The Military Band - Regimental Drum Major Association

(1) Diagonal position
CSTEPS
1 7 SE
5 STEPS
1 1 1 1 1
…14 STEPS…
Figure 3. Left (right) square turns.
E9'STEPS
E 1'l
(2) Forward march position
countermarch by the marching band is accomplished
as follows:
(1) On the command of execution, which is
given as the right foot strikes the ground, the entire
band takes up the half step while the front
rank executes two consecutive right flank movements
((1), fig. 4).
(2) Each succeeding rank duplicates these
flanking movements upon arrival at the point of
turn of the first rank.
(3) When all ranks have assumed the new
(3) The full step is maintained until each
bandsman has come on line with his respective
guide man, at which time he will take up the half
step.
(4) When all ranks have assumed the new
direction of march, the band will resume the full
step at the baton signal, FORWARD MARCH.
(5) In bands formed with an even number of
files, all ranks to the left of center turn to the
right; all ranks to the right of center turn to the
left.
direction of march, the band will resume the full
step at the baton signal, FORWARD, MARCH.
b. Nonreversible. The nonreversible countermarch
permits the band to reverse its direction of
march without altering its instrumental pattern.
This movement is executed as follows:
Limitation of space may necessitate a reduction
in the width of the band. Since such a movement
would effect a change in the placement of instru-
ments, it normally is not recommended for use
while the band is marching and playing. It is
(1) On the command of execution, which is
given as the right foot- strikes the ground, the
center file takes up the half step and makes a
180
practical for use while the band is marching and
not playing. This movement may be executed by
both oral commands and by baton signals.
° turn to the right.
(2) Files to the right of the center maintain
the full step and execute a circular turn to the
left so as to pass to the right of the corresponding
files to the left of center, which execute a circular
turn to the right ((2), fig. 4).
a. Decrease Front, Even Number of Files at
the Halt. At the oral preparatory command or
baton signal (para 79 and 80) DECREASE
FRONT TO THE RIGHT (LEFT):
(1) The guide file and all files to the right
(left) of it stand fast.
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