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How to Watch a Marching Band Competition:

If you are seeing this show for the first time, we wish to point out some interesting facts on just what a band competition is all about.

It is difficult for the average spectator to comprehend everything that is happening on the field with the flags twirling, rifles spinning, instruments playing and the band marching. Everything is done to bring out the most in the music.

Please support the MSHS Band Boosters by purchasing an Invitational program
Seating is clearly marked for each band participating. Please sit in the designated areas only to allow enough room for the students
Seating just under the press box is reserved for Directors and spouses only
Please visit the concessions and support our boosters
Please be considerate of others and remain seated and quiet during all performances
Please dispose of all garbage in trash receptacles

Here are some tips while you watch the bands compete:

Try to keep an overall view of the performance and not concentrate on any one portion. The entire show is geared to expressing the music as presented by the band, both the playing and the marching.
The single most important individual on the field while the band is performing is the field commander. Each field commander has a distinctive style; he or she has to know when to control the band and when to control the crowd. At times the field commander can be a showman, but at all times he or she must be in absolute control of the band.
The most visual portion of the show is provided by the flags - they set the stage for the musical presentation.
It takes an alert fan to catch all the maneuvers of the rifle section. They are an extremely busy group and they add greatly to the overall pageantry of a well designed show. The flags and rifles are not restricted to any certain part of the field. Each movement is coordinated with the marching of the instrument players.
Soloists are usually spotlighted by either flags or rifles to make it obvious just who is playing the solo. These are usually the most talented players and they are featured singularly or in small groups.