A field show put on a marching band is both fascinating and thrilling to watch. When properly executed, the field show combines a number of moves that position the marching band in various formations while the band continues to play music. During halftime of various games, the most common of which is football, you might see a marching band field show. There are also competitions for marching band field shows.
Many marching bands do not perform in field shows. During parades, their choreography may be strictly limited to a minute or two of changing formation. Some schools with full bands have decided to forego marching altogether. It’s not easy to put on a marching band field show or to participate in one, because they’re often complicated, especially for bands that specialize in this type of entertainment. You’ll also need a choreographer or coordinator on hand to plan all of the moves and assist all band members (musicians, color guard, and possibly cheerleaders or dancers) in learning the difficult choreography. You’ll also need a professional band that can play beautifully while moving around a lot.
The marching band field show can be described as a combination of athleticism and musicianship. Shows last about five to ten minutes and can be performed in any weather condition. A show can be an extremely strenuous workout, depending on the band’s ability. If you’re fit and playing the piccolo, this shouldn’t be too difficult, but if you’re carrying a sousaphone or bass drum while creating complicated formations, especially in hot weather, you’re pretty much guaranteed a worthwhile cardiovascular experience when you perform.
Part of the appeal of a marching band field show is looking at the formations created the band as they play, in addition to the athleticism of performing march moves, possibly dance moves, and others. These can be pictures, geometric shapes, or even letters that spell out words. To get the full effect of field show formations, it’s actually worth sitting higher up in a stadium.
The scramble or scatter band is a variation on the traditional marching moves for changing formation. In a marching band field show, instead of choreographed movements between formations, band members run to create each new picture. They aren’t usually marching, and their performances are often comedic. There’s a chance that these shows will include narration. Scramble bands are popular at many Ivy League schools.
One of the best places to go to get a good look at a marching band field show is YouTube. These shows have been filmed a lot of enthusiastic fans. Other videos are filmed competition segments that are equally entertaining to watch.