Glossary of Marching Band Terms
Field Show: The performance done by the marching band on a football field during a marching competition, community show or the half-time of a football game,
Section: Group of like instruments or color guard. Example: clarinet section, low brass section, flute section etc. Color guard is one big section with smaller squads.
LTeam: Leadership Team Experienced student band members selected through an extensive process by band/color guard faculty to lead “sections”. Responsible for leading the sections at practices and scheduling team building activities. Drum majors are part of the LTeam and provide support for the group while also directing the overall band during the marching show. The color guard is one big section with smaller squads. Each squad has an LTeam leader.
Battery: The battery is the marching percussion group consisting of snare drums, bass drums, tenor drums, flubs, and cymbals.
Pit: The front ensemble of stationary percussion instruments such as marimbas, keyboards, vibes, tympany, chimes, etc.
Drum Line = Pit and battery together
Drum majors: Student conductors who direct the marching band as it plays.
Drill: the actual choreography of the show. It involves development of the patterns in which the band will march while playing the show music. The drill is written with each band member represented by a specific dot.
Marching Competition: The marching band performs in front of judges and spectators as part of an all day competition with many other bands. Bands are organized into classes and compete with each other. Awards include class awards such as best in class, best percussion, best drum majors, & best winds. Overall awards include grand champion. See website page for more information.
Marching Panther Invitational: Our biggest fundraiser of the year kicks off the marching band competition season. Volunteers are needed to make the event a success! See website page for more information.
Clothing options - for students, parents, and fans! All will be available for sale via online ordering:
Section: Group of like instruments or color guard. Example: clarinet section, low brass section, flute section etc. Color guard is one big section with smaller squads.
LTeam: Leadership Team Experienced student band members selected through an extensive process by band/color guard faculty to lead “sections”. Responsible for leading the sections at practices and scheduling team building activities. Drum majors are part of the LTeam and provide support for the group while also directing the overall band during the marching show. The color guard is one big section with smaller squads. Each squad has an LTeam leader.
Battery: The battery is the marching percussion group consisting of snare drums, bass drums, tenor drums, flubs, and cymbals.
Pit: The front ensemble of stationary percussion instruments such as marimbas, keyboards, vibes, tympany, chimes, etc.
Drum Line = Pit and battery together
Drum majors: Student conductors who direct the marching band as it plays.
Drill: the actual choreography of the show. It involves development of the patterns in which the band will march while playing the show music. The drill is written with each band member represented by a specific dot.
Marching Competition: The marching band performs in front of judges and spectators as part of an all day competition with many other bands. Bands are organized into classes and compete with each other. Awards include class awards such as best in class, best percussion, best drum majors, & best winds. Overall awards include grand champion. See website page for more information.
Marching Panther Invitational: Our biggest fundraiser of the year kicks off the marching band competition season. Volunteers are needed to make the event a success! See website page for more information.
Clothing options - for students, parents, and fans! All will be available for sale via online ordering:
- “Section Shirts”: each section has matching T-shirts so that section can easily be identified within the larger marching band. The section designs the graphics and also wears them for camaraderie and at team building activities.
- “Show Shirts”: T-Shirt highlighting the marching show theme. Each student is provided show Tshirt at no cost.
- “Spirit Wear”: Marching Panther gear - T-shirts, Hoodies, Hats etc. Show your Marching Panther Pride!