Pink Poogle Toy Forum

Okay, so it's my second year in band, and this is my first parade I'll be in! ^.^; It's a REALLY big parade though (10,000 people watch it) so I'm really nervous.

First off, for all the percussionists out there, is there any way to help my shoulders with the weight? I wore the snare drum harness for the first time yesterday for our first marching practice, and my shoulders are sore.

In general, does anyone have any tips? We're going to be playing for 30-45 minutes, constantly marching, and since I'm a percussionist I have to play the entire time, whereas the rest of the band gets to rest during our cadence. @_@; Also, it'll be in the Texas heat, so is there any way to help me keep cool? We're not allowed to wear sunglasses or hats though, so I'm out of luck as far as keeping the sun out of my eyes go.

Well, I'm in band too, but the only parade I've been in was the Christmas Parade (twice) and it was freezing then,but I do have practices out in the Florida heat and have halftime shows to do in wool longsleve uniforms, but on top of that I play flute, so I might not be much help.

Drink lots of water,and then go to the bathroom as close to the beginning as possible.

Take deep breaths if you're nervous

And if you have hair that covers your neck,see if you're allowed to tie it up, that helps alot.

And lastly, imagine you're in Alasaka...it works sometimes

Good Luck

Oooh... that sounds so fun. Well, I don't have any tips, seeing as I only play flute and sometimes mallet percussion, but it sounds very fun. I wished I played percussion in front of flute, I'm so bad at flute because I can't breathe very well and I can't play the high notes. I suppose practise makes perfect, though (that goes for you too =P).

Good luck, and have fun!

Only that much practice time? My band usually take a lot more, but still not much for parades.

If you can bring the drum home, try wearing it a bit to get used to the weight. As said, drink lots of water, and also be sure you get a decent meal before the parade. Low blood sugar has given me problems, too. I don't have any suggestions for fatigure though, as I play clarinet (and bassoon, but I don't march with that) and can be sneaky and stop playing if I feel tired, and no one will notice.

I forgot all about the decent meal..make sure you have that, and be sure it has protien in it so your blood sugar dosent drop. (I can be sneaky and stop playing too )