A sport is defined as an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. Throughout the years, not everyone has seen marching band as a sport. Though it is an extension of a typical school band, being in marching band is not a walk in the park. By looking at the definition of a sport, it is clear that marching band could be considered a sport.
1. Uniforms and equipment
Just like other sports like football and baseball, marching band participants are forced to wear uniforms. They are usually heavy and one often questions his/her life choices after wearing one in the middle of summer. Marching band also utilizes many different types of equipment like other sports. Though they aren't balls or nets, marching band uses props for themed shows and instruments for the actual members.
2. Physical exertion
It is my personal opinion that those who think marching band is easy should be forced to run a whole ten minute show in full uniform. Marching band is a physically demanding activity that requires its members to be in top shape. Often, members of the band have to hustle from one side of the field to the other while trying to play music. The speed and legwork that go into marching band should never be overlooked.
3. Skill
Marching band, like other sports, require a great deal of skill. There are certain marches one must learn at varying tempos. Members have to learn the correct step size and how to carry your body across the field at varying angles. On top of all of that, one has to memorize music and remember where on the field he/she has to go. Performing a marching band show is about ten minutes of pure concentration and skill.
4. Practice
Like other sports, marching band members often have to attend practices. Usually, not including school class time, a marching band can spend about three hours or more practicing each day. When I was in high school, our marching band would always end up practicing with the football team across the way. Some marching bands also have weekend practices and come to practice during the summer. In marching band, you can never have too much practice.
5. A Team Competition
One of the most intimidating things to do in any sport is go compete and marching band is no different. A typical marching band may go to a handful or so of marching band shows every season, competing with other bands for titles of varying types. Marching bands, like other sports, go head to head, being judged on skill and technique, all the while trying to become the best of the best. Competition day is definitely a time for hype and excitement for marching band kids.
6. Entertainment
Like sports, marching band provides a variety of entertainment. Not only are the shows captivating and the music often beautiful, marching bands also attend other functions as well. It is common to see the local marching band participating in the pep band for other sporting events. Parades are also a source of entertainment where a marching band is involved, especially during the winter holidays. Overall, marching band can provide a great source of entertainment for people of all ages.
