MARCHING
BAND CONTEST ETIQUETTE
One of the most
important parts of a band show is the audience.
It is very disappointing for band members who spend weeks and months
preparing a show to walk into a large stadium and find that the seats are
empty. There are many types of
spectators at a band show and they have many different reasons for coming to
the show. However, they all have one
thing in common and that is that they should be allowed to enjoy the
experience.
Things you should do at a band show
· Support
all bands: Regardless
of which band is on the field you should applaud even cheer when they do a good job. Reaction from the crowd will encourage the
band to perform better and will result in a more enjoyable show for the
audience.
· Watch
the whole show: Observe different elements of the bands
performance. Your interest may be percussion but, you might be surprised with the work the color
guard is doing. Often, several things are going on at once in a
show. If you watch a show several times you may see
something new on each occasion.
· Show
up early: This
is especially true for supporters of larger class bands. Many
smaller class bands have great shows. Arrive early at the next show and see what you
have been missing.
· Buy
something from the concession stand: In many cases a band competition may be the
major source of a band programs yearly budget.
They have made a large investment and would appreciate your
support. In most cases you will find that the prices
are much less than what you will pay at your local movie theater.
things that you should avoid
It is
important to realize that although it is fun to visit with family and friends
during a contest, it is unfair to distract other spectators from enjoying the
show. This is true at any performance,
including a marching band performance.
Be respectful of all other spectators and hopefully they will extend you
the same courtesy.
· Do not leave or enter the stadium while
a band is performing: Try to avoid any unnecessary movement,
especially while a band is performing.
At most contest the time for each band is fifteen minutes. Each show last around 7 to 9 minutes so that
gives you plenty of time between bands to leave the seating area for
concessions or to enter the stadium.
· Do not talk on your cell phone: Turn off your cell phone or set it to
vibrate. If someone calls you on your
cell phone you can return the call between bands. Please do not talk on your phone during a performance.
· Do not allow children to play in the
stands and distract other spectators: Obviously, children are the future of this
activity. It is good for them to see why big brother and big sister are always
at practice and are not at home. However
for their safety and as a courtesy to others they should not be allowed to run
up and down steps and play in the aisles so others may enjoy the show.
· Do not make negative comments about
other bands: That color guard uniform that you don’t like
may have been made by that guard members mother that is sitting behind
you. That man sitting in front of you
could be the arranger or drill designer or even the band director. If you don’t have something nice to say then
you probably should not say it. Remember
how hard your bands members have worked to get their show ready for the
field. Chances are that the other bands
have worked just as hard to get their show ready.
· Do not obstruct the view of others: Please avoid standing in front of people
trying to watch the show. If you have a
banner to display, try to do so from the top of the stands or in some way that
others can still see the bands.
· Do not boo other bands or the contest
results during the awards: Unfortunately every one is not going to agree
on contest results. Booing the award
winners or the judges will not accomplish positive results.
Hopefully
these tips will make your experience more enjoyable as you cheer your favorite
band on and support all the performers of this amazing art form. If you have more questions about Kentucky
marching band contest you can find additional information online by visiting www.kyband.com This article is available for
reprint at www.kyband.com