How to Mark Time or March in Place in a Marching Band

There will be periods in most marching band shows during which you are asked to mark time, or march in place. This step is used when the band or section is not moving forward as a whole, but holding in one position, either as a block or a formation. Though some bands choose not to mark time when standing still, learning how to march in place is a common skill that every marching band member should master.

Instructions

  1. Mark Time or March in Place in a Marching Band

    • 1

      Stop moving in the direction you are currently going, following the signal from the drum major or conductor. The signal is often a whistle blast, but can be a vocal call out as well.

    • 2

      Bend the knee of the appropriate leg, raising the heel off the ground, while still keeping time with the cadence.

    • 3

      Lift your heel to about the ankle of the opposite (stationary) leg. Your knee will come forward slightly, but don't let it go too far in front of the opposite leg.

    • 4

      Keep the opposite (stationary) leg straight.

    • 5

      Lower your heel back to the ground on the downbeat, straightening the leg.

    • 6

      Repeat the procedure with the opposite leg: lift your heel to the ankle of the now-straightened stationary leg, letting your knee project slightly forward.

    • 7

      Bring the heel of the second leg back to the ground on the downbeat.

    • 8

      Bring the foot all the way up to the knee of the opposite leg if your band calls for "high-mark time."

    • 9

      Practice marking time until the procedure is as natural as standing still.