South Alabama Jaguar Marching Band Analysis

South Alabama Jaguar Marching Band is a group of individuals who gather for the majority of major events that happen at South Alabama University and across the state of
Alabama. The Marching Band provides entertainment and a lively atmosphere to any significant occurrence. The participants in the band consist of a variety of people from the campus of South
Alabama with different backgrounds and interests. Being labeled a discourse community means the marching band has, “common goals, participatory mechanisms, information exchange, community specific genres, a highly specialized terminology, and a high general level of expertise” (Swales 224). However, in order to fulfill these roles, the marching band has to go through measurable lengths of diligence. These acts that help define that they are a discourse community is called rhetorical genres. Miller quotes from Harrell and Linkugel that “rhetorical genres stem from organizing principles found in recurring situations that generate discourse characterized by a family of common factors” (Miller 153). In the band's recurring situations and performances, typically they follow standard genres in order to carry out the event. In order for the band to work properly, these genres must go smoothly. Main genres that the Marching band uses are; intercommunication, appearance of leadership positions, and
However, if a negative characteristic is noticed, generally another band member tries to respond with constructive criticism. Constructive criticism among the band is especially important on the field during practices. If someone was out of place while learning the performance and no one had fixed it, then it will hinder the production and quality of the show. If someone was to have a better marching/playing style, then complimenting them would recognize their