A recent conversation with my friend, Greg Basham, reminded me of some important guidelines for contest performances which I have written about before but which could be helpful to revisit here today.
As you are making plans for the week of rehearsals before your next contest, remember that it is extremely important to work on these three moments in your show:
1) THE FIRST IMPACT. Your first musical statement needs to sound fantastic and be completely clean and impressive. First impressions are lasting, so take time to review this show impact, both music and drill, and make sure it’s “knocking socks off.”
2) THE BALLAD IMPACT. “The moment” in the ballad where the band plays the impact needs to sound phenomenal. This should be musical, emotional, with all good sounds, perfect balance, and great dynamics. This is likely the real climax of the show, and it needs to be memorable. Chill bumps mandatory. Make it happen!
3) THE ENDING. The end of the show is the last impression and will be clearly in the judges’ minds as they are putting down scores. Make sure the ending is spectacular and clean. Get every count of flagwork perfect, every interval impeccable, and make sure the music sounds great, building to a conclusion that makes everyone want to jump up and applaud. Your goal should always be to make the judge say “Wow” as you end your last note.
No matter what fires you have to put out, or how many drill moves you want to clean, make sure and take time to review these important moments with the band, pointing out their significance to everyone, so that every student has them clearly in mind as the show is performed. Taking a few minutes to prioritize these will pay off in huge dividends at the contest.
Now, GOOD LUCK!