THE SOUND OF WESTERN
The Western Michigan University
Bronco Marching Band
By Trevor Symons
Traditionally, a Marching Band is a group of musicians
that march in formations and play music at the same
time, with the purpose either being entertainment or
competition.
WHAT IS A MARCHING BAND?
Concert
Band
Marching
Band
Usually Outdoors
Extremely Large
Smaller Range of
Instruments
Extremely
Balanced
Shared
Musicians
Usually Indoors
Moderately Sized
More Instruments
COMPARISONS BETWEEN A MARCHING
BAND AND A SYMPHONIC BAND
►
Woodwinds
►
Brass
Piccolos
Trumpets
Clarinets
Mellophones
Alto Saxophones
Trombones
Tenor Saxophones
Baritones
Tubas
►
Percussion
►
Color Guard
COMPONENTS OF A MARCHING BAND
Consisting of the Piccolo and Clarinet, the high
woodwinds typically play counter-melody parts in
the marching band.
HIGH WOODWINDS
The low woodwinds in a marching band are the Tenor
and Alto Saxophones. Both usually share playing the
counter-melody and harmony. The Alto Saxophone also
often plays melody while the Tenor is usually confined to
either counter-melody/harmony.
LOW WOODWINDS
Consisting of Trumpets and Mellophones, the high brass
usually carry the melody, counter-melody, and/or
harmony. Trumpet is usually split into multiple parts and
the Mellophone usually accompanies the Alto
Saxophones.
HIGH BRASS
In the low brass, there are Trombones, Baritones, and
Tubas. Trombones and Baritones often share the same
parts, ranging from bass to melody. The Tubas
traditionally only play the underlying bass parts. The
members of the low brass carry the band.
LOW BRASS
The Percussion Section consists of the Marching Snare Drum, Toms,
Bass Drum, and Cymbals. In a Marching Band setting, the
percussion section is responsible for the rhythm of the band.
PERCUSSION
The role of the Color Guard in a Marching Band is to provide the
visual aspects of a show. Historically, they date back to those who
marched the flags in war times and/or military settings.
COLOR GUARD
THE COMBINED EFFORT