The Different Kinds of Marching Bands Explained

Marching bands are a huge part of many American schools and many kids love spending time in band. You might not be aware of just how many different kinds of marching bands there are, though. Keep reading to learn more about the different kinds of marching bands. 

Military Marching Bands

Military marching bands are actually responsible for the existence of modern marching bands as you know them. In the past, marching bands played key roles in delivering specific orders to troops. Even now, military marching bands are known for having very straight and organized ranks. These types of marching bands put a huge emphasis on uniformity and they generally play patriotic pieces of music. 

The Drum and Bugle Corp 

The drum and bugle corp is actually very similar to the military marching band listed above. This type of marching band borrows elements of the military marching band style such as the regimented nature of everything. The formations in this type of marching band are different, though, and they move in multiple directions while taking on more organic forms. Band members in the drum and bugle corp will sometimes traverse or slide to ensure that their bodies are always facing the front of the field. 

The Marching Band

The marching band refers to the type of marching band that the general population is most familiar with. These are the marching bands that you see playing at college football games and they put an emphasis on entertaining the crowd. Some marching bands use scripted storytelling and many of them play pieces of contemporary music along with traditional pieces. It's also worth noting that many marching bands incorporate a high step style into their routines. 

The Party Band

The final type of marching band to consider is the party band. This is a type of marching band that exists purely to entertain and it isn't beholden to the formalities that the other marching band types are. Party bands are very lighthearted and they don't necessarily have to march in a specific way while they're jamming out various tunes. The emphasis is always placed on having a good time and entertaining people during parades or other events.