7 Tactics for Efficient Drill Education-Still Time to Cover Basic Drill Components

Efficient drill learning can be one of the most valuable time-savers during a marching band rehearsal and season. Teaching your students the process of learning drill will make them more independent on the field and allow for faster-paced rehearsals and a higher-level visual product. Take the time with your entire ensemble to go over the basics of drill learning early in the season:

• How to read a coordinate sheet and/or drill chart 
• The language you and staff will use during a rehearsal when discussing drill
• The different markings and measurements that are always present on your rehearsal field (hashes, numbers, inserts, center X, tick marks, even props and tarps)
• How to set up a coordinate (dot) on the field
• How to make adjustments to forms, before, after and during reps
• The desired pace and routine for rehearsals involving drill (i.e quickly resetting, check before you relax, etc). 
• Teach a routine to the drill learning process (i.e sit down once you have found your set, stand with feet together facing the front to check forms, stay at attention after marching from one set to the next so staff can check the form)

Even if your group doesn’t start learning drill until after band camp, don’t wait to teach drill learning! You can use old drill or write practice drill for your ensemble, so they get the experience of going through the learning process. (You might even be able to get your drill writer to write a couple of practice sets for your group to learn during band camp). 

Teach your students to be more self-sufficient on the marching band field this season and reap the benefits of faster-paced rehearsals!