Before joining any Marching Band group, students are confused a lot, and one of the most common questions they think that whether they are physically capable enough to handle the stress of the Marching Band or not?
I did a ton of research about how much physical strength you will require to join the Marching Band group, and here in this article, I will explain all the factors related to this.
Topic Discussed
Marching Band is Physically Demanding
Yes! Marching Band is indeed a kind of extracurricular activity that is physically demanding because as a Marching Band musician, you have to carry heavy instruments, and you have to practice & walk a lot.
Below, it is explained in detail why Marching is such physically demanding activity. So, let’s explore the reasons.
Why is Marching Band Physically Demanding?
Here we will explore some of the crucial reasons why Marching Band is a physically demanding activity. So, keep exploring with us-
# Carrying Heavy Instruments
Instruments are the integral parts of the Marching Band, and several types of instruments exist in Marching Band. Within Marching bands, you will get the percussion instruments like- Snare drums, Tenor drums, Bass drums, Cymbals, Wood blocks, Glockenspiel etc, and you will also see different brass instruments like- Trombone, Trumpets, Cornet, French Horn, Sousaphone Tuba.
Moreover, you will also see different woodwind instruments like- Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet, Saxophone etc.
All the instruments mentioned above are heavy instruments, and you have to walk & practice carrying these instruments. So, if you are not physically capable enough to carry these instruments, then you can’t continue in Marching Band.
# Walk 5000 Steps in a Day
If you are a lazy person, you will face lots of problems in the Marching band because, in Marching Band, you have to walk around 5000 to 6000 steps in a day.
According to the data of verywellfit.com, on average, an adult walks 5000 steps in a day; now, if you are joining the Marching band, then you have to walk 5000 extra steps in a day which is very cumbersome for some students. Not only that, during football seasons you have to practice more in Marching band and you have to walk around 10000 to 12000 steps in a day.
As you are noticing that you have to walk a lot as a Marching band member, and that’s why it’s become cumbersome for some indolence students.
# Practicing in Sunlight
If you are a relaxing guy, then don’t join the Marching Band because, as a Marching Band member, you have to practice in the summer seasons and in extensive heat conditions.
So, if you can’t live with an AC in your home, joining the Marching Band would give you difficulties in sunlight, and you have to be physically strong to practice in sunlight.
You can read more things about marching band to prepare yourself before joining.
# Body Pain
As a Marching band member, you will get lots of body pain because you have to practice for multiple hours in sunlight by carrying heavy instruments.
Moreover, if you are a college student, after completing the Marching Band class, you have to attend your regular college classes when you are suffering from such body pain, and it’s really a difficult thing.
# Practicing Multiple Hours
On average, college Marching Band members practice 1.5 to 2 hours daily, and in football seasons, the practice sometimes goes up to 3 hours to 4 hours, so if you are not physically strengthen enough, then you can’t practice for multiple hours.
So, based on all of these mentioned factors, it is clear that if you are not physically strong enough, then you are going to suffer a lot in Marching Band, and that’s why we called Marching Band as an extracurricular activity.
Which Marching Band Position Need More Physical Attention?
There are several positions in Marching Band groups, and some of the most demanding positions are- Assistant director, Drum majors, Band captains, section leaders, equipment manager, Uniforms managers etc. Apart from these positions, some other positions in the band carry heavy instruments like drums, trumpets, etc. These positions are challenging for people who are not physically strong enough.
In my opinion, the drummer position needs more physical attention than any other position because as a Marching Band drummer; you have to carry heavy drums like- Snare, Single Tenor, Timpani etc, and simultaneously, you have to March.
How To Physically Prepare Yourself For Marching Band?
As you have already come to know, Marching Band is a physically demanding task and therefore, you must prepare yourself before entering the band. Here I have explained to you some of the tips through which you can prepare yourself for the band. So, let’s take a look-
- Before joining the Marching Band, you should start your jogging sessions; it will help you stay physically active for longer because Marching Band members at least practice 1 to 2 hours a day.
- Secondly, you can start a little workout or gain some muscle. It will give you the support of holding the heavy instruments for a more extended period.
Besides these physical preparations, you also have to make some mental preparations. I meant to say that don’t think the Marching Band will be challenging for you; instead, you can take it as a simple task. It will help you to become a mentally strong character before joining the band.
These are some of the preparations you can make to become a physically & mentally strong character before joining the Marching band group.
Should You Join Marching Band if you are Not Physically Strong?
Many beginners are confused about whether they should join the Marching Band or not because they are not physically strong enough.
I want to suggest to all of my readers that you should join the Marching Band if you are willing to do so because it will give you many advantages. These advantages don’t exist in other extracurricular activities.
Moreover, Marching Band is not a weightlifting or bodybuilding kind of task where you need heavy muscles. Here, in Marching Band, you just have to be a fit person, nothing else than that.
So, You should join the Marching Band because you will get financial support, free travelling, new learnings and new friends and other benefits.
Final Verdict
In Conclusion, I want to summarize that Marching Band is a physically attentive task, but it is not as hard as weightlifting, and if anyone can wish, then can take Marching Band as an extracurricular activity.
I hope this article explains how much physical strength you need to join the Marching Band. Keep following this blog regularly to learn more about the Marching Band, Other bands, and musical instruments.
