short amount of time. If you can read music, and you've got some experience playing another instrument, it really doesn't take all that long to achieve proficiency on a brass instrument. The conversion is quite easy - we have a special program set up to make this transition simple. PLAYING A BRASS INSTRUMENT WILL NOT HURT YOUR WOODWIND CHOPS! In fact, it will help it!! Most woodwind players report that the breathing training involved in our brass program actually helps their woodwind playing!

Most woodwind players find that if they attend our winter program rehearsals, they are very well prepared by the time the summer competition season rolls around. Some of them have become quite accomplished brass players.

At least three woodwind players have gone on to become Bush Drum Majors!"

hope that clears some of it up for you!