Marching Band

Tips for a Successful Band Camp

With many groups in the middle of band camp or starting band camps in the coming weeks we thought we would put together our best tips for both students and educators. While this is certainly not an all-inclusive list, these are things to consider that we have learned from our past experiences teaching band camp. While some of the tips apply to both groups of students, we have split them out to be more specific to each specific group.   Tips for Students   Be sure to hydrate before camp starts Of all things you can do to prepare for band camp, this is likely the most important. Remember that going to camp hydrated means being sure to drink lots of water and drinks with electrolytes in the days before camp starts, not just during camp. Being well hydrated and maintaining hydration during camp, will keep your energy up throughout the camp. Practice and prepare for what is expected on the first day of camp Your staff will likely give you materials such as warmups and show music to prepare before camp starts. Be sure to have it prepared (not perfected) before camp starts. Having things such as warmups memorized,

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Jul 13, 2023 No Comments

Product Comparison: Which Marching Bass Head is right for me?

When it comes to finding the right heads to fit your needs or the sound you are looking for there are a ton of options. This stands true for marching bass drum heads as well. Whether you are starting to plan for future use or need something for the ongoing indoor season we hope this product breakdown and comparison will help you find what you are looking for. Head Types There are two basic types of marching bass drum heads that you will want to consider when looking to get a fresh set of heads. One type of head has no muffling attached and the other type has some type of muffling pre-installed or strips of muffling that you can adjust to your liking. If you already have muffling installed inside to the shell of the drum, you can use any type of drum head but you would likely want to consider the type without any muffling installed. If you don’t have any internal muffling installed inside the drum you will definitely want to consider purchasing one of the heads that allow for pre-installed muffling on the actual drum head. There are many different options that you could go with

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Feb 28, 2023 No Comments

July 2019 News at Chops

Marching Snare Head Feature: Remo Suede Max We get many calls this time of year regarding snare head choices. There are many tried and true products out there, but there is one newer option that is quickly becoming the choice of marching groups everywhere: the Remo Suede Max batter head. [Learn more] It’s Vintage: Restoring a Ludwig Drum Set If you are in the market for some new percussion gear for your upcoming marching band season, now is the time to take advantage of these great prices. Cap City Indoor used the gear this past indoor season, the gear is in great shape, and we just reduced the prices. [Learn more] Product Spotlight: Tama’s Dyna-Sync Bass Drum Pedals We’re excited to talk about Tama’s brand new Dyna-Sync bass drum pedals. These pedals were unveiled at Winter NAMM this past January, and there was a lot of buzz surrounding them. I can tell you after putting my own foot on one the buzz was deserved! [Learn more]

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Jul 30, 2019 No Comments

2018 College Marching Band Season Preview

Welcome back to the Chops blog! Today we’d like to take the chance to preview the new college football season and several of our local collegiate marching bands. If you are a fan of the marching arts, it’s hard to beat Indiana. Between drum corps during the summer, marching band in the fall, and winter guard and percussion during the winter and spring, there’s rarely a break between marching seasons. However, it’s easy to forget that there are many great college marching bands in the state. Butler, Purdue, Indiana, Indiana State, and Marian University are all located in, or within a short drive from Indianapolis, and have excellent marching bands. These bands will perform before, during, and after their school’s home football games throughout the fall and winter. For the relatively inexpensive price of a ticket you can see an exciting college football game and performances from the band.  Be sure to get there early for some tailgating, as most of the bands will perform outside the stadium before everyone heads inside!

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Aug 28, 2018 1 Comment

Proper Nutrition and Hydration is a Must for Marching Band

When it comes to marching band, we tend to spend a lot of time thinking only about the notes being played or the steps being taken. There isn’t always enough thought placed on how to keep performers well-nourished and hydrated for maximum performance. Marching band, like any other sport, counts on members to be healthy in order to be successful. Make sure you (the director, parent, and student) are doing your part to keep yourself and everyone else on the field! Here is an article from July 11, 2014 that was found at halftimemag.com. You’ll find that many of today’s top drum corps and marching bands put a lot of emphasis on proper nutrition and hydration. If you’re in marching band, you are an athlete; it’s time to treat your body as such! http://www.halftimemag.com/features/fueling-your-body.html

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Jul 24, 2018 No Comments

Marching arts and electronics. Chops can help!

The marching arts activity is constantly evolving, following a pattern of trends and innovation. One trend that has remained constant and continues to develop is the use of electronics. Programs of all sizes have been ditching their old analog boards and outdated synthesizers for professional digital boards, workstation synthesizers, and running programs like Mainstage and Ableton during their performances.

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May 1, 2018 No Comments

2017 BOA Finals Recap

Over the weekend of November 9-11, marching bands from across the nation gathered at Lucas Oil Stadium for the culmination of marching season in the Bands of America Grand National Championships. On Wednesday evening the competition began with the Indianapolis Marching Band Tournament. The following schools from across the city participated, along with a couple from Hawaii in exhibition:

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Nov 21, 2017 No Comments

2017 College Marching Band Preview

Welcome back to the Chops blog! Today we’d like to take the chance to preview the new college football season and several of our local collegiate marching bands. If you are a fan of the marching arts, it’s hard to beat Indiana. Between drum corps during the summer, marching band in the fall, and winter guard and percussion during the winter and spring, there’s rarely a break between marching seasons. However, it’s easy to forget that there are many great college marching bands in the state.

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Aug 29, 2017 2 Comments

2016 Bands Of America Grand National Championships

Over the weekend marching bands from across the nation gathered at Lucas Oil Stadium to participate in Music for All’s Bands of America Grand National Championships. On Wednesday evening the competition began with the Indianapolis Marching Band Tournament. The following schools from across the city participated: Arlington Community H.S. John Marshall Community H.S. Northwest Community H.S. Crispus Attacks Community H.S. Broad Ripple Magnet H.S. Emmerich Manual H.S. George Washington Community H.S. Arsenal Technical H.S.

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Nov 15, 2016 No Comments
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