Being a great technical musician is important, but in the marching activity that is only half the battle. An epidemic in our activity is that drum lines will play REALLY WELL standing still, but the second they get on the move, it blows up.⠀

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How well you play during a standstill DOES NOT MATTER in the competitive sense of the activity. So it is crucial you take the physical aspect of what you do just as serious as the playing. And there are two sides to this. There is the technical execution and style of your marching technique, and there is also BEING IN SHAPE which a lot of people overlook.⠀

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If you are not in shape (which there are specific muscles we use in the marching activity) you will not only look bad, but your playing surface will move causing inconsistencies in your playing. And let's make this clear:⠀

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If your body can't hang, you will not be able to perform at the highest levels of the activity. 

You just won't. 

And even the PACE of rehearsal can be slow/sluggish if everyone on the line is out of shape. It can really slow down the momentum of everything.⠀

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Having a stellar run in the lot, but performing a terrible show because your body cant physically handle the demands of your drill is never fun. So do your best to stay in shape! Try including a Stretch/Calisthenics/Run block during the days you have rehearsal and continue that at home.