Exemplification Essay: Why Marching Band Is A Sport
Band Keynotes When thinking about marching band, most people picture a geeky, pimple faced little kid that barely knows what they are doing. But, what if I told you marching band is more than that? Marching band is more than the effort the performers put into making their performances perfect, more than just watching a bunch of people walk around the field for ten minutes, and more than the cool uniforms and props. Marching band is about the inspiration. Because marching band is so physically and mentally demanding, that must make it a sport instead of fine art. So, with all the things, why don’t people consider it a sport? A sport must include propelling an object through space, and must have opponents. Every professional band has a color
…show more content…
guard, and they are constantly throwing flags, rifles, and batons through the air. Not only that, but you can occasionally see band members throwing their expensive instruments through the air, too! Like all sports, marching band isn’t easy. It can include carrying an instrument up to forty pounds for hours at a time. Most marching band directors like to start by having their performers stretch before rehearsals, or walk around the track just to get them prepared for the hard work to come. In 2005, a study was done on a Drum Corps International (DCI) student named, Jordan Thomas. Dr. Jeff Edwards explains, “We put a device on him that allowed us to measure how hard he’s working, his metabolic rate,” (Edwards). That device measured his oxygen level, carbon dioxide production, and heart rate. Just watching from the sideline, Thomas’ heart rate was nearing 180 beats per minute carrying his tenor drums. And, when on the field, his heart rate was over 200BPM. Edwards states in the broadcast, “The oxygen consumption is generally about what it would be during the middle of a marathon for a well-trained runner” (Edwards). Thomas’ drums can weigh anywhere between thirty and forty pounds. Eventually it starts to wear on his body. In 2009, a survey was done with High School students to see if they had sore muscles after practice, and 95% of them said yes.
As well as, 38% reported being injured on the field. So, how much sweat, blood, and tears do performers have to put in before marching band is considered a sport? Now, there’s plenty of things to do to prevent injuries. Like, getting lots of sleep, drinking water and eating healthy, and wear knee or ankle braces before you start to experience pain. And you’re probably wondering, why not elbow or wrist braces? And that’s because the band members aren’t supposed to move their upper body. Loralee Sepsey states, “You aren't allowed to move your upper body AT ALL. Not even to scratch your nose” (Sepsey). The more unnecessary movement, the lower the score the band is going to …show more content…
get. Secondly, although marching band can be hard physically, it can be difficult mentally as well. Elizabeth R. states, “A member needs to know how to properly march, have their music completely memorized, count, move, play, and remember what to do before and after the show, all at the same time” (Elizabeth R). It can be quite difficult and takes a lot of practice. But, when spending approximately ten to twelve hours a day learning all the moves, it can turn into something beautiful. It takes tons of multitasking to master everything. Madison Davis states in her article, “Marching band requires an entirely different type of person who can simultaneously manipulate and control bodily convulsions which demand someone in high mental and physical state” (Davis). She also states, “Marching band meets and often surpasses the threshold required for ‘sport-hood’ and as such should not be demeaned as a geeky activity, but as a sport” (Davis). I agree with her because I know what I had to go through carrying a bass drum myself in High School. It was heavy but my mind was what got me through it all. I memorized all the music, extra moves, and ridiculous outfit without second guessing myself if I could do it because I had the determination and love for the activity. Finally, we are going to talk about DCI. And, unlike most sports, marching band members don’t have multiple tries or are going up against someone head to head. Performers only have one try to make everything flawless. They make sure they don’t hit a wrong note, or step out of line or that will make the entire performance pointless. Everyone is supportive of each other and it is an amazing way to make great friends you can share experiences with. You get to spend a lot of time with the other members and almost get to know them too well. In the DCI competitions, they travel the United States and must sleep in hotels and even the bus’s sometimes. Brian Starace states, “It’s really great for people to show how they can express themselves musically,” (Starace). It is a great way to share your feelings even without words. Elizabeth states, “There are many competitive marching bands out there that compete against countless opponents at each show. One of the best competitive marching band shows is the World Championship Finals, publicized each year on ESPN (a sports channel), just like other sports. There are more than 400,000 fans at each live event” (Elizabeth R). Also, the instruments can be heavy and hard to deal with. But, the props can be a hand full too. In the Drum Corps International competitions, props can be anywhere from ten foot slides that members will run up and down, to wooden statues just as tall. The competitors want the best props that make their story pop and the audience understand. They can cost hundreds of dollars to buy but because the DCI community is so large, the props can be sold to fans for just as much or more. Also, the uniforms have a big role too. They are just as expensive as props depending on the details. Between the bibbers, jacket, and plums, the outfit can be expensive. The members have a good way of making that money back by having fundraisers and other activities. Most DCI bands also have their own websites so the community can buy the merchandise also. Some people think of marching band as fine arts but that’s usually when the physical aspect isn’t considered. Davis states, “The artistic aspect of marching band however sets it apart from other sports, making it far more unique but one all the same” (Davis). Fine arts include music, poetry, theatre, and dance. Which some DCI shows have. The performers play their instruments, and the color guard dance around the field and even band members. It is unique how the music and members walking around the field can tell a story. That is the point of competition though. There are professional judges that watch each band to see who has best visuals, sound, color guard, brass, and percussion. There is one judge per category and they can give up to twenty points adding up to one hundred points depending on how all the members did. The Adjudication article states, “On a biennial basis, instructors and designers of the activity meet to present their views about how the system should be interpreted, refined and revised. Such was the case this past winter when DCI member corps representatives voted to retool the percussion caption, adding a second percussion judge at select events” (Adjucation 101). All but one of the judges sit in a press box to overlook the band, and the other goes on the field to watch the percussion. Each judge has a responsibility. The visual judge specifically looks at a group of members on the field instead of focusing on an individual marcher. And the color guard is judged on whether they catch their flags and how synchronized they are together. Because competitions and sports have rules, marching band competitions must as well. One of which Ferlazzo states, “Under Hopkins’ new rule, corps will continue to get a maximum of 17 minutes on the field — with three minutes to enter, another two to three minutes for the pre-show and then up to 12 minutes to perform its judged show” (Ferlazzo). He also states that one of the facts members don’t take the rules seriously is because it is an art form, “I think this goes back to the definition of the art form,” he wrote. “Drum corps is not a particularly sophisticated musical form” (Ferlazzo). With all the hard work and devotion marching band members put into their performances, why isn’t it considered a sport? Tons of hours are put into making not only themselves but others happy. It inspires the community to join and share their joy for music. Marching band is very physically demanding, is very expensive, and has many rules and regulations the performers and directors have to abide by. Marching band is undervalued and should be as important as any other sport. It is a way to inspire, connect, and share with the world. Citations
"Adjudication 101: Who Judges What?" DCI.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2017.
Bielewicz, Julia. "Is Marching Band a Sport?" The Register. Julia Bielewicz, 27 Feb. 2015. Web. 08 Feb.
2017.
Criswell, Chad. "Is Marching Band A Sport? Pros, Cons, and a Reality Check. "Music Education Magic. N.p., 2015. Web. 23 Apr. 2017.
CO, Elizabeth R. Grand Junction. "Marching Band Should Be Considered a Sport." Teen Essay. Emerson Media, 27 July 2011. Web. 08 Feb. 2017
Davis, Madison. "Marching Band: Sport or Not?" The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media. Madison Davis, 10 Nov. 2011. Web. 08 Feb. 2017.
Ferlazzo, Mike. "New DCI Rule Redefines Pre-show Timing, Judging, Creative Elements; Permits Illegal Devices/instruments." Drum Corps World. Mike Ferlazzo, 15 May 2010. Web. 25 Apr. 2017.
Greenwald-Gonella, Haley. "Musicians as Athletes." Halftime Magazine. Haley Greenwald-Gonella, 2 Oct. 2010. Web. 08 Feb. 2017.
Martinez, G. "Marching Band...a Sport?" Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2016. Web. 08 Feb. 2017.
Santoro, Sabrina. "Marching Band Requires Physical Stamina – Should It Be Considered a Sport?" High School Illustrated. Sabrina Santoro, 24 Apr. 2014. Web. 08 Feb. 2017
Sepsey, Loralee. "Marching Band Is a Sport by Loralee Sepsey." The Equestrian. Loralee Sepsey, 30 May 2013. Web. 08 Feb.
2017
Toh, Allison. "True or False: Marching Band Is a Sport." True or False: Marching Band Is a Sport | Saratoga Falcon. Allison Toh, 3 Jan. 2011. Web. 08 Feb. 2017.
Wachter, Brooke. "Are Marching Band and Color Guard Sports?" Voice of the Warriors. Brooke Wachter, 26 Jan. 2017. Web. 08 Feb. 2017.
guard, and they are constantly throwing flags, rifles, and batons through the air. Not only that, but you can occasionally see band members throwing their expensive instruments through the air, too! Like all sports, marching band isn’t easy. It can include carrying an instrument up to forty pounds for hours at a time. Most marching band directors like to start by having their performers stretch before rehearsals, or walk around the track just to get them prepared for the hard work to come. In 2005, a study was done on a Drum Corps International (DCI) student named, Jordan Thomas. Dr. Jeff Edwards explains, “We put a device on him that allowed us to measure how hard he’s working, his metabolic rate,” (Edwards). That device measured his oxygen level, carbon dioxide production, and heart rate. Just watching from the sideline, Thomas’ heart rate was nearing 180 beats per minute carrying his tenor drums. And, when on the field, his heart rate was over 200BPM. Edwards states in the broadcast, “The oxygen consumption is generally about what it would be during the middle of a marathon for a well-trained runner” (Edwards). Thomas’ drums can weigh anywhere between thirty and forty pounds. Eventually it starts to wear on his body. In 2009, a survey was done with High School students to see if they had sore muscles after practice, and 95% of them said yes.
As well as, 38% reported being injured on the field. So, how much sweat, blood, and tears do performers have to put in before marching band is considered a sport? Now, there’s plenty of things to do to prevent injuries. Like, getting lots of sleep, drinking water and eating healthy, and wear knee or ankle braces before you start to experience pain. And you’re probably wondering, why not elbow or wrist braces? And that’s because the band members aren’t supposed to move their upper body. Loralee Sepsey states, “You aren't allowed to move your upper body AT ALL. Not even to scratch your nose” (Sepsey). The more unnecessary movement, the lower the score the band is going to …show more content…
get. Secondly, although marching band can be hard physically, it can be difficult mentally as well. Elizabeth R. states, “A member needs to know how to properly march, have their music completely memorized, count, move, play, and remember what to do before and after the show, all at the same time” (Elizabeth R). It can be quite difficult and takes a lot of practice. But, when spending approximately ten to twelve hours a day learning all the moves, it can turn into something beautiful. It takes tons of multitasking to master everything. Madison Davis states in her article, “Marching band requires an entirely different type of person who can simultaneously manipulate and control bodily convulsions which demand someone in high mental and physical state” (Davis). She also states, “Marching band meets and often surpasses the threshold required for ‘sport-hood’ and as such should not be demeaned as a geeky activity, but as a sport” (Davis). I agree with her because I know what I had to go through carrying a bass drum myself in High School. It was heavy but my mind was what got me through it all. I memorized all the music, extra moves, and ridiculous outfit without second guessing myself if I could do it because I had the determination and love for the activity. Finally, we are going to talk about DCI. And, unlike most sports, marching band members don’t have multiple tries or are going up against someone head to head. Performers only have one try to make everything flawless. They make sure they don’t hit a wrong note, or step out of line or that will make the entire performance pointless. Everyone is supportive of each other and it is an amazing way to make great friends you can share experiences with. You get to spend a lot of time with the other members and almost get to know them too well. In the DCI competitions, they travel the United States and must sleep in hotels and even the bus’s sometimes. Brian Starace states, “It’s really great for people to show how they can express themselves musically,” (Starace). It is a great way to share your feelings even without words. Elizabeth states, “There are many competitive marching bands out there that compete against countless opponents at each show. One of the best competitive marching band shows is the World Championship Finals, publicized each year on ESPN (a sports channel), just like other sports. There are more than 400,000 fans at each live event” (Elizabeth R). Also, the instruments can be heavy and hard to deal with. But, the props can be a hand full too. In the Drum Corps International competitions, props can be anywhere from ten foot slides that members will run up and down, to wooden statues just as tall. The competitors want the best props that make their story pop and the audience understand. They can cost hundreds of dollars to buy but because the DCI community is so large, the props can be sold to fans for just as much or more. Also, the uniforms have a big role too. They are just as expensive as props depending on the details. Between the bibbers, jacket, and plums, the outfit can be expensive. The members have a good way of making that money back by having fundraisers and other activities. Most DCI bands also have their own websites so the community can buy the merchandise also. Some people think of marching band as fine arts but that’s usually when the physical aspect isn’t considered. Davis states, “The artistic aspect of marching band however sets it apart from other sports, making it far more unique but one all the same” (Davis). Fine arts include music, poetry, theatre, and dance. Which some DCI shows have. The performers play their instruments, and the color guard dance around the field and even band members. It is unique how the music and members walking around the field can tell a story. That is the point of competition though. There are professional judges that watch each band to see who has best visuals, sound, color guard, brass, and percussion. There is one judge per category and they can give up to twenty points adding up to one hundred points depending on how all the members did. The Adjudication article states, “On a biennial basis, instructors and designers of the activity meet to present their views about how the system should be interpreted, refined and revised. Such was the case this past winter when DCI member corps representatives voted to retool the percussion caption, adding a second percussion judge at select events” (Adjucation 101). All but one of the judges sit in a press box to overlook the band, and the other goes on the field to watch the percussion. Each judge has a responsibility. The visual judge specifically looks at a group of members on the field instead of focusing on an individual marcher. And the color guard is judged on whether they catch their flags and how synchronized they are together. Because competitions and sports have rules, marching band competitions must as well. One of which Ferlazzo states, “Under Hopkins’ new rule, corps will continue to get a maximum of 17 minutes on the field — with three minutes to enter, another two to three minutes for the pre-show and then up to 12 minutes to perform its judged show” (Ferlazzo). He also states that one of the facts members don’t take the rules seriously is because it is an art form, “I think this goes back to the definition of the art form,” he wrote. “Drum corps is not a particularly sophisticated musical form” (Ferlazzo). With all the hard work and devotion marching band members put into their performances, why isn’t it considered a sport? Tons of hours are put into making not only themselves but others happy. It inspires the community to join and share their joy for music. Marching band is very physically demanding, is very expensive, and has many rules and regulations the performers and directors have to abide by. Marching band is undervalued and should be as important as any other sport. It is a way to inspire, connect, and share with the world. Citations
"Adjudication 101: Who Judges What?" DCI.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2017.
Bielewicz, Julia. "Is Marching Band a Sport?" The Register. Julia Bielewicz, 27 Feb. 2015. Web. 08 Feb.
2017.
Criswell, Chad. "Is Marching Band A Sport? Pros, Cons, and a Reality Check. "Music Education Magic. N.p., 2015. Web. 23 Apr. 2017.
CO, Elizabeth R. Grand Junction. "Marching Band Should Be Considered a Sport." Teen Essay. Emerson Media, 27 July 2011. Web. 08 Feb. 2017
Davis, Madison. "Marching Band: Sport or Not?" The Rider Online | Legacy HS Student Media. Madison Davis, 10 Nov. 2011. Web. 08 Feb. 2017.
Ferlazzo, Mike. "New DCI Rule Redefines Pre-show Timing, Judging, Creative Elements; Permits Illegal Devices/instruments." Drum Corps World. Mike Ferlazzo, 15 May 2010. Web. 25 Apr. 2017.
Greenwald-Gonella, Haley. "Musicians as Athletes." Halftime Magazine. Haley Greenwald-Gonella, 2 Oct. 2010. Web. 08 Feb. 2017.
Martinez, G. "Marching Band...a Sport?" Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2016. Web. 08 Feb. 2017.
Santoro, Sabrina. "Marching Band Requires Physical Stamina – Should It Be Considered a Sport?" High School Illustrated. Sabrina Santoro, 24 Apr. 2014. Web. 08 Feb. 2017
Sepsey, Loralee. "Marching Band Is a Sport by Loralee Sepsey." The Equestrian. Loralee Sepsey, 30 May 2013. Web. 08 Feb.
2017
Toh, Allison. "True or False: Marching Band Is a Sport." True or False: Marching Band Is a Sport | Saratoga Falcon. Allison Toh, 3 Jan. 2011. Web. 08 Feb. 2017.
Wachter, Brooke. "Are Marching Band and Color Guard Sports?" Voice of the Warriors. Brooke Wachter, 26 Jan. 2017. Web. 08 Feb. 2017.