Selecting a field show for the fall season can be daunting: picking music and a theme to suit everyone. You and your staff will teach the show for several months and your marching band will study, practice and perform the show for the majority of their fall semester. Whether you and your staff design a theme and pick music or shop for pre-written shows, giving your students a voice in the decision-making process can enhance engagement during the long stretch of marching season.
An anonymous online survey is one way to get input from your students without knowing who suggested what. Or create an environment of transparency where students can hold a conversation about their ideas. Student input can give you an idea of what your ensemble finds interesting and allow you to focus on specific aspects of a theme or music.
Hold a “design” meeting, a teachable opportunity for the leadership to bring in ideas and the band director to discuss with the group how their ideas may or may not work as a marching band show. Affording your leadership the input can be a great way to teach students the intricacies of putting together a marching band show. Even if some ideas from your leadership team are not realistic on the marching band field, giving each of them the time and freedom to be creative can build rapport. In addition, the exercise exposes them to the breadth of a marching band field show performance.
When a team pulls it together the reward is invaluable. We loved how the 2021 Phantom Regiment revived a fan-favorite classic to make it their own — what we all aspire to.