The "Natural" Method of Marching Technique: Introduction and Posture

There are many variations of marching fundaments and technique that are currently used by successful bands and drum corps. All have inherent strengths and weaknesses. Over the last 20+ years, I have used many of these and variations of each. Most of the differences are based on the action or inaction of the knees and the position of the feet in backwards movement. My chosen method is one that has evolved over time taking the natural motion of walking, blended with excellent upper body posture to achieve the desirable smooth carriage for the marching musician. Ultimately, the goal of the marching fundamental should be one which allows for proper breathing and playing position as well as an artistic aesthetic.

I use the name "Natural" for this method due to its relation to the natural action of the knees in motion. We will discuss this later when we deal with Movement.

Marching technique has three essential components: Posture, Weight Distribution and Action of the legs in Movement.

In this installment we will look at Posture which includes upper body alignment (head, shoulders, chest, back, and hips), lower body (hips, legs and feet), carriage (arms) and weight distribution. We will deal with weight distribution as it relates to posture in the next installment.

Upper Body

• Chin is slightly tucked backward so there is a sensation of bringing the ears back in vertical alignment with the shoulders and lifted just above parallel to the ground. Care should be taken with raising the chin because students tend to over-do it and cause embouchure issues.
• Shoulders need to be relaxed and as level to the ground as possible. The proper forward and backward alignment of the shoulders is maintained by projecting the sternum upward and forward. Make sure that this is not achieved by arching the back.
• The back needs to be as vertical as the individual's body type allows. The goal is to create a straight line through the ears, shoulders and hips which will also later extend to the heels.
• The hips are both part of the upper (for posture) and lower body (for movement). For the upper body, the hips help in achieving a straightened back by rolling them forward or backward.

Lower Body

• Upper legs should be free of tension but engaged in balance and ready for movement.
• Knees should be as straight as possible without locking them.
• The lower legs and feet are where the majority of the balance work takes place.
• At this point there should be a direct line between the heels, hips, shoulders and ears.

Carriage

• The proper carriage involves only the arms. It is important to keep the posture aligned as the instrument is carried in both carry and playing positions.
• A good method to work on the "arms only" method is start with the arms extended directly out from the shoulders and parallel with the ground creating a "T" position. Without moving anything but the arms slowly right fist in front of the face at nose level while placing the left hand over the right fist. The upper arm will be virtually parallel to the ground. Doing this slowly both in and out of this "playing" position will aid in internalizing the way proper posture feels and thus gaining muscle memory.
• When the instrument is introduced the process will need to be reviewed and refined to match elbow positions within each instrument family. Particular attention must be paid to the keep the left shoulder of flute players from rotating forward.
• Instrument angles are about 10 degrees above parallel. This is done by adjusting the arms and chin only. Never arch the back to raise the horn angle.

Feet

• The feet are the primary balance point for the posture. This is why I recommend a 45-60 degree angle created with the hells together and toes angled outward which provides a greater base for balance.

In the next installment we will deal with weight distribution relating to basic posture and movement. This is the most overlooked and misunderstood element in most marching technique.

Part 2 - Weight Distribution and Transfer>>>