This piece is based around an interesting structure - instead of trying to explain a massive, complicated entity like a marching band in the context of a story arc, the piece's producer gets out or our way and lets various people involved in the band tell the listener what goes on instead.
The problem with this, however, is that a lot of the knowledge is just dropped on the listener out of the blue: terms like "guard" and "drum major" are used quite frequently, and if you're not familiar with marching bands, it may be confusing for you, and require some close listening and guessing to follow the story.
But the point of the piece manages to shine through anyway: contrary to what "American Pie" would have us believe, band camp is about hard work and dedication, and at the end of the piece, I came away with a new appreciation for the discipline needed on every member's part.
Review of The Inner Workings of a High School Marching Band
Emily Raymond
Posted on July 19, 2006 at 10:11 AM
This piece is based around an interesting structure - instead of trying to explain a massive, complicated entity like a marching band in the context of a story arc, the piece's producer gets out or our way and lets various people involved in the band tell the listener what goes on instead.
The problem with this, however, is that a lot of the knowledge is just dropped on the listener out of the blue: terms like "guard" and "drum major" are used quite frequently, and if you're not familiar with marching bands, it may be confusing for you, and require some close listening and guessing to follow the story.
But the point of the piece manages to shine through anyway: contrary to what "American Pie" would have us believe, band camp is about hard work and dedication, and at the end of the piece, I came away with a new appreciation for the discipline needed on every member's part.