Drum Majoring (V2 S4) Flashcards
4 types of commands
Preparatory, Execution, Combined, Supplemental
Non-verbal commands are given with mace except what
horns up/down
Preparatory Command
Indicates movement will be made and in what direction (the forward in forward march)
Execution Command
causes desired movement to be executed (the march in forward march)
Combined Command
Given Verbally, preparatory and execution are combined (at ease, rest, fall out, dismissed)
Supplemental
Commands that cause component units to act individually. The command “Pass in Review” indicates that the band will not execute what is required to do a pass in review (probably a forward march or something). The supplemental command doesn’t contain the information for the movement on its own.
Techniques for verbal commands
- Stand at attention
- if facing away from unit, turn over your shoulder
- Consonants at the end of the word are emphasized (Atten-HUT)
- Execution Commands emphasized (Forward MARCH)
- commands are divided by their syllables, and some contain a pause that is one beat in length. (Forward… March)
- “Band” is not a preparatory or supplemental command, just a verbal alert for attention. (Band, parade rest).
Drum majors will always lead a ceremonial band during what conditions?
Street parades, and military ceremonies where drill movements are required.
Parts of Mace
Ball, Staff, Chain, Ferrule (bottom)
Mace command techniques
- Don’t give verbal and mace commands simultaneously
- Free arm locked at side while giving command
- Mace signal should coincide with the last bar of a cadence point when possible
- mace should remain in the imaginary vertical plane in front of the body
- When executing forward march with no tempo established, verbal command is preferred here.
Marching Tempo
108-120
Step Size
Drum Major establishes, usually 24-26 inches
Cover and Alignment
- Alignment is towards center file, or file to the right of the DM if even numbered
- Guide File maintains two paces between ranks, and either 5-6 paces OR one pace more than the number of ranks between the band and DM
- When turning, align in the direction of the turn (inside rank)
Block Positions for Conductor and DM
- When conductor is conducting, DM is two paces to the right and in line with the first rank
- Conductor takes same position when DM is in front
- if space doesn’t allow, conductor can stand 2 paces behind and to the right of the DM
- When conducting, the conductor is in the center of the band but may adjust position so more musicians can see. Eye contact with bass drum and lead trumpet is essential
Musician placement best practices
- Trombones in front
- Euphoniums and horns fill gaps throughout the band, euphonium filling gaps in front rank
- Trumpets near the back near bass drum
- Sousaphones in last rank, outboard files
- Fill front rank, outboard files, and guide files first
- Make every effort to group like instruments together