Originally published in TEACH Magazine, September/October 2022 Issue
By Adam Stone
Marching band is a thing unto itself. What other school activity brings together dozens or even hundreds of students for regular practice, creative and collaborative work, public performance, and national competition?
There are hundreds of high school marching bands, and scores of famous alumni: Alanis Morissette, Halle Berry, Bill Clinton, Drew Carey, and Aretha Franklin, to name just a few. Marching bands travel the nation and take part in high-profile competitions. Band also offers college scholarship opportunities, and the chance for national recognition at events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
We talked to leaders at some of the top marching band schools in the United States, to get a sense of why band matters and what it takes to run a successful program.
Adam Stone is a seasoned journalist with 20+ years’ experience. He covers education, technology, government, and the military, along with diverse other topics.
