Essential Techniques for Cleaning Marching Band Drill Before UIL Contest
by Chris McLellan
Preparing for a UIL contest is an extensive and multifaceted undertaking for any marching band. The pressure to perform at your best can feel intense, but with clear priorities and a well-structured plan, you can ensure that your band is set to shine brightly on the field. This blog post will delve into essential priorities for cleaning marching band drill, providing you with a comprehensive guide to focus your efforts and maximize your performance potential.
Understanding the Importance of Drill Cleaning
Cleaning drill goes far beyond merely perfecting formations; it is a crucial process that creates a unified performance capable of captivating both audiences and judges alike. A polished drill not only enhances the visual impact of your show but also allows the music and movement to complement each other beautifully, creating a seamless experience that resonates with viewers. When every member of the band is confident in their role and executes it with precision, the overall performance reflects a higher level of artistry and professionalism.
By focusing on drill cleaning, every band member will gain a deeper understanding of their individual responsibilities and how they contribute to the larger ensemble. This clarity boosts individual morale while simultaneously strengthening the cohesion of the entire group, fostering an environment where everyone is invested in the collective success of the performance.
Prioritize Fundamentals
Before diving into the specifics of your show, it is vital to reinforce the fundamentals. This includes core marching techniques, proper posture, and precise timing, all of which play a crucial role in delivering a standout performance. By solidifying these foundational elements, you create a robust platform from which more complex drill elements can be effectively executed.
Concentrate on these key areas:
Marching Style/Technique: Can the judges clearly understand the marching style of your band? Regardless of whether it is straight leg or bent knee, is this style consistent across all players? Spending dedicated time on refining your style daily is crucial to maximizing your score in both individual and ensemble visual categories. Consistency in technique not only enhances the visual appeal but also demonstrates the discipline and professionalism of the band.
Body Positioning: Encourage students to maintain proper posture while marching. Start with the head; are students looking down in rehearsal to find their "dot?" It’s essential to ensure that their backs are straight, shoulders are relaxed (not raised or tense), and there is a proper separation between the rib cage and hips, maintaining a straight line from the ear down to the ankle. Proper body positioning is critical in achieving a polished look.
Look for the following in your drill:
Leaning into a step-off
Reaching for their dot rather than being centered over it
Leaning back during backward marches, which can hinder control over foot timing, especially in slower tempos
Shoulders should remain parallel to the sideline during slides, both forward and backward
Horn carriage should be at 10 degrees above level for bell front instruments, flutes should be flat, and clarinets and saxophones should maintain a flat chin without looking down
Avoid squatting, which is frequently seen in backward marches and/or slides; keep legs straight and as tall as possible
Timing: Work diligently on synchronizing foot timing and movements among all band members. Unified timing elevates the performance and contributes to a cleaner, more professional appearance. Timing is not just about keeping a beat; it’s about ensuring that every member of the band moves as one cohesive unit.
Utilize a metronome positioned at the back of the field, facing forward towards the front sideline, to help maintain consistent tempo.
Teach students to listen back to the drumline, as this will enhance their sense of timing and rhythm.
Ensure that the Drum Majors’ hands are aligned with the center snare feet to promote uniformity in timing.
Implement a subdivided metronome for slow moments in your show and focus on ankles crossing on the upbeat. In my experience, this technique is often underused but can significantly enhance overall timing.
Teach body visual elements simultaneously with the drill to allow for an equal amount of time dedicated to cleaning both aspects. Incorporating body visuals into a warm-up routine will also facilitate the cleaning process.
By emphasizing these fundamentals, you build a strong foundation for the intricate aspects of your drill, ensuring that each member of the band is prepared to execute their part with confidence and clarity.
Break Down the Drill
Once the basics are solid, it’s essential to break down the drill into smaller, manageable sections. This approach allows for focused cleaning and prevents students from feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of the entire performance. A systematic breakdown can lead to more effective rehearsals and ultimately a more cohesive performance.
Consider these steps:
Segment the Show: Divide the performance into smaller sections, concentrating on one at a time. This will allow for focused rehearsal on manageable parts. Segments should align with the music structure to reinforce how the music fits with the drill, making it easier for students to connect the two elements.
Set Specific Goals: Establish clear objectives for each section. For example, "today we will focus on segment 1 (Sets 1-8), reviewing one set at a time while focusing on transitions, form, side-to-side spacing, front-to-back alignment, and departure from and arrival to each set." By setting and communicating specific goals for each rehearsal, you will be able to better assess your improvement, identify weaknesses, and formulate a targeted plan for the next rehearsal. Success comes from executing each rehearsal efficiently and effectively—one day at a time.
Use Visual Markers: Make sure students understand how to use the tick marks on the field, as well as the numbers and hash marks. Many times, bands become overly dependent on dots and struggle on the performance field. Encourage students to keep their heads up and understand their relationship to the performers around them for each set, fostering a sense of spatial awareness.
By breaking down the drill, each part receives the attention it deserves, leading to a more cohesive overall performance that is both visually and musically engaging.
Focus on Transitions
Transitions can often be the most challenging aspect of a marching band drill. They can significantly impact the flow and overall effectiveness of your performance. A well-executed transition can elevate a performance from good to exceptional.
To clean transitions effectively, implement these strategies:
Practice Slowly: Begin at a slower tempo to allow students to focus on their movements without the pressure of speed. Clearly define the prep step foot placement and the direction of the transition (forward, backward, 90-degree slide, 45-degree). This slower practice helps students internalize the motions before adding the complexity of speed.
Plus 1, Minus 1: Use the plus 1 technique to practice a move plus the first step of the next move. Conversely, use minus one to focus solely on the transition and the subsequent move. This method saves time by allowing you to practice transitions without needing to execute two full moves, streamlining the rehearsal process.
Utilize Drills: Incorporate transition drills into your fundamentals practice. This can include:
Box Drills
T, X, or + drills (Iron Cross, X-Men)
V or Sawtooth drills (X-box)
All of these are excellent for practicing transitions and maintaining proper upper body positioning. Reach out if you'd like more information about any of these drills.
By prioritizing transitions, you create a natural flow that enhances the overall performance, making it visually appealing and musically cohesive.
Incorporate Music and Drill Together
Cleaning drill should happen in tandem with music rehearsals. The two elements must blend seamlessly to create a memorable performance that resonates with the audience. When music and movement are synchronized, the impact of the performance is magnified.
Here’s how to effectively integrate music and drill cleaning:
Rehearse with Music: Always practice the drill while playing the music. This connection helps students understand how their movements align with musical phrases. March through the set, incorporating the music that correlates with those counts. Ensure students know when the music should end to align with the counts, then put everything together until the desired synchronization is achieved.
Gradually Increase the Tempo: Start at a manageable tempo and gradually increase it over time. This allows students to become comfortable with the movements and build the necessary muscle memory, which is crucial for performing precisely at faster tempos.
Take Turns: If sections are struggling with a particular set or transition, have them count and march only while the remainder of the band plays the music. This method helps them understand how the move fits with the music. For example, woodwinds might count and march this rep while the rest of the band plays, or all winds could march and count while the percussion plays and marches. These variations not only help students connect the music to the drill but can also provide students a break during longer rehearsals.
By merging music and drill cleaning, you create a unified performance that resonates with judges and spectators alike, leaving a lasting impression.
Utilize Feedback
Feedback is a critical component of the cleaning process. It enables continuous improvement and helps identify areas that require attention. Constructive feedback fosters growth and development within the band.
Consider these methods for effective feedback:
Peer Review: Encourage students to observe each other and give constructive feedback. This practice nurtures a sense of teamwork and accountability, making students more invested in one another’s success.
Video Analysis: Record rehearsals to review them together. This visual feedback can reveal areas for improvement that may not be evident during live practice. Watching performances together as a group can lead to insightful discussions about strengths and weaknesses.
Instructor Guidance: Leverage the expertise of instructors for targeted feedback. Their experience can help pinpoint subtle issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing students with valuable insights into their performance.
Clinician Feedback: Bring in clinicians periodically to provide fresh perspectives on your performance. Having an outside expert can be invaluable for both directors and students, as they can offer new insights and reinforce the same concepts that the director emphasizes daily.
Judge Tapes: Take the time to listen to judges' comments as a band. This is an important part of growth. Don’t just send out the recordings and expect students to listen on their own; facilitate a group discussion to clarify any feedback. If possible, align the judge comments with the video recording to provide context.
By incorporating feedback into your cleaning process, you foster an environment of growth, learning, and continuous improvement, which is essential for achieving excellence.
Maintain a Positive Atmosphere
Cleaning drill can be demanding, but maintaining a positive environment is essential for boosting morale and encouraging students to strive for excellence. A supportive atmosphere fosters resilience and determination, helping students push themselves to reach their full potential.
Here are some tips for fostering positivity:
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize improvements, even minor ones. Acknowledging progress can significantly boost confidence and motivation, making students feel valued and appreciated.
Encourage Teamwork: Build camaraderie among band members. Encourage them to support each other and work collaboratively toward common goals. Team-building exercises can strengthen bonds and improve overall performance.
Keep It Fun: Incorporate games or friendly challenges during rehearsals to keep the energy high. A fun atmosphere can make practice more enjoyable for everyone, reducing stress and enhancing engagement.
Consider rewards for the section that counts the loudest
Introduce section competitions to foster a spirit of healthy rivalry
Implement rewards for the first section back from breaks to encourage punctuality
Be creative and think outside the box to keep rehearsals lively and engaging
By prioritizing a positive atmosphere, you create an environment where students feel empowered to perform their best, leading to a more successful and enjoyable rehearsal experience.
Ready for Competition
Cleaning marching band drill for a UIL contest is a comprehensive process that requires careful planning and execution. By prioritizing fundamentals, breaking down the drill, focusing on transitions, integrating music, utilizing feedback, and maintaining a positive atmosphere, your band will be well-prepared for the competition.
Remember, the goal is more than just a performance; it's about creating a memorable experience for both the band and the audience. With these essential priorities in place, approach your UIL contest with confidence and pride, ready to showcase the dedication, hard work, and talent of your marching band. Embrace the journey and enjoy the process, knowing that every rehearsal brings you one step closer to achieving your ultimate performance goals.
If these ideas resonate with you, consider checking out my new book which is available at: https://www.mclellanbandconsulting.com/product-page/the-unconducted-curriculum-book-digital
OR Amazon.com
Professional Development and college course integration is available with my new workbook/study guide, Powerpoint presentations and Canvas modules. Email: mclellanbandconsulting@gmail.com for more information.
Topics like this are included in the new "Unconducted Curriculum Podcast" with Chris McLellan and Tina Parr as hosts. Look for our podcast on Apple, Spotify, You Tube, Amazon Music, iHeart and most other podcast platforms.
Chris McLellan, M.Ed., retired in 2021 as Director of Bands for Springtown ISD and currently serves as Executive Secretary for UIL Region 7. Additionally, Chris is a clinical teacher supervisor for Tarleton State University and the University of North Texas Band programs as well as an active mentor and clinician for numerous band programs across Texas. Please visit mclellanbandconsulting.com for additional blogs, resources and contact information.
Comments