The Integration of Dance and Marching Band

“...the body itself shall play the role of intermediary between sound and
thought, becoming in time the direct medium of our feelings - aural sensations
being reinforced by all those called into being by the multiple agents of
vibration and resonance lying dormant in our bodies;....muscular dynamics
interpreting those dictated by musical emotions.” (Lewis, 1998, p. 113).
This quote epitomizes the use of dance with music. As we hear music on the marching
field, the newest form of marching band brings together music and dance. This paper will discuss
the integration of classical dance and body movement onto the marching band field through the
historical aspects of movement and marching band, the connection of dance and music education,
learning basics in marching, and ways to teach body movement and dance to your marching band.