We just finished our marching band season (well one more game then we're done) and so we're thinking about what to play next year. What are some good rock (or other genres, but I think rock would be well-recieved) songs to play? I think it would be cool if we could get some ACDC. Even got a playlist: It's a Long Way to the Top, Back in Black, Thunderstruck, and For Those About to Rock. I think Genesis would be good to, as well as Chicago. We played the Beatles this year, and in past years we've played random movies songs... Styx. Other stuff.

Links 2 3 4 by Rammstein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holidays in the Sun - The Sex Pistols

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think I took it too literally. :twss:

Links 2 3 4 by Rammstein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holidays in the Sun - The Sex Pistols

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think I took it too literally. :twss:

 

 

 

Yeah, just a bit :P

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How about something by the Red Army Choir!!!

How do you play stuff like that in a marching band? Come Sail Away would be awesome, though...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anyways. The Who, Duran Duran, Men At Work, Zeppelin, Halen...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lot of classic rock would probably be good.

Well my marching band (Baldwin-Woodville High School) was a big deal. We do competitive field shows and my senior year we won state in best drumline, musical performance, and overall state champion. This year, they won again. As section leader and center snare of the the drumline, I can honestly say with years of marching experience, stay AWAY from rock shows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rock stuff is good for pep-band, but if you want to actually impress a crowd, do a concept show. My senior year we did "The Rise and Fall of Rome" by Key Poulan (who writes brass for the Blue Devils) and this year they did "Elements". Now I realize that those shows would be expensive (Rome being nearly $5,000), but there are a lot better shows out there for your money. I would recommend the following for good shows that actually get the crowd's attention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Mask of Zorro: http://www.msconcepts.com/shows/show-detail.asp?showid=366

 

 

 

This is the show that I did my Sophomore year which got us 3rd place in state. The music is actually fairly difficult for a Movie show. Percussion arrangements are pretty easy for the most part, but they can always be beefed up for the skill level of your line. This was my favorite music to play, and the best part is that you can listen to all three songs online.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Phantom of the Opera: http://www.msconcepts.com/shows/show-detail.asp?showid=30

 

 

 

Another solid show. This was the show we did my Junior year and it got us 2nd place in state and missed best drumline by .05 points. You can listen to 3 of the 4 songs online. Percussion is very easy in this show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a watch of this AMAZING performance by Santa Clara Vanguard in 1989 of nearly the same Phantom of the Opera show. It gives me chills every time I watch it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4346242620404039862&ei=pT0GSYWsM4fq-gGs-O2DCA&q=santa+clara+phantom+of+the+opera&hl=en

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have ANY questions regarding marching band, please ask. I have a huge background in music and marching.

How do you play stuff like that in a marching band? Come Sail Away would be awesome, though...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anyways. The Who, Duran Duran, Men At Work, Zeppelin, Halen...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lot of classic rock would probably be good.

 

 

 

Actually, when we did Styx, we played Come Sail Away. :D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The only problem with doing big shows is we're a small band, and as you said money is kind of an issue... We've got 86 people, of which like ten are flag corps and ten drum line.

 

 

 

The only problem with doing big shows is we're a small band, and as you said money is kind of an issue... We've got 86 people, of which like ten are flag corps and ten drum line.

 

 

 

That's plenty of people. My band was 69 members my senior year which included at least 10 front ensemble (pit percussion), 8 color guard, and 7 battery line. This year they were 80 kids strong. You don't need a big group to play that music, especially not the Phantom show. If you guys can get the money, having a show like that will not only improve your musicianship, but it will improve your whole program. My band started marching for the first time competitively in the fall of 2003 and earned a 58 total score and dead last at state. By the time I was a senior we hit 75 and were State Champions. This year, nearly 80 points. I've seen bands with 50 members or less put on a good show. The two shows I put out there for you are pretty solid shows for small bands. I'm just suggesting that you stay away from rock shows as much as you can. They might be fun for in the stands, but they have no place on the field ;)

Do NOT do compilations of rock songs and stuff like that, that usually doesnt impress the judges. As Range_This said, do a concept show, they rule. Last year my school (Riverside Poly) won 3rd in SoCal for Marching bands, placing a 89.something (first was a low 90).

 

 

 

Our last year's show was Tell-Tale Heart by Key Poulan, amazing show especially if you can get a good narrarator. This year we're doing Serengeti, it's an African themed show by Key Poulan but it's rather meh.

 

Or do as Berkeley (I think it was them at least) and do a video game music show, it was amazing. There's a video of it on Youtube.

My band is playing back in black this year :twss: I say go for it!

You should do as the rockband loading screen demands and play Pleasure by Bang Camaro

MCR - Welcome to the Black Parade. Best marching song EVER!

 

 

 

(I joke)

ever heard of holla back gurl, by gwyn steffani?

 

 

 

yeah it has marching bands stuffz in it.

Run through Sabaton's Art of War album.

 

 

 

If the audience isn't motivated to destroy and conquer by the time Union finishes, you're not doing your job properly.