Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • September 2015
10
leadership, attitude, focus, and emotional state. Making
sure that your staff and students know the “game plan”
before you even leave your band hall will make for a
more enjoyable and rewarding experience for everyone.
Have a plan and communicate that plan. Each staff
member, student, and parent has a job to do for the
success of the event. Live this plan every day when
you rehearse and don’t add anything “new” during
your warm-up as it will most likely not be the best
use of your time. All warm-ups or exercises that you
do should be something you do on a regular basis and
only things that you use in your field production.
Be Courteous
Expected marching contest etiquette should be
employed at all times. Be respectful of all bands
and their families, but in particular to those in
the surrounding warm-up areas and the bands
before and after your scheduled warm-up. Good
manners and good sportsmanship always come
first. Maintain a respectful distance from the band
in the warm-up area before you and show them
the courtesy of being quiet. Do not try to take the
area before your scheduled warm-up time. Stick
to your plan, but be flexible; many times things
happen that are out of your control—weather,
other bands, sick students, etc. Be prepared for
the worst and hope for the best.
Adhere to the Contest Schedule
Generally, you will have approximately 25
minutes for your warm-up. The schedules can
vary, but most schedules are fairly specific. If
a move time is not listed, you can assume the
times listed are the move times, not the start and
end times. Be punctual and leave the designated
warm-up area on time so the band following you
will get their full allotted time. Most contests have
a student or parent host assigned to your band;
ask them for a “count down” so that you can plan
your time and stay on schedule.
Use of Staff
As previously stated, everyone has assigned
responsibilities. These responsibilities should be
assigned according to the strengths of the individual.
There are some things that only the directors can
do, such as marching warm-up, music warm-up,
checking sound levels, troubleshooting electronics, and
monitoring students. Students can take responsibility
for their sections’ stretching, breathing exercises,
and tuning. Parents can help out with props, front
ensemble equipment, water, food, medical first aid,
and uniforms. It takes commitment and assistance
from the entire band family to keep everyone healthy,
productive, and happy.
Making Efficient Use of Your Warm-up Time at Marching Contest
