Two Questions.

One. I know that i should be constantly watching the drummajor but does that mean i should turn my head when i am not on the 50? Or should i use my peripherals?

Two. For a fast and far moving set i usually find that i sort of end up squatting some and leaning back a little bit (it is a backwards and right move). Is that all right? If not, How should i fix it?

Thx.

One. Technically, the only person in the entire band that NEEDS to communicate with the drum major is the center snare. Everyone else needs to listen in and back to the met if there is one. But everyone should watch the drum major for entrances and such, but use your peripherals if you're past the 35, if you're close to the 50, you should be able to see him/her in your line of vision.

Two. What kind of technique does your school use? Most high schools do the straight-leg thing. In this case, instead of squatting down and leaning back, lift up on your platforms and keep your upper body straight (your upper body should ALWAYS be straight) and step it out. If you bend your knees, you're actually restricting your movement (unless, of course, you're jazz running).

Hope I helped.

well we do do the straight leg deal, and i do go up on my platforms. I don't squat and lean back intentionally, it just seems to happen when i try to move that fast, but i'll try and fix it. thx.

I always watch the drum majors, of course I'm also center snare. But we have two so it makes it easier to not have to use your peripheral vision except to cover down.

But on the marching back part...try your best to keep your legs straight, but honestly. Theres no way you can march a like
6 to 5 for like 24 counts with no legs bent.
If you dont bend your legs a little on a big move you like...hop and bounce up and down. So it's all about finding a median between keeping as straight as possible and bending your knees a little so you can make that big move.

What happens if the drum major is not consistent with her timing, or conducts in the wrong meter?

Well, do you have assistant conductors? If they're off time too, you just gotta stick it out, feel the beat. For me, after I go through the song once or twice, I can pretty much get the idea of timing on my own.

I beg to differ... Straight leg marching is actually the least efficient and economic thing you could possibly do to your skeletal and muscular system. Your ankles and knees are supposed to move... that's why those joints are there. They move your body efficiently and smoothly. It just looks badarse, and is great to show off cleanliness of step, so it's still used.

Yep. Straight leg definitely takes a toll when you're at the high level (and after 7 years). My knees pop and click all the time now, and my hips aren't too great. At least I'll look good on that DVD!

Even though it does take a toll on the body, I still believe straight leg looks the best, and it's the easiest to learn.

Here's something to think about.

it's all about positioning on the field.

If the drumline's right behind you. listen to them!!!

If you are behind the drumline on the field don't listen to them and watch the drum major.

If the drum major is with the drumline then you will be in time with the drum major, the drumline and hopefully the rest of he band.

If your on the drumline listen in simple as that.

If your in a position far from the drumline then also watch the drum major and don't listen to the drumline.

If everyone is doing there part of the puzzle as efficiently as they can then with practice you will all be together and have a great show with no phasing!Yay!

Oh and NEVER listen to the front ensemble(the Pit).bad news bears.

Yes I agree... Watch the Drum major pretty much at all times. I will admit sometimes I tend not to but a lot of times our head Drum major gets off time :\ and then the other two Drum majors get off.. if tyhat happens listen to center snare and you should be ok.