How to Navigate as a Brass Player without Direct Vision of the Drum Major

As a member of a marching band, peripheral vision and effective communication can help you navigate the challenges posed by instruments that obstruct your view. Peripheral vision is a crucial tool in maintaining proper positioning and executing complex maneuvers without directly seeing the drum major or band leader.

Understanding the Role of the Drum Major

Many instruments, such as drums and brass instruments, can obstruct your forward vision. However, it's important to remember that the drum major or majorette serves a crucial role in guiding the band. Their instructions and signals are typically communicated through a whistle, allowing you to momentarily glance at the baton to understand the maneuver required. Once you hear the signal on the whistle, you can proceed accordingly.

During my high school years, I joined the Orange Bowl Parade and the Red River Exposition in Winnipeg. Our band performed precision marching and executed maneuvers based on signals and musical cues. We also marched in parades such as the Mardi Gras Parade, the Cherry Festival Parade, and the Pasadena Rose Parade. The precision and consistency of our performance were attributed to our ability to follow the drum major's signals, even if we couldn't see them directly.

Challenges of Playing Brass Instruments in a Marching Band

Brass instruments, while essential, can obstruct your peripheral vision, making it difficult to see who is in front of you or the conductor. This can be problematic because it can lead to collisions with other band members, or in the case of the ensemble’s conductor, you may miss critical instructions. However, by relying on the ensemble’s sound and especially the percussion section's cues, you can mitigate these issues to some extent. Unfortunately, ideal visibility is not always achievable, but strategic positioning and listening skills can help.

Strategies for Navigation and Performance

To navigate as a member of a brass section, you need to rely on your existing knowledge of your steps. You should also frequently glance at the neighboring players to ensure you are on the right path. Effective communication and a strong sense of rhythm are critical in these situations. If you are playing in a position where you cannot see the drum major, such as Physically unable to see to the left, you should communicate with your section leader or partner for additional support.

For instance, during our 2017 show, some of our contras were physically unable to see to the left and were positioned on the right side of the field. Relying on pre-rehearsed maneuvers and a clear understanding of our roles helped us perform to the best of our abilities.

By combining knowledge, communication, and effective use of sound cues, you can enhance your performance and navigate the challenges of a marching band without direct vision of the drum major.