Posture and Definitions
Written by Craig Armstrong; Adapted by Sid Hearn

In order to understand and properly execute drill and movement on the performance stage, it is important for all performers to operate from the same conceptual understanding.

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Posture:  Standing with a uniform style to the ensemble.  Also referred to as standing up, style, look, and presence.  The ability to stand up correctly is an essential component of both playing and marching that must be mastered. Incorrect posture can put unwanted strain on the lower back, diaphragm and upper airway, distorting the sound and look of the ensemble. Each individual must learn how it feels to stand up correctly.

Only when the art of standing has been mastered, can a performer attempt correct posture while in motion. Correct posture will make it easier to hold/use equipment and to perform for longer periods of time.  Use "The Hindu" exercise to learn correct posture.

Coordinates: The physical location of the performer on the stage.  Also referred to as location, drill set, drill coordinate, page, spot, or dot.  A "dot" usually includes an X (horizontal) and Y (vertical) coordinate.  On a football field, the X coordinate is based on the performer's relationship to the yard lines.  The Y coordinate is based on the performer's relationship to the front sideline or front hash.  The back hash should never be used as a reference as the back hash on football fields do not line up mathematically with the 22.5-inch grid on which marching shows are designed.
Example coordinates: 2-steps inside the 45 Side 2, 4-steps in front of the Hash.

Interval: The space between two individuals. Also referred to as spacing. For example, a "2-step interval" is 45 inches or two 8-to-5 steps between two individual performers. Every performer should know the interval to adjacent performers for every moment in the show.  It is of extreme importance that intervals be maintained while moving, and not just at checkpoints like drill sets.  At any given moment in the show, the performer's eyes must be scanning form...drum major...form...drum major...form...drum major, etc.
Common intervals for WINDS: 2-step interval, 2.5-step interval 3-step interval, 4-step interval
Common intervals for PERCUSSION: 2-step interval (snares), 2.5-step interval (snares); 3-step interval (basses and tenors), 3.5-step interval (basses and tenors); 4-step interval (tenors).
Common intervals for COLORGUARD: 4-step interval (sabres and rifles), 6-step interval (flags, rifles, sabres), 8-step interval (flags)

Step-Size: The size of one step between two coordinates.  Performers must take evenly sized steps between "dots."  Variations in step-size cause spatial problems between performers. Performers often take steps that are too large at the beginning of a phrase, and too small near the end of a phrase as the performer nears their "dot."  A decrease in step-size is often accompanied by an unintentional slowing of foot timing.  This phenomenon is compounded when preparing for effort changes (step-size, tempo, direction, etc.)  Changes of step-size from phrase to phrase need to be immediate and must be done together as an ensemble. Controlling the body, inertia and proper foot placements accommodate good spacing.
Common step-sizes: 8-to-5 (22.5 inch basic step size); 6-to-5 (comfortable forward and backward and requires more extension from the performer so it looks more appealing and has less variation from performer to performer); 5-to-5 (a little large for backward steps); 4-to-5 (requires "jazz run" steps, should only be attempted forward).

Pathway: The direction of movement between two coordinates. Also referred to as direction or path.  Most pathways are a straight line from point A to point B.  Occasionally, cleaning considerations will require performers to "round" or vary their pathway. Velocity, inertia, improper foot placements and poor body control contribute to erroneous pathways. 
Example: 3 baritones are marching from point A to point B and accurately hitting both "dots."  During the move, baritone 2 takes a slightly curved path toward point B.  Spatial problems occur with baritones 1 and 3 even though all performers are perfect on coordinates for A and B.

Dress:  Performers who serve as visual checkpoints for other performers.  Also referred to as dress points, guides, guide points and check points.  Performers should always know the direction of dress from which they will guide their spacing for each move.  There are many different methods of teaching and cleaning drill.  All have strengths and weaknesses.  Consistency in using a method is the key to success.  Many instructors inconsistently correct performers for either not being on a "dot" or not "dressing."  These techniques should be prioritized for your students to avoid confusion.  When dressing a drill form, one must look down the form at least 2 or 3 people to estimate the correct angle of the form.  MOST FORM ERRORS that occur, happen because performers do not dress during movement and opt to wait until they are at a certain checkpoint to "dress."  At any given moment in the show, the performer's eyes must be scanning form...drum major...form...drum major...form...drum major, etc.

CIRCLE DRILL incorporates all of these concepts into a series of exercises and provides a way for each performer to enhance their skills relating to the concepts of SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS, INTERVALS, and PATHWAYS.

Circledrill.com Exercises

Click the following links for instructions for each exercise.

MOVEMENT EXERCISES

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