Most people do not understand the concept of a field show. A field show can resemble a story or theme that band performs. Many bands use props, backdrops, and sound effects in order to enhance their show. Field shows can range from different genres. Some may be fun, which can excite the audience, while others can seem serious, causing the audience to pay close attention while sitting on the edge of their seats. Both types of shows can grab the audience and judge’s attention.
Our show last year titled, “Memoirs of a Gangster,” allowed us to experience fun during the performance. The show took place in the 1920s, the era of jazz, and revolved around a gangster who wanted out of the family business. We started the show off with each section of the band hiding behind backdrops, while quotes from “The Godfather” movie played. On the backdrops were pictures of people at a club. In addition to backdrops and quotes, we used tables where some of the band members got to sit, while people in the color guard waited on them. We also used around ten seven foot mob cut outs, which helped to show the story better. Finally, we used sound effects, such as a gunshot when a character would die. We played mostly jazz music during the show and featured many soloists. Using many props helped to make “Memoirs of a Gangster” come to life and a fun show to perform. The audience really liked our show.
Our show two years ago titled, “I Am. . .” revolved around hope. Performing this show did not allow much fun because of fewer props and no real story. We performed it more seriously compared to “Memoirs of a Gangster.” The only prop we used, besides backdrops, included a large, circular tarp. The tarp made it hard to march on because people would trip over it and fall. I started the show near the edge of the tarp and could feel the tarp come up as I marched off of it. I almost tripped every time. This prop caused difficult marching, and resulted in people falling. Using a tarp as a prop can cause a dangerous situation because people might get hurt.
According to wisegeek.com, “A field show combines many moves that place the marching band in different formations, while the band continues to perform music.” Sometimes marching bands create formations that relate to their show, while sometimes they just create curves and columns. Most college marching bands spell out words, such as the name of the college. Wisegeek.com says, “It’s actually worthwhile to sit higher up in a stadium to get the overall effect of field show formations.” Standing from the ground or sitting low in a stadium makes it hard to see the formations. To really see the forms, you should sit higher in a stadium. Field shows combine music and formations with props to make it enjoyable to watch and perform.
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