The Marching Percussion Website

So do you know your music? I mean really know your music?

Sure you do. You can play it all the way through from memory without looking at the music!  Not so fast ragazzi!

Knowing your music is much more than memorizing the notes.  Ideally, the music you are given should indicate everything you need to know in order to perform it. Dynamics, tempo markings, sticking (RL), visuals, mallet/stick changes, and even vocal cues should be there. Take the time to memorize all of that too, and you'll really be a champ! 

Do you want to be a super champ? Well, I always tell my students, "If you can write out your music from memory, you probably have it memorized pretty well." 

...did I mention your drill too? Oh ya! Taking the time to mark your drill starts and stops on your music is also crucial!