How to Design a Marching Band Show for Band Directors - Part 1

Designing a Marching Band Show can be complicated, to say the least. Over time Marching Band shows have become more intricate and advanced in their conceptual design and take a lot more effort to plan and execute than they once did.

Use this guide to help you approach your design meetings with confidence and lead the discussion towards a powerful show that your members will love and the judges will appreciate.

Know Your Bands Strengths and Weaknesses      

           Before having a concept or music choice's, make a list of the things your band does well, and the issues that they need to overcome. Identify sections that are mature and can be highlighted in the design, and sections that need more growth before having exposed moments in the show.

Form a Core Concept and Branch out from there

           Figure out the core concept for the show to be built around. Do you want to do a simple idea like shapes, colors, sounds? Or will the show be a story based around a love interest? Or is this show thematically set in a certain time period? Try to answer these questions by identifying the interests of your members. A great show speaks to the membership and will keep them engaged all through the marching band season.

Find Music that fits your needs

           The music that you chose doesn’t need to be an obvious pick. Most people won’t recognize the source material at the moment, and instead will be more interested in how all the show elements work together. Pick music that you can imagine on the field and has enough interest throughout it to pick moments out of.

Think of more than just music in your design talks

           Too many programs leave the visual design as an afterthought in the design meetings. Keep visual at the forefront. Think of shapes, images, and even dance styles that should be considered integral to the concept you are trying to present.

Pace the show well

           People have short attention spans. Your show should be designed so that something interesting happens, or some sort of change occurs every 15-20 seconds. This will help to drive the energy in a progressive form keeping the audience, members, and judges engaged in the story you are telling.

Create a Color Palette

This tip is becoming more relevant recently. Great programs have a developed color palette that creates a more cohesive design. Think of bright colors that will contrast but not clash with the green of the football field. Have one main color, with another two or three supportive colors that will be used in the costuming, props, and flags.

This guide can be used to help design a Marching Band show for high school, middle school, or college to build the fall program that will knock your socks off,

Stay tuned for part 2!

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