How to Stay in Step in a Marching Band

To stay in step in a marching band, you want to make sure your feet are making contact with the ground at the same time as the feet of the other band members. This means that everyone steps with the left foot in unison, then with the right foot in unison. Some band members may find it more difficult than others to stay in step, but with practice it will become natural.

Things You'll Need

  • Marching shoes
  • Instrument
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Instructions

  1. Stay in Step in a Marching Band

    • 1

      Start on your left foot, placing your heel to the ground on the down beat. With a few exceptions, most marching bands start their routines on the left foot.

    • 2

      Roll forward on your left foot, shifting your weight to the ball of the foot, while lifting your right heel to the set position on the "and" beat. If your marching band calls for a high march, lift your right leg up to your left knee on the "and" beat.

    • 3

      Extend your right heel out and put it on the ground on the next down beat.

    • 4

      Repeat the process, alternating feet as you march.

    • 5

      Follow the signals of the drum major and listen to the percussion for the down beats. If there is no percussion for a particular segment of music, a drummer will usually mark the beat using a click or rim shot.

    • 6

      Use your peripheral vision to make sure you are not getting ahead or behind the other band members in your rank.