Blog Post #1: Why do we have to do fundamentals again?

                 

           On the morning of Saturday, August 20, the Boonville high school marching band set out on a mission that was both obtainable and would prove to be very difficult.  From this day, the band only had three weeks to get there show locked down for their first competition. Knowing this, the band, as well as the band director, were under a lot of pressure and had to really turn up the focus to achieve this goal. One of Boonville’s weaker areas in their marching band performance was the visual aspect. After a nice long stretch, the band worked on their fundamental marching techniques with me. The fundamental marching techniques taught to a high school band are essential in the way they will project their sound on the field. From the beginning of band camp at Boonville to this Saturday camp, the students had already made an improvement in their marching technique.  After attempting the first exercise, which they already knew how to do prior to this camp, I had to have a serious talk with them. In my opinion, the band, for whatever reason, lacked the focus and drive they had when I last saw them. I gave them a talk about striving for excellence; to stop at nothing to be the best.  After this talk about getting motivated, we set out to finish our fundamental exercises and from that point on they turned up the heat and were very focused. A “light bulb” when off in my head after seeing them make a 120% improvement in all of their marching techniques. I learned that people sometimes just need the proper motivation to get them going. This especially means that students need to be motivated in a positive manner when they are trying to overcome the hot weather and the mental breakdowns that come with fundamental marching.  

                I am very proud of Boonville Band of Gold for working so hard on their marching technique during this camp and during the camp right before the competition. It really paid off for them, because at their most recent competition this past Saturday (September 17) they got the award for best visual. Congratulations Band of Gold, you deserve it!