Welcome to Marching Band!
Milton High School
What is Marching Band?
A modern competitive marching band — the field-show style — is a performing ensemble with four main components:
- Winds
The marching brass and woodwinds — trumpets, mellophones, trombones, baritones, sousaphones/tubas, flutes, clarinets, saxophones. These players move in drill formations on the field while playing.
- Battery Percussion
The marching drumline that moves with the winds: snares, tenors (quads), bass drums (usually a graduated line of 4–5), and sometimes marching cymbals.
- Front Ensemble (the "Pit")
Stationary percussion set up at the front sideline: marimbas, vibraphones, xylophone, timpani, drum set, auxiliary percussion, and often electronics/synthesizers. They don't march — they anchor the harmonic and textural foundation.
- Colorguard
The visual ensemble that performs with flags, rifles, sabres, and dance/movement, interpreting the music and show concept visually. Sometimes called the "auxiliary" or just "guard."
Together these four sections form what's often called a competitive marching band or field show ensemble — the format used by BOA (Bands of America), state marching festivals, and the style that feeds into DCI-adjacent pageantry. It's distinct from a traditional military-style marching band (which usually has no pit and no guard) and from a scramble/corps-style band without a front ensemble.
Fall 2026 — How to Join Colorguard
Fall 2026 — How to Join to Play an Instrument
Come check us out! No previous experience required — we'll help you find your place in the band.
Kickoff Schedule
Tuesday, April 21
- Marching Band Kickoff Day (Brass/Woodwinds) — 4:30–6:00 PM
- MB Percussion Kickoff Day 1 — 4:30–7:00 PM
Wednesday, April 22
- MB Percussion Kickoff Day 2 — 4:30–7:00 PM
Thursday, April 23
- MB Percussion Kickoff Day 3 — 4:30–7:00 PM
Questions? Reach out to director@miltonband.org.
