July’k Some Marching?

Recently, I've been playing in a marching band a lot. Some may laugh at that, but the truth is, marching and playing the trumpet has gotten me out and about in the warmer weather. I think that's so important in this age of forever looking at screens!

Let's get one thing straight though - it's more like I've been running around a field in a drum and bugle corps activity. That means it's more like... a military band performance? It's hard to explain, but it's an activity I've been involved with on-and-off since I was 9 years old. The short version is that you perform in a 10-13 minute show, roughly, based around a theme, and give the best performance you can using brass instruments, percussion, flagwork and... a marimba or two. In fact, I've written in-depth about this a long time back, which you can read in my Secret World of Drum Corps piece.

So yes, sorry for not being about so much in recent times! I've been playing the trumpet for quite a few weekends in a row now, as we ramp up to the first show of the year. That show, entitled 'The Hunger Games' (yes, that Hunger Games), is taking place on Sunday 2nd July 2023. One more full day rehearsal on Saturday and then it's time to see how the crowds like it at a local stadium.

Who else has ever marched in band? Let me know! For now, wish me luck as part of Beeches Performance Ensemble!