Zko2000

It's been a while, but now that my daughter is in HS marching band, I've seen a lot of shows recently. I was a band director in a previous life, so I'm not just an obsessed band parent (I am an obsessed band parent but probably a little more knowledgeable than some.) Anyway, I've noticed that the bands with the best music scores typically stand and play quite a bit. I found myself thinking, "Wow, they sound great!" Then I think, "Well, of course they sound great, they're not moving." The percussion or soloists play while the band marches to a new spot. Band reaches new spots, and every plays. It sounds great. I've also seen this happen with sections. Brass plays, woodwinds march and vice versa. I haven't gone so far as to time it. It's just general sense. These same bands, however, are not typically penalized in their marching scores. Here is my question: How much does level of difficulty of a drill affect scoring at Area or State levels? Are the stand and play bands (this seems to be the majority) going to be penalized? Are the bands with the more difficult shows (almost always march and play) going to be rewarded in their marching scores. I know that certain maneuvers are more challenging and that playing while executing them adds more difficulty, but is this rewarded? Are bands that "push the envelope" going to stand out among the others? Appreciate your thoughts.

You have much of which to be proud. I saw Poteet's show last night at the Centennial Marching Festival, and the kids were amazing. I know they would have done well at state. Your grace in a heart-breaking situation is inspiring. Ultimately, those of us who support the arts are in this together. Thank you.