Foreword

Gary E. Smith’s prolific achievements and reputation in his career of music education has earned him one of the highest honors of being elected president of the American Bandmasters Association (ABA) in 2018.

First published in 1984, The System–Marching Band Methods is the quintessential marching band instruction textbook intended for music students, drum majors, colorguard, college music majors and band directors. It covers all the methods for building, improving and maintaining an outstanding marching band organization. The book is also co-authored by many leading band directors and specialists in various fields of music education.

Over the years, the book has undergone many editions. The 2019 edition is revamped and includes a substantial amount of new material.

Book Chapters

I. Leadership

  • Principles
  • Student Leadership Roles
  • Group Psychology
  • Quotes for Success
  • Self-Evaluation Chart

II. Music

  • Style Considerations
  • 5 Basic Elements of Good Musicianship
  • Achieving Uniform Balance
  • Internalization: The Key to Precision
  • Editing Existing Arrangements
  • Common Music Problems
  • Copyright Laws

III. Marching

  • Drill Terminology
  • Style & Precision
  • Commands & Signals
  • Standing Styles
  • Posture & Styles
  • Transitions
  • Moving Fundamentals
  • Marching While Playing
  • Common Marching Problems

IV. Rehearsals

  • Effective Rehearsals with Results
  • Band Camp
  • Practice Formations
  • Warming Up & Tuning
  • Teaching & Cleaning Drill

V. Parades

  • Music Selection & Formations

VI. Measurements & Grid Systems

  • Grid Systems
  • Hash Marks Margin-of-Error
  • Football Field Measurements

VII. Drill Design

  • Show Development Process
  • Developing a Show Concept
  • Design Skills for Drill Writers
  • Sketching Process
  • Placement of Performers
  • Perspective, Spacing & Staging
  • Concepts of Movement
  • Coordination of Sound & Movement
  • Computer Charting

VIII. Conducting

  • Hand Positions & Gestures
  • Preparatory Beat Exercises
  • Beat Patterns
  • Developing Style
  • Exercises
  • Music Terminology

IX. The Drum Major

  • Roles
  • Audition Process
  • Keys to Success
  • Showmanship & Salutes
  • Signals

X. Marching Percussion

  • Playing Positions & Grip Basics
  • The Ensemble
  • Marching Equipment
  • Tuning Drums
  • Technique Exercises

XI. The Colorguard

  • Auditions
  • Staff
  • Equipment & Supplies
  • Show Design
  • Rehearsal Techniques
  • Common Troubleshooting

XII. Administration

  • Music Library
  • Attendance Records
  • Rehearsal Planning
  • Organizing Trips
  • Publicity & Promotions
  • Property Management
The system marching band

Marching Band Programs Using It

The System–Marching Band Methods is used by numerous prestigious universities, colleges, high schools and summer camps/clinics across the country. It provides the foundation for establishing best practices on developing a system for building a memorable marching band program.