Marching Band 101 with Jim Rodger’s

Are you new to marching band, or curious how to make the experience all it can be? Take this advice from Fraser High School's band director, Jim Rodgers, on preparing for a summer and season of marching! Thank you, Jim!

For the new marchers (and all marchers, really):

STAY ACTIVE THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER—get outside and walk, bike, run, swim, play​; marching band is an extremely physical activity—be prepared to use your body and your mind.

PRACTICE YOUR INSTRUMENT: keep your playing ability up, prepare the music for the new season.

When attending any summer sectionals, rehearsals, or camps:

Wear light-colored, light weight clothes

Shoes and socks are a must—no sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs

Stay hydrated and nourished: eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Stay hydrated!!--bring a personal water bottle, camel pack, etc.

Protect your skin with sunblock

Protect your eyes with sunglasses, hats

Finally—get to know your drum majors, section leaders, and other members of the band​; marching band is fun and a great way to meet new people, make new friends, and create lasting memories!

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Brass Summer Practice!

If you play brass and are not taking lessons this summer, no worries! Josh shares his practice advice so your capabilities stay intact until the school year begins!

Set Goals: Is there something specific you want to improve at? Range? Scale Memorization? Tonguing/multiple tonguing? Tone? Set aside extra time in your warm up to work on these specific goals.

Warm up: Long Tones/Lip Slurs/Mouthpiece Buzzing

Scales/patterns and articulation exercises!

Music: Etudes, solos, and fun music!

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Woodwind Summer Practice!

What should you do if you’re unable to take music lessons this summer? —Carly suggests focusing on these areas to keep your musical skills sharp!

Major and minor scale memorization:

Major and melodic minors are best since that's what we use for solo and ensemble.

Articulations or tonguing exercises:

Tongue everything, slur everything, tongue two/slur two, slur two/tongue two, tongue one/slur three.

Long tones.

Arpeggios based off of major and minor scales to help with dexterity.

#iplayhere