Electronics and sound design are a vital part of the modern competitive marching band, and an excellent addition to bands who may not compete but still have the goal of generating excitement among the audience at shows and football games. Electronics can add a sense of cinematic wonder to the production, textures that are impossible to replicate with acoustic instruments, and power that is only available via samples and synthesizers. There are many elements of the marching show that are enhanced when using electronics, some example follow:
A very effective use of electronics is in its ability to bridge the gap between movements. It has the potential to lend a sense of continuity to the overall production, as well as a transitional mood change as the music changes from an energetic and fast paced opener to a more mellow and placid ballad, for example.
A sound design element can play a key role in providing the audience and judging panel plot points and more obvious story lines that relate to your production. The pre-show can be thought of as a preview to your entire show, setting up the story and giving a little taste of what’s to come. You don’t want to confuse the audience, you want to tell your story as clearly and efficiently as possible.
For smaller ensembles, electronics and sound design can provide excellent support to the ensemble, making them sound bigger and more powerful. This is particularly helpful at the competition level. As an 80 person ensemble, It’s extremely difficult to seem as powerful as groups numbering 200 or more. However, with efficient use of electronics, that difference in sound doesn’t seem so drastic.
Another important element is, of course, the students. When you listen to some of the most popular music of the day, much of what you’re hearing is, in many ways, electronic in nature, and many film scores have a heavy electronic element. It is pervasive in our era, and it is the direction that music is moving. There’s a good chance that most of your student’s favorite songs are being produced with synths and samplers, so it only makes sense that including those instruments in the ensemble might be an excellent way to capture their attention. It can also provide an outlet for those students more interested in making music with electronic instruments. They will relate, they will love their show, and therefore, they will learn.
The final reasoning behind using electronics might seem superficial, but it is still important. If you’re a competitive band, you want to look competitive. You want to look modern. You want to walk out on the field and have everyone instantly now that you mean business! Competitive bands utilize electronics, this is a fact, and first impressions DO matter! Show that you are a competitive force to be reckoned with from the instant you walk onto the field, then prove that you know what you’re doing.