The Military Band - Regimental Drum Major Association

The drummer should have a dependable, consist- g. Percussion section cadences to include 2/4
ent sense of rhythm. He must know all characteristics
and styles to include modern jazz, Dixieland,
and Latin-American rhythms. He should
and 6/8 rhythms in order to provide relief for the
band while on parade.
familiarize himself with brass section parts in
order to correctly punctuate brass figures.
te
b. Small Groups. The development of small
groups is necessary, both for their training value
and for their use where large units are not suitable.
Well-trained ensembles, such as the wood-
15. Music Fundamentals
A thorough knowledge of music fundamentals is
necessary for the bandsman to make an intelli-
ent and accurate reading of t musical page.
Classes in theory, notation, and rhythm should be
wind quintet and the brass quintet, contribute to
the development of the desired quality and musi-
cal proficiency of the entire band and provide incentive
for individual improvement
cal realm..
in the classi-
Combos hava.
cal realm. Combos have proven a major tool in
troop entertainment. Successful combos can be
developed only through careful and thorough
preparation of music. Doubling by bandsmen to
Rehearsal techniques for combos and ensembles
are basically the same as for the concert and
dance/stage band.
the he musicianship of the bandsman and the general
efficiency of the band as a whole. The course
may be divided into four main groups:
Notation. Special attention should be given
to the use and meaning of the different signs,
marks of expression and dynamics, abbreviations,
etc., including the study of notes, rests, and the
re different ation clefs and their uses. Bandsmen often are
required to transpose, specifically in the case of
missing parts on unusual instrumentations.
Bandsmen also should receive instruction in all
commonly used musical terms.
13. Band Chorus
b. Rhythm. For developing the player's
rhythmic sense, exercise in clapping or tapping
Each Army band should maintain a chorus basic and compound figures is recommended. Varwithin
its internal organization. A chorus adds
variety to the types of musical services which can
ious intricate rhythms should be broken down
into minute subdivisions so that players may
be provided by the band. Participation of bandsmen
in choral activities is an excellent training
medium which contributes directly to the eartraining
of the individual as well as to the overall
grasp fully the exact structure of the figures. The
metronome should be demonstrated and used reg-
ularly for the proper study of tempo.
c. Pitch Discrimination.. Determination of pitch
improvement of intonation and musical quality of
bands. Appropriate music should be selected and
rehearsed under the supervision of an individual
with a choral training background.
depends upon the acuteness of the sense of hear-
ing to recognize and distinguish the vibrations of
sounds and is the result of ear-training. Melodic
dictation, the writing down of melodies while
they are played, develops a coordination of ear
14. The Marching Band and Field Music
Performance Performance
as a marching band is one of the
most important missions of an Army band. To acand
eye which is highly desirable.
d. Theory. Bandsmen should be taught to construct
all major and minor scales from any given
note. They should become proficient in naming,
complish this mission, continuous training in this
field is necessary. Training to be covered in this
writing, and singing all intervals and their inver-
sions They should understand triads and simple
area should include but not be limited to the fola.lowing
instruction: descriptionofallmilitaryce
a. Purpose and description of all military cereprogressions.
Some form analysis may be studied
progressions. Some form analysis may be studied
using music being rehearsed for future perform-
ances. Senior bandsmen must be trained in admonies
include which a band.
b. Proper movements and position by individuc.
Alinement of individual bandsmen to achieve
proper formation and movement of the band.
d. Proper movements of instruments in chang-
vanced harmony and must become proficient as
composing, aranging, and transcribing for the
composing, arranging, and transcribing for the
concert band, stage band, ensemble, and chorus.
ing from one position to another.
e. Recognition and response to drum major's
Training and proficiency of Army bands and
bandsmen are evaluated through such methods as
signals. annual proficiency tests, technical inspections,
f. Movements of the band in all types of cere- and Army Training Test. Evaluation also should
monies and in musical situations. be made on a continuing basis by the bandmaster.
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