Leprechauns aren’t the only ones with a special day this month – March 4^th is National Marching Music Day!  #marchforth celebrates marching music in all its forms.  It honors talented musicians who compose and perform the toe-tapping tunes that keep our military moving and our stadiums rocking.

A Little Marching Band History

Everyone gets excited when the band starts to play.  There’s something about that rhythmic tattoo that inspires sports teams to victory, energizes cheering fans, and keeps the crowds clapping at a hometown parade.

But do you know how marching bands started?

Celebrate 13^th Century Style

Surprisingly, it was during the 13^th century when the Ottoman Empire conquered much of southern Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East.  The military marched using 5 instruments to celebrate victory and “demoralize” the enemy:

• Davul (bass drum)
• Zurna (shrill pipe)
• Zil (cymbal)
• Bugle
• Nakare (small kettle drum)

Revolutionary Roots

Fast forward a few hundred years (and through countless international wars) to the American Revolution.  That’s when the traditional marching band with which most of us are familiar took shape.

Teenagers who were too young to fight would often lead troops with a fife and drum.  These instruments made shrill sounds that carried across battlefields.  They were used to both communicate with troops and drill new soldiers on the move.

Keeping Things Civil

By the time the Civil War tore a young America apart, the bugle joined fife and drum. Its distinct sound could be heard above firing muskets and booming artillery.  Its blare was incredibly effective in getting the soldiers’ attention and signaling commands.

In addition, young soldiers would play the troops awake or wrap up the day.  We now call these cadences “Reveille” and “Taps.”

Marching Forth

Toward the end of the 19^th century and into the early 20^th, John Phillip Sousa moved marching bands from the battlefield to the mainstream.

He led the U.S. Marine Band for 12 years, making it the finest in the world.  He then tackled the civilian world, becoming known as the “March King.”  He performed across America and around the globe with his marching band, playing with perfection and dazzling the crowds.

What Can You Do to Celebrate #marchforth?

Marching bands have been an integral part of our lives for centuries – let’s celebrate that legacy this March 4^th!

Here are 6 great ways to commemorate the day…

However you celebrate, be sure you give a shout-out to the talented musicians who bring joy to the field on Friday nights or compel you to clap along on the parade route!  

#marchforth!!

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updated Feb 2024