Small Band

Show Design Considerations

By Kevin Ford

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed performers

can accomplish great things.”

Attitude
You must first believe that you can be successful regardless of how small your band may
be.

a. You must focus on quality over quantity.

b. Don’t try and be like someone else.
c. Think out of the box.
d. Your production must be interesting from start to finish.
e. The field is your stage…what are you going to do with it?

Searching for a Program

a. Competition vs. Entertainment
b. Will our students feel educationally challenged with this program?
c. Use it as a teaching tool for music education, discipline, working together,
d. Each piece of music must have some kind of “audience response” built in
e. The show must have a variety of tempos, textures, dynamic levels and style to
make it interesting (tension and release)

Story Board

A. On a large poster board write down as many visual and musical

ideas that support one another as you possibly can think of.
Stretch your imagination and don't worry about logistics. Go into
this thinking anything is possible!
B. Now go back and see what ideas or music needs the most attention
and then repeat step A.
C. The key is to fill up each moment in your program with as many
ideas and options you can give yourself. This will be very important
to you when you get further along in the process and when you
begin creating levels to your presentation.
10 Music Considerations for the Small Band

1. Woodwind Instrumentation
a. Work towards the Pyramid of sound.
b. The importance of the Baritone Saxes
c. Bass Clarinets…are they really needed on the field?

2. Woodwind Melodic Instrumentation

a. When to use Unison Line?
b. When to use Harmonized Line?

3. “Write in the Pocket?”

a. Where should the clarinets be scored?
b. Avoid the throat register for the clarinets.
c. Where is the best range the saxes?

4. Woodwind Scoring
a. What are the best key signatures that allow you to stretch the orchestration?
b. How do these key signatures affect the Baritone Saxes?
c. Where do you voice the Tenor Saxes in relation to the Baritone Saxes?

5. Brass Scoring Considerations

a. One Mellophone part
b. Two trumpet parts
c. Three Low Brass Parts and not separated by trombone and baritone.
d. Consider using all Trombones or all baritones for better blend of sound.

6. Mellophone Consideration
a. What mouthpiece to use?
b. Benefits of French Horn Mouthpiece
c. Benefits of using M6 mellophone mouthpiece
d. Your choice…

7. Musical Sustains
a. How long should ff sustains last?
b. Stagger Breathing is a must.

8. When is the best time to use a musical sustain as an effect?

a. When should you be sustaining…on the move or off the move?
b. Consider some an ostinato rhythmic pattern underneath sustains on the move.

9. Layered Development Considerations:

a. How to orchestrate an effective ensemble development from the woodwinds
through the Brass.

10. Dynamic Considerations

 a. “Not all musical effects require you to be loud.”
b. Stay within your ensemble’s capabilities (Don’t try and be something you’re
not, in other words…..don’t try and sound like 150 horns when you only have 80)
c. Pianissimo can also a musical effect.
d. Shaping and Contour of the line. “All sound should have motion.”

Top 4 Percussion Small Band for Considerations:

1. Why 4 mallet technique?

a. More sound depth to sound

2. What are the benefits of Amplification?

a. Allows performers to play with proper technique.
b. Less performers required to produce a depth of sound.
c. Purchase a quality P.A. System (amplifier, mixer and mics)
d. Mic as many instruments as you want (or have a budget for)
the most common are: Vibes, marimbas, xylophone, bells, aux. instruments

3. Battery vs. No Battery Percussion

a. Consider the Winds instrumentation to make this decision.
b. Where will you get your time from on the field?

4. Backfield Electronic Station….What…Why…How…Cost…

a. Rhythm Section
b. Electronic keyboards (can provide a whole color palette that a marching
band can’t reproduce)
c. Spend quality time with the “pit” well with the entire ensemble
(especially synthesizers)
d. Where do I start with electronics? Local music dealer (make a friend, they will
help set it up and teach you) Ask a parent who may run sound for a church or has
rock band experience, etc. Learn yourself (learn about all the possible problems
and solutions too)
e. Digital kids love this stuff.

Goal for Staging a Marching Band Production

Contemporary Drill Design has now become its own art form in combining the elements
of staging, focus, motion, and form into an unpredictable presentation that captures the
imagination of the audience. Through the combination of these elements the drill design
serves as the canvas for the performers to become a moving illustration which should
bring forth the music to life. It is through the choice of staging and motion where the drill
design creates a visual intrigue that will captivate an audience’s attention from the
beginning to the end of a performance. A well thought out design will seamlessly draw
the audience’s attention to various places on the performance field while drawing the
spectator’s eyes to exactly what you choose as a focal point.
Writing Drill and the Musical Score
All great drill design BEGINS with the musical score. The musical phrases of the score
provides the infrastructure of the count block for the drill, the method of articulation
often indicates when to use linear line verses curvilinear line, and when/what performers
should be the focal point. The actual drill design should be a visual representation of the
musical score. In others words “you want the spectators to see exactly what they hear.” It
is the responsibility of the drill designer, to visually bring forth the music to a visual
reality while manipulating space, time, and focus. A quality drill design, combines all the
visual elements brass, woodwinds, percussion, and color guard in a coordinated effort
that interprets the emotion, contour, and pacing of the musical score.

Where to start?

Count Block Drill phrases and staging should be consistent and complimentary to
the actual pacing and style of the musical phrases. Simply, a count block for the
drill can be developed through rehearsal markings in the musical score. Based
upon the intensity of the music these phrases can then be broken down into
subsets of a rehearsal marking. For example: if a phrase is 16 counts from A to B
and the music is building to a climatic moment, you may choose to break that
phrase into two sets of 8 to match the intensity of the build to the musical phrase.

Staging Map before beginning to write the actual drill, a staging map should be
developed. This is where you plot out your count block, import the information of
who is playing the melody during those counts, where on the field you hope to
present those performers, and what role the color guard be playing in regards to
that section. This will also allow you to visually see and develop a variety from
where you will be presenting each musical focal point.

Caution: Not every musical phrase should be presented from the center of the field. You
want to avoid the drill design looking like it is in a “television box” for the duration of the
show. The color guard should be integrated and an important participant whenever you
are presenting a group of performers.

5 Points of Staging:

1. Staging is the art of placing performers where we can hear them and can see
them at the appropriate times. This takes planning can be difficult to achieve.
Analyzing a score from start to finish before you begin to write can serve as a
great benefit for the designer. The development of a staging map for when and
where performers need to be in focus can be a great benefit during the actual
design process.

2. “Hear what I See and See what I Hear.” Consider this statement at all times
when you are staging your performers. You will always want to see a particular
part of the guard while presenting the performers playing the musical line. If the
 lead voice is on the left side of the field and the guard is on the right side, in most
cases this could be considered a poor split focus decision in regards to staging.
You will want to make sure that these performance elements are always
coordinated together.

3. Staging Considerations: Who is playing the most important line and will I be
able to hear them where I placed them? The melodic voice staged behind a large
number of accompaniment voices will be difficult to hear?

4. Split-focus is two ideas of equal value occurring at the same time on split parts
of the field and is usually considered poor staging. There are some occasions
where you want two opposing ideas, but this is the exception and not the rule.

5. The percussion section is important to the timing of the band. Placing them at
extremes side-to-side if the band is centered can be a problem. Keeping them
marching up and down the 50 yard line is not appropriate either. You want to
place them within the proximity of the band to allow for rhythmic clarity. There is
not an absolute rule, but this section is an important part of your staging that you
must consider at all times.

10 General Guidelines for Staging Considerations:

1. Curves generally represent lyrical musical phrases or a softer musical

dynamic. Essentially, curves clearly need depth to read correctly. Shallow curves
often look like crooked lines. As a general rule, end point to apex should be at
least 3-4 steps of depth as a minimum.

2. Diagonal Lines are generally used to interpret strength or stronger

dynamic levels. Diagonal lines with more than 10 people in it are difficult to
clean. Be careful when writing long diagonals. Creating diagonal lines that place
the performers on, two, or splitting off a yard line can help towards successful
achievement of maintaining that diagonal line by the performers.

3. Circles are a great way to create a specific focal point or area. A computer
drill writing program makes circles look easy, but circles can be difficult to clean.
Small circles with 8-10 people are manageable, but larger circles should be
limited and be used only for a specific focus or effect. You should also consider
placing a color guard performer or something in the center of the circle to
maintain a high level of focus and visual intrigue.

4. Stationary Vertical Lines can be a great way to hide performers when

trying to create negative space. If you choose to do some type of long vertical
line (20 or more performers), be sure to use a yard line or the middle of the yard
line. I would recommend that this is a set you would not have your performers
 playing in. It could be a starting point or some type of arrival at the end of a
phrase when the number of players is minimal.

5. Avoid placing your guard in vertical lines when they are doing choreography.
This can make them look smaller as a unit and it is easy to see the slightest
variation in their work. At times it can be used this as a starting point or an ending
point if you want them blended with the band. Remember, we place them in
blocks to clean and do basics for a reason. Block forms and its variations can be
an effective impact sets for the guard, but be sure they have enough vertical and
horizontal space to do the work and this will need to be work that is spotless. Also,
you may want to consider beginning a phrase in a vertical line and then move
every other person out of it to create a visual impact.

6. The company front can be difficult to create a musical impact. Wide

horizontal spreads are hazardous to clean visually, and balance musically. Blocks,
wedges, or forms that are tighter in shape are much more effective for this
purpose.

7. Drill moves should reflect the mood and match the energy level of the
music. Drill phrases that last longer than 16 counts are sometimes difficult to
sustain a visual interest unless the tempo is extremely quick. When writing to
slower tempos, a stage to restage approach where some performers move and
others stand still can provide variety, focus, and visual intrigue.

8. Set Points: When writing a form with important end points or set points,
strongly consider placing the performers a set point that will be easily identifiable
on the performance field, i.e., yard lines, hash marks, etc…

9. When or When Not to Move: Not every element of the band has to move or
stand still on every count. Judicious use of motion/non-motion can be very
effective. At times, the absence motion can create a more interesting focal point
than actual ensemble tutti motion. Some of the most interesting musical
compositions are not based on consistent tutti playing. They entail a variety of
colors of sound and a sequential presentation and treatment to the melody and
accompanist. This should also be reflected in your drill design.

10. Resolution Set is considered to be the point of arrival. These sets should be
visually pleasing to look at, remember the elements of form, weight, balance, line,
unity, and proportion (Golden mean). Also, these are the sets if there are literal
forms that are associated with the theme of the show that could be drawn upon to
help bring greater communication to the visual identity and iconic communication
of the show.

Intervals: (Side to side relationship)

Teach your students the difference between interval and distance.
 Interval is defined by the side to side relationship between performers. Distance
is defined by the space between performers.

• The most common wind player intervals are 2 steps, 3 steps, and 4 steps, with
2s and 3s being the most common. With the drill writing program, be sure to
check your intervals and make sure that the interval is a whole number, and not
some interval with decimals, i.e., 3.28.

• You can write wind intervals that are bigger than 4 steps, but that can make for
a difficult listening and playing environment for the performers. If you place a
form in windows, the effect of larger intervals is minimized. For example, below
these performers are 6 steps apart side to side but by placing the next line of
performers in the window (middle of the line) the listening and playing
environment feels like 3 steps.

An example of performers in windows

X X X X
X X X
X X X X
X X X
X X X X

• With smaller bands, a 2-step can make the group look really small but can also
be easier to play in, so you have to balance these two issues. Use this interval
wisely and judicially.

• If you are marching trombones, and they will do any type of turns, the minimum
interval the performers will need is 3 steps, or you can also stagger the lines
briefly to make the turn work. Even so, the music might be limited at the point of
the turn because they will not be able to move their slides.

• Designed Interval Consistency: the more you change the interval from set to
set the performers expect more effort on cleaning and refining the space between
the performers throughout your program. You may want to consider keeping the
performers at much of the same intervals for the show as possible. Utilizing 2’s
and 3’s throughout most of your program. This will benefit your performer’s
ability to maintain consistent intervals while performing. This is less of a concern
for more experienced performers.

However, you may want to consider 2 points of interval musicality

1. Contract intervals on an ensemble musical decrescendo.
2. Expand intervals on an ensemble musical crescendo.

Percussion Intervals: The most common intervals for percussionists are:

• 1.5 to 2 steps intervals for snares
• 3 step intervals for tenors
 • 3-4 step intervals for bass drums
• 3-4 step intervals for cymbals

There can, of course, be exceptions, but realize that intervals bigger than these are
difficult for the percussion to play well in. I recommend that you consult with your
percussion arranger and indicate clearly to him when you are placing the snare
drummers in an interval larger than a three. Anything smaller than a 1.5 for snare
drummers and a 3 step interval for the tenor and Bass drummers will make it difficult
to effectively perform as such as close interval.

• Guard intervals are difficult to generalize because there are many exceptions; it
is imperative the drill designer and the color guard choreographer consult with
one another about every visual moment in the show. Communication is essential
to the success to the visual presentation that includes variety and visual intrigue.
In general, most pieces of equipment need more than 4 steps of space to be used
effectively. There can be exceptions in your drill but the guard work would be
limited. 6, 8, and 12 steps are the most common intervals for flags. Rifles and
sabers will often march at 4, 6, and 8 step intervals.

• If the guard is doing movement only, large intervals usually do not work as well.
As you bring them closer together they will become more of a focus, and the
choreography will be more easily read. It will also be more achievable to critique
the quality and effectiveness. In addition, it is beneficial to limit the step size so
that the choreographer has the flexibility when creating the expressive movement.
The interest should be created through the actual choreography and not the
amount of distance the performers are traveling.

Step-size Considerations:
• For slower tempos, larger step sizes (8 to 5, 7 to 5, 6 to5) are more comfortable
and easier to march. 5 to5 to looks very awkward and should be avoided as much
as possible.
• For moderate tempos, all step-sizes are possible.
• For fast tempos, smaller step sizes (8 to 5, 12 to 5, 16 to 5) are more comfortable
with 6 to 5 being close to the maximum.
• Caution: The step size tool on the Pyware Computer software program is based on
a straight path. If the pathway for your largest step-size is a curved path, the
Pyware program does not calculate this and your step-size will increase.

Color Guard Considerations

Color Guard Integration: Quality drill design has the color guard integrated and a
strong part of the visual focus at all times. The guard no longer is relegated to framing
the band in big arcs across the back. They must receive the same attention as one puts
forth towards the other elements of the band.
 As a general rule;
Wherever you see the melody being played, there should be some element of
the color guard in that area integrated visually interpreting the musical line.

Guard Costuming and Designs

1. Find the one concept that you want the guard to symbolize and then “create a
Costume” that demonstrates that idea

a. Portraying a character, an idea, a concept?

b. Color of the costume should reflect the program theme and contrasting colors
to the band uniform.
c. Be creative, but practical (can they move and do the work “in uniform”)
d. Body size of the guard members is a major factor (have to work “with” their
sizes)
e. General Rule: Would you put your own daughter in the costume?

2. Where does one find costume ideas and implement them?

a. Do your research…books, movies, etc…

b. Color Guard Uniform and Equipment Companies. Create an outfit with the
company (they are very approachable, but start early)
Fred J. Miller
The Band Hall
c. Create and sew your own outfits (if you have a great seamstress)
d. Already designed outfits from catalogs (sometimes they actually fit the
program)
e. Theatrical Costume companies

3. Visual Choreography

a. Does the choreography and movement reflect the musical intent and storyline
of the program?
b. Does the color guard always have to spin traditional equipment?
c. Is there a common theme throughout the show?
d. Keep the choreography creative, but “learnable” and “cleanable”
e. Make sure the work enhances the music and coincides with the musical phrases
f. Keep tosses to a minimum not all effect moments needs to be toss.
g. Flag, Silks, Design and Color Selection
h. Colors appropriate to the show? (contrasting colors to band uniform)
i. Colors should reflect the musical mood or the storyline of the piece
j. Based on the quantity of the color guard members, you can determine what size
equipment is most effective for you.
It's Now Time for You to Pull Out Your Needle and Thread!
Ask Yourself the Following Questions:

A. What is the Main objective of my program?

B When the show ends, how do I want the audience to feel?
C. Is there a musical selection from my ideas that could serve as the center piece to which I build
my presentation around? If not, what visual motif or idea could I use to connect the presentation?
D. Out of my ideas what will work the best as an opening that will draw the audience into the
presentation and best state what the program is going to be about?
E. Now go to the end and select what will best conclude the
presentation and give you the complete visual and musical picture of the program.
F. Now begin putting together the infrastructure of your program. Keep the order of your
emotional content varied. Try to not put like emotions together. However, unless you are
presenting these for a specific effect try to gradually and smoothly go from one emotion to the
other. Return to your story board and look for transitional material.
G. Now you have your program organized, before you begin charting this out, field test your
program. Call and discuss your presentation from beginning to end with people from a variety
of age groups and backgrounds. This is where you will find out whether or not your program
has emotional appeal. You will learn a lot from this Seek a master designer! You will be amazed
how willing most people are help!
Begin to write your program!
Make Sure Your Music Arranger, Percussion Arranger, and your Color Guard Designer are all
working together .
Most importantly, enjoy the process!

Design, in the end, is about creating better things for people.

Design is a plan for arranging elements in such a way as best to accomplish a

particular purpose.

The designer... has a passion for doing something that fits somebody’s needs, but
that is not just a simple fix. The designer has a dream that goes beyond what exists,
rather than fixing what exists...

Design is a choice.

To design is to communicate clearly by whatever means you can control or master.

Designing is not a profession but an attitude. Design has many connotations. It is the
organization of materials and processes in the most productive way, in a harmonious balance
of all elements necessary for a certain function. It is the integration of technological, social,
and economical requirements, biological necessities, and the psychological effects of
materials, shape, color, volume and space. Thinking in relationships.
Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Photographer, Graphic Designer, Co-Founder, Bauhaus