The Intangibles
Do you ever notice an ensemble that enters the arena and just seems elevated compared to the previous groups? Before they even play a note, just the way they enter the room and conduct themselves; it is almost intangible what the difference is, but you definitely notice it.
Perception is an important aspect that often goes overlooked. This goes well beyond how the members of the ensemble actually perform their program, but into how they conduct themselves and represent the ensemble outside of the actual performance. The impression given by the ensemble at all times can shape the way they are perceived. One could argue at length on the value or detriment this might bring to the competitive marching activity, but one thing is certain: it happens.
What you see can shape your expectation unconsciously. Imagine you bought tickets to an orchestra concert, but when the performers come on stage their clothes look dirty and uncomfortable, their instruments are unpolished or have obvious blemishes, and more than a few of them are carrying their favorite beverage onto the stage with them. A handful of the orchestra members rush quickly to their seats while others walk, meander, or socialize on the way to getting settled. Does any of that lead you to believe these are disciplined professionals that are about to blow you away with their musical prowess? Likely not.
Marching ensembles can have the same effect, for better or for worse. Here are some tips to set yourself up for success:
Look Your Best!
Uniform Fitting
If possible, having properly fitting uniforms goes a long way. For indoor percussion, winds, or color guard ensembles this might be easier as they generally will get individually fitted costumes each year. However, for an outdoor ensemble that might reuse the same uniform year to year, making sure the members have properly fitting garments is incredibly important. Avoid baggy and/or un-hemmed pants, and oversized uniform tops.
Shine and Polish
If the uniform includes any “shiny” materials (like buttons or mirrors), make sure you take the time before every performance to clean and shine those items. Usually, some Windex or all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber rag are more than enough to get the job done. This can also apply to any surfaces that might get more obvious stains (like helmets or shakos for outdoor ensembles) – a once-over to remove any obvious discoloring from use makes a BIG difference. You can also use the same cleaner/rag combo to clean the show shoes: MTXs, Vipers, Dinkles, whatever you use, make sure the shoes are clean! Dusty or dirty shoes stand out like crazy, even from a distance. Using shoe polish (for white or black shoes) is the best option, but an all-purpose cleaner and a rag or paper towels is a much more cost (and time) effective option.
Instrument Cleaning
Instrument maintenance is important for several reasons and should already be a part of your members’ daily/weekly routine. However, prior to a performance it is a good idea to clean and polish instruments. There are a number of horn polish options for brass instruments, but again using a general cleaner to help add shine and remove any visible dirt or dust can make a huge difference in the appearance of the ensemble. Please be mindful of any chemical or cleaner restrictions for the specific instrument! This particular issue affects percussionists a lot, as they generally do not “own” their own instrument – encourage your members to clean the drum shells and rims to remove any excess dirt, debris, or stick tape – this can also help extend the life of the heads and instrument itself. For your front ensemble members, cleaning the visible outside of their instruments is important as well – any concert percussion toms/drums (including drumset), keyboard resonators, keys, frames, and all cymbals (including battery cymbals).
Battery specific:
Battery instrument leveling and stick tape. Level drums are vital to being able to play their instrument properly (or snares tilted at the appropriate angle), so this should already be something they are aware of. Additionally, re-taping your sticks can make a big difference in the structural integrity of the wood but also in the look of the sticks – playing with unkempt sticks looks unprofessional and should be avoided (note: if tape is a financial concern, the members can simply remove the tape over the damaged part (usually where the ‘shot’ zone is) and re-tape only that section as opposed to re-taping the entire stick).
Front Ensemble specific:
Making sure the keyboards and concert instruments are level is also something that is vital to playing successfully. However, an often overlooked aspect is the front ensemble cymbals being level. This is such an incredibly small detail that makes an enormous difference in the perception of the ensemble – take the time to place the cymbal arms on any instruments (including racks) that have them, and make sure they are level and parallel to the floor.
Bonus
If your ensemble includes electronics consider using black extension and mic cables; this makes a big difference if you can swing the cost. Additionally, any cable spool should also be black if possible – having black cables and spools naturally hides those items on a green football field, or on top of the tarp for indoor. Most purchased/manufactured speaker and synth carts are already black, but if you have some that are home built it is worth the investment to paint them black when you have the ability (note: do not paint your cables!).
These items contribute to looking more professional at a glance, but now let’s examine some ways that body language and demeanor can increase your ensemble’s professionalism.
Body language matters!
In Uniform, In Control
When the performers are in uniform it is desirable to always appear calm, cool, and collected. The perception here is that the performer is always in control, and their discipline eliminates surprises and panic. An easy way to do this is to avoid running in uniform – members can move quickly and with a purpose but should never appear frantic or out of control while in uniform. Even if something has gone wrong, the performer should move with a purpose to resolve the issue and maintain control of themselves and the situation. Not only does this help with the outside perception of professionalism, it can also help keep the member calm in the event that something does go wrong and enable them to resolve the issue without panic. We’ve all seen it – the members are setting up for a performance and then someone or a group of someones starts to get frantic and fly all over the place – the only thought that comes to mind in that moment: “Uh oh.”
Calm Parents, Staff, and Assistants
Support from band parents is vital to the success of scholastic ensembles and is appreciated where applicable for independent groups as well. Any staff, assistants, or parents that help move props or equipment are subject to the same idea as the above – calm and in control. For staff, this should be part of your normal routine, but is a good reminder. For parents and any other assistants, information is paramount here. Anyone assisting in the setup or exit from a performance should have an extremely clear assignment, and deep understanding of the time frame and expectations, including any fail-safes or protocol if something goes wrong. A majority of issues that occur during setup or exit are due to a lack of information, and this can result in timing penalties, damage to equipment or props, or worse – injury! It will pay dividends in everyone’s ability (staff, parents, and performers alike) to stay calm and execute at a high level by spending time to provide this information and, even better, practice!
Logistics
Spend some time getting on and off the field as you will in the performance so that everyone understands their responsibilities. Time your setup and tear down to understand exactly how long it might take, which can help streamline the process with a few reps. This will also allow you to tweak responsibilities in the event there is an inefficiency so you are as prepared as possible. Having a logistics rehearsal involving the appropriate performers, staff, parents, and anyone else involved may not be realistic prior to every performance. However, if you have the ability and the space, having at least one such rehearsal prior to the first performance, and prior to the final performance (recreating as much of the final performance venue restrictions and timing as possible) will make a huge difference.
Conclusion:
Will this get your ensemble more points? Well…maybe. These items are generally not on the sheets. But more importantly than the short-term goal of scoring higher competitively, it can help add to the longer-term goal of a culture of discipline, awareness, and thoughtfulness. While this post is mainly geared towards adding to the perception of excellence on the outside, it has the additional benefit of that professional mindset bleeding again into everything that you do. Having your students, staff, assistants, and any involved parents or outside personnel understand their responsibility will boost everyone’s confidence for success!