The Military Band - Regimental Drum Major Association

Figure 18. Half step, preparatory signal.
(1) Prepartory signal
Figure 19. Countermarch.
b. Signal of Execution. The baton is withdrawn
along its axis toward the drum major's body
without emphasis, after which it is thrust forcefully
to its initial position ((1) and (2), fig. 22).
79. Decrease Front to the Left
b. After the signal of execution is given, the The baton signal for decrease front to the left is
drugi major executes a right flank movement, executed as follows:
proceeds to his normal distance from the front
rank, performs the drum major reverse, and at
a. Preparatory Signal. The baton ferrule is
moved to the left, grasped in the left hand with
the half step adjusts the dress and alinement of the thumb under the staff and to the front, and
the band.
with both hands the baton is thrust horizontally
c. When the entire band has completed the upward, arms fully extended, from which posichange
of direction, the drum major again exe- tion the ferrule end of the baton is lowered to a
cutes the drum major reverse and gives the baton 450 angle while the ball end remains stationary
signal, forward march, from the half step. ((1), fig. 23).
78. Half Left (Right) Turn
The baton for signal half left (right) turn is as
The baton signal for half left (right) turn is as
prescribed below: ~~~prescribed below: ~ward
b. Signal of Execution. From the preparatory
osition, the baton is thrust to the left and down-
((2) fig. 23).
a. Preparatory Signal. The arm and baton are 80. Decrease Front to the Right
positioned at an angle approximately 450 from
vertical and horizontal planes (fore and aft, side
The baton signal for decrease front to the right is
executed as follows:
to side) through the drum major's body and in
the appropriate direction (left/right) of the turn
( (1) and (2), fig. 22).
a. Preparatory Signal. The movement is executed
as described in paragraph 79a, except that
33