Virtual Guide to Visual Fundamentals
Introduction for Band Directors
Band directors and marching arts educators,
Welcome to this video series. We are so happy you have chosen to use this series to help with your marching instruction, and we are sure that your students will benefit greatly from this video series. Hopefully, this series will present an instructional supplement, a method of asynchronous learning, a few new ideas or tricks, and some insight into how we teach visual here at McNeese State University. Please watch this video as an introduction to the course. Thank you so much for joining us!
Introduction for High School Students
High school marching band members,
Welcome to this video series. We are so happy you are joining us, and we look forward to developing our visual performance skills together. In this series, you will get the chance to march along with two excellent college students and learn marching in a way that will set you up for success before and during the marching band season. We can’t wait to see you perform in the fall and hopefully one day as a member of the Pride of McNeese. Check out this vide0 for an introduction to the course. Thank you for joining us and Geaux Pokes!
Episode 1: Breakdown, Attention, & Standby
In this episode, we will cover:
The Three Rules for Visual Fundamentals
The Posture Checklist
The Posture Breakdown
Attention
Standby/Parade Rest
Episode 2: Horn Carriage, Horns-up, & Horns-down
In this episode, we will cover:
Holding the Horn/Horn Carriage
Horns-up
Horns-down
A Demonstration for Each Instrument
Episode 3: Separation of Upper/Lower Body & Balance
In this episode, we will cover:
Exercises for lifting up and creating separation of the upper body from the lower body
Exercises for improving balance
Episode 4: Timing & Mark Time
In this episode, we will cover:
Exercises for improving time and learning to move in time
Defining the Mark Time Technique
Starting the Mark Time
Halting the Mark Time
Episode 5: Moving in time, in step, & In form
In this episode, we will cover:
Walking in time
Walking in time and in step
Keeping the form
8-5 Step Size
How to use your eyes and visual aids
Episode 6: Leg Shape & The First Step Forward
In this episode, we will cover:
Using one joint at a time
Swinging from the hip
A Tendu Exercise
The 50/50 Exercise
The First Step Forward
Episode 7: Forward March
In this episode, we will cover:
The First Step Forward
Building the Forward March Step by Step
Crossing Counts
Moving Forward at an 8 to 5
Halting the Forward March
Some Tips and Tricks
Episode 8: Leg shape & the first step Backward
In this episode, we will cover:
Using one joint at a time
Swinging from the hip
A Tendu Exercise Backwards
The 50/50 Exercise Backwards
The First Step Backwards
Episode 9: Backward March
In this episode, we will cover:
The First Step Backwards
Building the Backwards March Step by Step
Crossing Counts
Moving Backwards at an 8 to 5
Halting the Backwards March
Some Tips and Tricks
Episode 10: Slides
In this episode, we will cover:
Separation of Upper and Lower Body
Upper Body Rotation Exercise
30/60/90 Exercise
Adding Instrument to the Slides
Episode 11: Advanced techniques: Basic body work
In this episode, we will cover:
Explanation of Dance and Body Work
Definition of Basic Dance Terms
A Basic Dance Position Exercise
How to do a Lunge
Watch the Pride of McNeese Perform
Congratulations on completing the marching fundamentals video series. Sit back and enjoy the Pride of McNeese perform their pregame show, stands favorites, and the 2019 Space halftime show. We hope to see you someday soon on the field with us!
For more information about the Pride of McNeese, McNeese State University, band scholarship opportunities, how to set up an audition, how to visit us on campus, and much more please contact us at tpardue@mcneese.edu.