| Marching Band Dictionary (the compressed version) V.1 9/19/2001 AIR: The key to a good sound in wind instruments, but woodwinds generally have a lack of, resulting in squeaks. ATTENTION: Standing absolutely still. Can be used as a form of punishment or sometimes used by drum majors and section leaders as a form of entertainment. BAND CAMP: A time where the band and the guard get together and supposedly brush up on marching techniques for about a week. Usually resulting in large amounts of Pepsi being consumed. BAND GEEK: Someone who is very very involved in music and band. Is also willing to give up all free time and any sort of life they had. BAND GEEK WANNABE: 1) Someone who is friends and mostly hangs out with band geeks. 2) Someone who isn't in band or related to music in any way, but goes to band parties, banquets, rehersals, competitions, sits with the band at football games, etc... BLISTERS: The result of wearing band shoes and marching for a long period of time. Hurts. BRAIN FART: A mistake (missing a set, forgetting music, dropping a flag, etc...) BUS: A place where the whole band gets very close (literally!!) while travelling somewhere. Good time to sleep or get to know 2 or 3 of your seatmates. CADENCE: A short song that the drummers learns to play very well. Played often to make the band seem good. CAPTIAN: The leader of a section (low brass, the guard, etc...). Tries to keep their section out of trouble to make themselves look good. COLOR-GUARD: A group of gifted people who spin flags and toss rifles to distract attention away from the band. Makes the band seem better with their amazingly wonderful visual effects. Commended when they "accidentally" hit a band member. Known for giving a way better performance than the cheerleaders and dance team. COMPETITION: A gathering of many groups of band geeks to prove that one is better than the others. COORDINATES: A book that holds the sacred information of your place on the field; highly reccomended not to lose DRUM MAJOR: The leader of the marching band. Can be really mean when he/she wants to be, considering he/she is in charge of the whole band. DRUMS: Loud, obnoxious instruments that have the power and ability to throw the whole band off. Happens often. EGO: The fuel for the trumpet line. Never ending supply. FOOTBALL TEAM: Usually the reason why the band cannot practice on the field FORMER BAND GEEK: A person who was in band, but quit or graduated, and returns to watch the present band for fun. Sometimes bearing the gift of food. LOW BRASS: The band's endless supply of complaints. MARCHING SHOES: Horribly ugly, inexpensive, yet pretty comfortable footwear for the band. Usually has a thick heel with a cut-off triangle to attempt to "aid" in roll stepping. RIFLE: A piece of wood designed to injure anyone within a 30-foot radius of the toss-ee. Can be really cool looking if everyone catches one at the same time and shows arm strength. ROLL-STEP: A horrible, precise way to walk/march during marching season. One may roll-step for at least a month after the season ends. TRUMPET: A small LOUD instrument that can get generally obnoxious. The players are usually very arrogant, egotistical, and think that they know everything. TUBA: The only marching instrument I feel sorry for. (C'mon, have you tried even WALKING around with one of those?!?) |