Marching Band

AS A MUSIC MAJOR, I WANT FREE TEXTBOOKS GOD DAMMIT

To that previous anon, I started playing marimba last year. I'm a trombone player and I've been playing brass for ~6 years. I learned marimba and this year I worked so hard and got good enough to be the pit captain. We went undefeated under my leadership at competitions this year. Pit is SO much fun and definitely worth the time it takes to learn. Go for it!! Try something new. You may not get the chance again.

To the anon with scoliosis: They have a lot of back braces that you can try and use to help with the pain. I had major back problems last marching season as center snare where I was almost paralyzed (Long story) and I got a brace which helped a lot. I recommend talking to your doctors. My insurance paid for most of my brace ( some braces get expensive). If you want to come off anon we can message and talk more.

To the anon about joining marching band with a different section, I say absolutely do it. I'm a junior in high school and have been in the marching band since freshman year. My freshman year I played clarinet and my band director asked me if I could play mellophone the next season. I was really iffy about it bc I have never played brass but I still did it. That was the best decision ever and I love it so much. Point is, don't let inexperience intimidate you out of marching band best of luck! :)

Hi, this is for the anon from earlier with minor scoliosis. I'm a junior with minor scoliosis and I play clarinet in my marching band. I did physical therapy for a while but once I got some home exercises from my therapist I was fine during marching season. Clarinet requires the least amount of upper body strength, so it's what I'd go for (for flute your elbows are up at angles and saxophones are heavier) but flute could be a good option too! Don't let your scoliosis stop you from marching!

@ 8th grade trumpet anon: I was in front ensemble the first year I was in Marching Band its not too hard :) if you tell them you dont play trumpet they'll probably have you play crash cymbals or something not too hard :)

to the prospective marcher w scoliosis, there are plastic 'brass' instruments (trumpet and trombone, pTrumpet and Tromba are some of few brands) that are designed to be lighter. they sound a little different, but would not affect the overall tone, and many people march with them. they have them in silver and gold to match the band. they should ask the band director what their options are!

with so many music ed majors on this site.

i'm in 8th grade, i play trumpet, and I've wanted to be in the high school marching band since last year. last year 4 people in my band were chosen to play in this season of marching band, and my friend Maddy (trumpet) turned it down. earlier, my band director told me there's spots for 8th graders and asked if i wanted one. but, she said i might only be able to do cymbals or marimba. i don't know what to do, as i have almost 0 percussion experience. any tips??

So I REALLY want to march. I'm obsessed with band currently, and next year, when I'm a sophomore, I would love to be in band. However, I have minor scoliosis which makes my back hurt sometimes after physical activity. I don't really want to be in pit though. I really want to march. Suggestions?

WHY DOES PERCUSSION NEVER GET ANY LOVE? IT HURTS US.