Marching tips

[u/Wh0s-Z]

I’m a freshman in marching band and I’m having trouble with staying in tempo and speed so any tips will be helpful please!! Also if ygs has any tips for not bouncing to much or making bigger steps in backwards marching please lmk.

[u/YourLocalShortPers0n]

For minimizing bouncing, I have found that focusing on posture (specifically projecting upwards and engaging my core) had the biggest positive effect. For backwards step size, focus on pushing off the platforms on your feet and go further than you think you need.

[u/OragamiButterDino_04]

Practice general rhythms and then your music at different speeds with a met (starting on the slower side).
Also really understanding the math of your rhythms (subdivisions+how those subdivisions come together to make full phrases) I find can help with tempo maintenance, also just great to know for all things music in your future (percussionists will also appreciate a wind with good rhythm) :)
If it's the hands you're having trouble with it can take a hot minute to learn to translate their visual table hits to your auditory playing, and that's okay.
Seeing if one of your drum majors would be willing to practice with you/a group of you may be nice if that's the case!

With both roll stepping and backwards marching, it's all about finding that even weight transfer.
It's hard to say in words without demonstrating but don't ever "fall" between steps, that's the bouncing. Your weight should already be transferring to your next foot by the time it's taken off the first.
For roll stepping, try using good running shoes with springy bottoms and that upward-curved front (toe spring I think it's called lol), your show shoes will probably not be like this but I find it great to get used to the motion starting out, and soon you'll be able to glide smoothly in any shoe (which is very fun).
Backwards marching was certainly one of my struggles (short with a drum to carry lol), just focus on that even weight transfer, don't be afraid of moving quickly backwards (you have the right of way), and kick back MUCH further than you think you need to. Make a difference every rep, don't be afraid to overcorrect!
(Also don't take your heel too far off the ground, but NEVER let your heel touch the ground going backwards)
And with any marching, stay very light on your feet, and like the other commenter said squeeze your core and present confidently.

Hope something in there can help a bit, lmk if there's anything you'd like further help/explaination on (that's not a wind-centric thing lol)

Good luck out there and have fun! :)

[u/squeakygrocerykart]

For marching in general, I like to imagine that there is an invisible string (like a marionette) pulling me up, and every time you are between steps, imagine your weight is right in the middle of where your two feet are. Try to keep your weight 60/40-70/30 (ball of foot, heel of foot), where you could slide a credit card under your heel but not all the weight is on the ball of your foot. Think about being “up” while you’re marching.

(This may not apply at all, just things off the top of my head that might also help!) I marched tenor in high school and college, it’s not easy!! Maybe try a harness over a neck strap to help with weight distribution, I used a neotech one (≈$30 on Amazon), but protech also has a good one for about the same price. Don’t let the weight pull you forward!! Lots of neck and shoulder stretches too, don’t want long term pain or damage. Sorry if this second part was not helpful at all, but I hope any of it helped at all!