I've been starting to think about the planning for marching season for this fall (yes...I'm basically thinking about planning to plan...), and I realize that I still have no clue as to what I'm doing. I had marching band this past year, but a lot went wrong. I learned a lot, but it can basically all be summed up in this: I need to start organizing myself way sooner. So I'm hoping some of you can offer up some suggestions as to how you begin to plan your show and season. Here is some background on my program:

I currently teach about 80 students, 6th-11th grade. About 35 are beginners. I have none graduating, but a few that are going to other schools and whatnot.

I am in my second year teaching at this school, fourth year teaching in general.

I have a booster organization that is generally supportive.

I have a percussion instructor and a few others that have helped out in the past, but don't really have anyone lined up yet as far as arranging, drill-writing, etc.

We have no field at our school. We have a "basketball cage" area and a somewhat-flat top of the parking garage, as well as the gym. Last year we had band camp at a nearby high school and practiced on another field with anthills during the marching season.  We had to be bussed to that location once every week.

We had 20 kids in marching band last year. Most of them were beginners. I anticipate having 30-40 kids this year, with at least 15 of them being first-year marchers and/or second-year players.

I have a problem with attendance at after-school events.

My students complain when the music we play isn't "fun" or "popular."

I would like my band to be competitive, but I don't know if it's realistic for this year.



So I was hoping that some of you would have some suggestions as to how to begin the daunting process of preparing a show and a season. Where do you start? Where do you think I should start?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

Gosh, I have been where you are right now! I had a school out in the middle of nowhere--kids knew that the program wasn't that great and had kind of accepted that fact. They had lost faith and didn't know how fun it all could be. I agree to keep it on the simple side as far as a show. But while you're at it, the best thing I ever did was to inspire those kids to be more than they thought they could ever be. First I started showing them video of really great bands--not to show them that they weren't--no, but to show them the 'cool' things that could be done. I didn't pick anything impossible like DCI to show them at  first-- Just some top notch programs that were a little more local. that way the kids saw something they felt might just be in reach. Then, I took them on a field trip to a major band competition. (Contest of Champions, in TN--the world's longest running continual Marching Band competiton for High School --or something to that effect!) They were floored that high school kids were that great. Not only that, but we went a little early and watched the other bands practice. Then they knew. Just a little hard work. Just showing up and having fun. From then on, I had them hooked. It wasn't overnight success. It took time. But they worked harder than any kids I've ever known as an overall band. The last year I was there we played 'The ascention' for our opener..and it just couldn't have been better for me.

One thing to realize-- kids don't see band the same way you and I do. I remind myself that almost everyday. Sometimes I laugh about it now. :)

They will rarely see what's in it for them--so they will ask, and you must show. Introduce new ideas to them slowly--kids like change less that we would think! Shiny and new, yes--but change from comfort, no way.

remember what it was that you really loved about it when you were that age. Right down to the raw materials, and they will see too!

I'm not saying this because I think you don't know it already. I'm sure you do, but I myself lose sight of these simple facts when I feel like I have no idea where to begin. The truth is, you begin at the beginning, and you do that by starting with what you know. If you feel like you don't know, seek out those who do.

I can help you with picking music and schedule stuff, but it sounded like you needed a pick me up more than that!

Sorry to bend your ear 'inspirationally' but I just maybe I needed that too!

you are more than welcome to email anytime.

loriannekeeney@aol.com

Thank you to everyone who replied... I'll most likely be emailing you soon, haha!  I really want them to get excited about it, and we need to grow if we want the program to be successful.  All of the advice and even encouragement really does help, so thank you.