Marching Band: more than Just Music

The football team, often celebrated as the pinnacle of high school sports, is traditionally seen as the embodiment of school spirit and athletic excellence. They are idolized as all-American heroes, with spectators filling stadiums every Friday night, captivated by the spectacle unfolding under the bright stadium lights. Yet, amidst the clamor and the cheer, a crucial question often goes unasked: Who stands beside the football team, braving the elements of rain, snow, and even hail to support them? The answer lies with the unsung heroes on the sidelines—the marching band.

Despite their relentless dedication and tireless performance, marching bands receive little recognition. This essay argues that marching band should unequivocally be considered a sport, based on its physical demands, the time and dedication it requires, and the competitive nature of its performances.

Physical Exertion and Skill

The dictionary defines a sport as an activity involving physical exertion and skill. Marching band, often dismissed as mere musical entertainment, undeniably meets these criteria. Firstly, consider the physical exertion involved. Marching itself is a demanding activity, entailing repetitive, high-knee movements that resemble a vigorous form of walking or even jogging. Band members must maintain these motions while executing complex formations on the field, sometimes even running to achieve precise timing and positioning.

Moreover, the physical demands extend beyond marching. Many band members must carry heavy instruments, such as bass drums and tubas, weighing anywhere from three to 25 pounds. The continuous strain of supporting such weight can lead to chronic back and shoulder pain, similar to the injuries sustained by athletes in more traditionally recognized sports like football. Just as football players endure concussions and fractures, band members push through physical discomfort to deliver their performances, all while maintaining musical accuracy and precision. This level of commitment and resilience underscores the argument that marching band involves significant physical exertion and skill, akin to any recognized sport.

Time, Dedication, and Teamwork

Beyond physical demands, marching band requires substantial time and dedication. The misconception that band members merely sit and memorize sheet music overlooks the rigorous schedule they maintain. The marching season begins well before the academic year, with band camp lasting up to eight hours a day for several weeks. During this time, members practice tirelessly, perfecting formations and synchronizing their movements with the music.

For instance, the Ohio State University marching band exemplifies this dedication, with members devoting 20 to 30 hours a week to practice during the season. This commitment rivals that of a full-time job, and members must also arrive at the stadium hours before kickoff on game days. Absence from practice is not tolerated, with strict disciplinary actions in place to ensure full participation. Such dedication illustrates the immense commitment required of these students, who must balance academic responsibilities with their passion for music and performance.

Moreover, the teamwork and camaraderie fostered within the marching band are comparable to any team sport. Members rely on each other to execute intricate routines flawlessly, demonstrating unity and coordination. This sense of belonging and shared purpose provides an invaluable outlet for creativity and expression, akin to the community found in traditional sports teams.

Competitive Spirit and Recognition

The final component of the dictionary's definition of sport involves competition for entertainment. Critics may argue that marching band lacks the competitive element of sports, but this assertion is misguided. While the primary goal may not be to outscore an opponent during a football game, marching bands do engage in fierce competitions on regional and national stages.

Events such as the National Collegiate Marching Band Championship Bowl in South Carolina and the DCI World Championship in Michigan City provide platforms for bands to showcase their talents. These competitions feature professional judges who evaluate bands on musicality, precision, and creativity. Marching bands compete rigorously, with the best receiving accolades and recognition for their excellence. Such competitions highlight the competitive spirit inherent in marching band, further supporting its classification as a sport.

Conclusion

Marching bands are the backbone of school spirit, providing music, cadences, and energy that elevate school events. Their contributions often go unnoticed, overshadowed by the spectacle of the sports they support. However, the physical exertion, dedication, and competitive nature of marching band performances warrant recognition as a sport. These dedicated individuals endure long hours, physical challenges, and rigorous schedules, all while delivering captivating performances. By acknowledging marching band as a sport, we honor the commitment and talent of these musicians, celebrating their vital role in the fabric of school culture. As Steve Rushin eloquently states in his article "Cheer and Trebling," marching bands are essential to the game, their importance rivaling that of the athletes they cheer for.

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