Last Updated on January 27, 2022 by
Marching band is a sport even though a lot of people consider it as an artistic routine or performing art. It is a sporting activity that integrates both physical and artistic elements, which makes it mentally and physically demanding. All participants go through rigorous practice, drills, and competitions to perfectly match in sync, into formation after formation, while playing an instrument or spinning a rifle.
In the summer before the school year, high school marching band participants commence practice and drills. Typically, high school marching bands drills can go for up to eight hours of physical training for days on end. Besides, some marching bands usually clock 4 to 6 miles on the field at two to three steps per second during a ten-minute half-time show.
The physical demands of this sporting activity become increasingly complicated as half-time shows for drum & bugle corps and marching bands display ornate footwork at record speeds. Within a short time, these participants are instructed to match at a fast pace with an instrument from memorized music in a heavy uniform while moving backward, forwards, sideways, and dancing.
In a marching band, the tuba player carries the heaviest instrument, measuring about 15 to 30 pounds depending on what it is made of, maybe fiberglass or brass material. Besides, a trumpet player carries the trumpet which weighs about 2 pounds. Just imagine the amount of stress that these instrument players will have on their neck, back, shoulders, and arms for an extended period. A typical marching band uses some muscles in the body. They include Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Hip flexors calves, Glutes, and Tibialis anterior.
FAQs
We’ve prepared a list of the frequently asked questions and answers on marching band as a sport. Let’s check them out!
Why Is Marching Band Not Considered A Sport?
Most people believe that marching band isn’t a direct competition because there’s no objective way to win it. Truthfully, marching band is more subjective to how the judges think. That’s why they consider the activity as a routine rather than a sport.
Is Marching Band A Sport Or Performing Art?
Marching band is perceived as a performing art to a lot of people. But if we are to consider the fact that it’s a competitive activity that involves physical exertion, we can say that it’s a sport. Don’t forget that marching band also has professional leagues just like every other sport.
Is Marching Band Harder Than Other Sports?
To some people interested in the art, marching band is just as hard as baseball. To some people who don’t really like the art, it’s just a concert band while wandering. If you ask college students about which sports activities are the hardest to practice, you’ll be surprised that many of them would pick marching band ahead of football and baseball.
Is Marching Band A Sports ESPN?
No! Marching band isn’t a sport on ESPN. Truthfully, marching band requires a lot of physical exertion, but it is still not considered a sport by a lot of people.
Are Marching Band Members Athletes?
Participants of marching bands and drum corps are considered athletes just like football players. That’s because of the nature of the art which is physically demanding. Keep in mind that exceptional physical strength, agility, and stamina is needed to be able to match in sync, into formation after formation, while playing an instrument or spinning a rifle or flag.
Does Marching Band Burn Calories?
Yes, of course. According to a fitness website, marching rapidly burns a startling 398 calories/hour. However, you’re expected to burn 224 calories/hour when you match while playing an instrument. Nonetheless, rehearsals of the marching band are more fun than lifting weights.
Is High School Band Fun?
Yes! But the truth is that it is mentally and physically demanding. As a participant of the marching band, you’re expected to memorize music, drill, and choreography. All of these require constant rehearsals for hours, days, or even months for perfection.
What Is The Longest Marching Band Show?
History was made when the Maranatha Christian Academy (small private school) marching band played instruments and matched continuously for 52 miles. They were awarded the Guinness world record for holding the longest musical match.
Is Marching Band Good For College?
Yes! A marching band can help your career as a college student. It will also offer you a productive experience in school. You’ll get to enjoy free and fun trips and a welcome break from academic work. Furthermore, you can be paid for being an outstanding member of a particular marching group.
Is Marching Band In The Olympics?
Marching band is still not nationally considered a sporting event, so it hasn’t been listed among the sports in the Olympics. We don’t know what could happen in the future, but presently, it is not one of the Olympic Games.
Why Should I Join A Marching Band?
You should join a marching band in your school because you’ll get to attain outstanding leadership skills and discipline. Don’t forget that the key component to student marching band is servant leadership. Nonetheless, you’ll be taught both musical and visual performance, carriage, bearing, style, and focus for exceptional proficiency.
Is Marching Band Harder Than Cross Country?
Not really! Cross country is a bit harder than a marching band. The two sporting activities are physically and mentally demanding. But don’t forget that marching band requires instruments handlers to use a greater amount of air to get a full sound out. This isn’t child’s play. It isn’t easy at all.
Final Words – Wrapping It Up!
Marching band, though it’s considered a performing art by most people, is a sport. Let’s not forget that marching band is a competitive activity that incorporates both physical and artistic elements. Before you can become a participant, you’re required to undergo rigorous practice and competitions. So, it is impossible to consider marching band anything other than a sport. We’ve reached the final session of this informative article. We hope you were able to find good and reliable resources in your quest to know if marching is a sport. If you have any questions or comments about the article topic, don’t hesitate to contact us. Thanks!
