This reminds of something I learned from my mallet teacher. I don't remember what it's called or who made it up, but it's something like "5 positions of marimba playing", it's not really a "visual dynamic", but it looks like (very cool) choreography when you do it properly. If anyone knows what I'm talking about, post it here, or a link, or something. My explaining it would be pointless.

I am in favor of "Visual Dynamics" only to the point that it doesnt hinder your playing or the impact of the performance. As divalish mentioned, I too think it looks a bit corny to see an entire mallet section get low to the keys to play. But at the same time I dont want to see little tin soldiers playing marimba or timpani. If you watch some of the best classically trained percussionists, and ensembles such as Nexus (note: clasically trained does not mean classical literature) you will always see them moving with the music and using their entire body to play. It is only natural to move when we play the cool music we play. I feel that it does add to the performance if your musicians are "in to" what they are playing. But again, natural movement is much better than staged movement.


Scott Sheets

I think we all agree on a more "natural" than mechnical" form of expression, but people have to remember: YOU CAN'T TEACH EMOTIONS!!! Moving up and down or side to side isn't a form of expression. Chances are the reason why students aren't getting into the music is because of poor technique or they don't understand the history or dynamics(musically and non-musically speaking of what they are playing. To me Visual Dymanics are like a Neopolian complex..people trying to make up for something they are lacking. Staring at a drumhead/bar isn't going to make anything better , just make people think "What are they doing?" and any movement that makes one uncomfortable or enables proper technique is a no.no..Happy 4th, Bless you all, and practice hard.

I think visual dynamics is important as long as you don't screw up your proper technique while doing it.
Ex. Leaning forward to make it piano or leaning back for forte
(Incorrect)
Bending knees to show piano or going more on your tippy-toes for forte
(Correct)

Ok, I challenge everyone to go to the Parking lot of some DCI shows this summer to watch some ensembles warm up... (Perferably, Cadets, Cavies, SCV, Blue Devils, and Bluecoats. No disrespect to any of the other fine DCI/DCA corps, but these are the ones on top of their game)if you see anyone getting on their "tippy-toes", bending knees, smiling, leaning over the keyboards, and other things people have defined as "Visual Dymanics" then I'll be suprised. Please post what you see happening ,because most the things people are descibing I've only found in High school ensembles. No disrespect. Love you guys

As far as I've seen, those pits don't do any of that stuff, at least not in the lots during warmups. However, when they begin doing show music, you see "performing", not choreographed movements. The closest I've seen to that is when the Cavaliers look to the center and make eye contact with the rest of the pit, smiling and nodding. Especially during their ballads. I understand that this is part of the communication aspect between players to get them to play together, however it does add to their look. Cadets like to keep up that robot look when they play, and it works for them. However, it was sort of awkward to see them try to rock out to "Malaguena" last year. They can play like nobody else, but it just looked unnatural to me. As for SCV, they probably have the most natural "performance" style in my eyes. They have some great closeups of the pit on last year's finals DVD where they were selling their show like crazy. Extremely fun to watch, but definitely not choreographed. One thing that does sort of get to me is "cheesy" visual type stuff. Things like high-fives in the middle of the show, flirting with random people in the crowd, etc. I've had to do that, and while the crowd loves it, I know that I personally would've preferred playing some more notes. Oh well..all for the sake of GE, right? At the DCI level, you become a performer so pulling the audience into the program is one of your responsibilities.

But yeah, for the record, if you watch some DCI pits, you'll see some smiles out there.

I guess I'm more of a robot since I've learned some under Giff (since he's at Cadets). I admit , I am a robot when I play, but I was just trying to clear up that choreographed movement doesn't equal performance. All of the ensembles I've been in have always been about being "natural" ,but my point is that it's something one can't teach and you have to go in pyschology to see what a student's problem is. It could be from their personality to not begining aware what they "REALLY" look like to maybe not being comfortable with the notes and not comfortable with the group. So many factors can come into play..just my oppion...just like how hotI think you look in you pic I'm out

Haha...gee thanks, DarkQuad. So you're learning from Giff? "Twist" and "flush", eh? Actually, when it comes to indoor, he does try to increase performance awareness. However, he only did so by telling us to emote and not exactly demonstrating, which would probably be more effective.

Anyway, I'll be watching both Allentown shows this weekend, and most likely I'll be concentrating on the pits, so I'll let you know if I see any cheese out there!

I would just like to say that I was new to the world of pit playing this year as I, a snare player, played Vibes for East Coast Jazz. Visually playing dynamics was one of the hardest things to learn. I felt it was totally unneeded as audibly there was no difference between myself and the person next to me. However, once I became more comfortable with it, I suppose the showmanship does make a difference.

So I guess I'm pro visual dynamics, Atleast in Drum Corps.
It's difficult to grasp at first, but worth the effort.

Really emote with that soft triangle part..... Thats what I think everytime I see something like that. I think visual dynamics is for the birds.... I believe in what comes naturally and being nose to the board at "pp" isn't something that feels natural. Not only do I think it looks stupid, but it affects your technique, which in turn afftects your sound. I don't think there is anything worse than seeing a pit "over achieve" the visual dynamics thing....