Pittsburg State University
Department of Music
Music 344: Marching Band Techniques
Instructor: A. Douglas Whitten
Credit: 1 hour
Room: 318 McCray Hall
Time: 9-9:50 Tuesdays
Office: 320 McCray
Email: awhitten@pittstate.edu
Phone: (620) 235-4070
I.
Course Description
In this class, students will develop a philosophy about the marching band activity
as well as learn many practical skills such as show design and effective teaching. In addition, the student will be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of
various marching maneuvers, various types of drill design and various administrative components of a successful marching band program.
From catalog:
MUSIC 344. Marching Band Techniques. 1 hour. Organization and administration of the modern marching band program. Charting and show building with performance and drilling procedures. Materials and methods are emphasized.
II.
Course Purpose
This course is intended to assist in developing the skills and knowledge essential
for the successful administration and management of the marching band program within the public school context, including charting and show building with
performance and drilling procedures.
III.
Course Objectives

Assist in formulating the student’s philosophy regarding the role of the marching
band in music education.
Develop the student’s skill in marching band drill design.
Increase the student’s familiarity with the organizational skills necessary in the
administration of the marching band program.
Acquire an understanding of the many facets of a marching band program and
their contribution to a successful product.
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IV.
Instructional Resources
Materials and Handouts as assigned
V.
Attendance
Please come to class. Discussions are much better with everyone in
attendance. Missing classes will affect the participation part of your grade. Also,
there is work to be turned in at all classes. I will not accept late work unless arrangements have made ahead of time.
VI.
Evaluation
Projects
Participation
One page review of articles
Marching Band Philosophy
Pyware Tutorial
Drill exercises (6 total)
Flag proficiency
Final Drill
Instrumentation assignment
Rehearsal Observations (2)
Contest Observation
Points
10
10
10
10
10
5
15
10
10
10
Total
100
90%+ =
80-89% =
70-79% =
60-69% =
59% and below =
VII.
A
B
C
D
F
Assignments Explained
One page review of articles. Students are to read four articles about marching band
in the public schools. Please write a short synopsis about each. Total should not be
over two pages.
Philosophy Paper – What do you think the is role of marching band in the public
schools? How should it be?
Show Design Project – Choose music for a standard contest style marching band show.
Find prices for the music and drill.
Marching/ Flag Proficiency. We will actually go outside and learn to teach marching and
flag.
Pyware Tutorial – do the tutorial, print it out (bring your own paper).
Rehearsal Observation. Students will attend at least two high school marching band
rehearsals during September and type a one-page summary to present to the class.
Use 2 different schools please.
Contest Observation. Students will attend at least one marching contest and type a
one-page critique and summary for five bands observed.
Instrumentation Assignment. A cost analysis of equipment needed for marching band.
Final Drill Assignment – write a drill for an entire tune.
VIII.
Class Schedule and Topic Outline
.
October 20
Drill exercises in class/ Go Over Contest Observation Expectations
October 27
Flags
November 3
Purchasing – how to buy (inventory assignment given)
November 10 Fundraising
November 17 Inventory Assignment Due Student leadership/ Band Boosters
November 24 In Class Help with assignments (Jazz Tour)
December 1 – No Class – I am available for help
December8
- Final Drill Project due