#March4 into National Marching Music Day

Time to shake the dust-off instrument cases, get excited, and #March4 into a new season of music!

What is #March 4?

Today is National Marching Music Day and students everywhere are tuning up their instruments!  College and high school marching programs, industry partners, educational and trade organizations, and Drum Corps International are celebrating music and the role it plays in enriching our lives.  #March4 is part of the larger #BeBandReady and #KeepPlaying campaign to prepare students for a triumphant return to performing!

Why is it Important?

Today is about focusing on the future and getting students excited about marching music and performance programs again.  As restrictions begin to ease, and students return to classrooms, it’s time to revive and recharge music education.

“It’s no secret that over the past year, students have missed out on many activities due to restrictions put in place to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said steering committee member Dr. Eric Wiltshire, Director of Athletic Bands, University of Oregon. “The musical athletes of bands, color guards and percussion ensembles are no exception to the millions of young people around the world who have had to seek alternative methods of refining their craft, developing their skills and stoking their passions while learning and performing.”

Music programs suffered a tremendous blow during the pandemic.  Students who would normally be taking part in spring concerts, jazz festivals, and preparing for summer band camp are simply trying to reacclimate to being in a school building with other students.

It’s a strange and uncertain time for many, with guidelines changing on a nearly daily basis.  However, as vaccines are distributed and COVID cases dropping, the time is right for a collaborative push back into the performance spotlight!

#BeBandReady and #KeepPlaying steering committee member Tyson Wooters stated,

“Through the #BeBandReady and #KeepPlaying project, our goal is to get performing arts students back into the swing of things through a series of fun and interactive activities aimed at building momentum towards band camp and a fall season sharing the activities they love.”

How KA is Helping

Organizations like Kaleidoscope Adventures couldn’t agree more.  They’re supporting the movement to energize performance programs and helping students re-engage with the music that inspires them.

Listen in to our partner podcasts The Global Bandroom, After Sectionals, and Everything Band for great motivational tips.

Check out our blog for helpful resources for directors, parents, and students as well!

How You Can Be Part of the Movement

Schools and organizations that want to be part of the #BeBandReady and #KeepPlaying movement can access social media graphics, educational materials, and additional resources designed to inspire students and build excitement for a much-anticipated return to music and performance.

Presenting partner Ultimate Drill Book will help coordinate and create a wide variety of engaging program information.

Bands and organizations wishing to join the growing list of participating groups committed to supporting the #BeBandReady and #KeepPlaying campaign—and a successful 2021 marching band season—can sign up by visiting BeBandReady.com.

#March4 into the best marching season yet!