Summary

In this episode of Bandstand, Dr. Nola Jones, Jordan Lalama, and David Aydelott discuss the importance of designing for bands and the challenges that come with it. They emphasize the need to consider how the band is perceived by the audience and the importance of creating a positive and inviting atmosphere. They also discuss the importance of balance and contrast in designing a show, as well as the need for coordination between musical and visual elements. They highlight the significance of planning and making wise decisions early on to avoid October problems. Finally, they touch on the use of props and set design, emphasizing the need for coordination and alignment with the overall concept of the show. The guests discuss the importance of coordination and effective transitions in marching band shows. They emphasize the need for a cohesive musical score that works together and contributes to the greater whole. They highlight the significance of focusing on coordinating minutes rather than moments and creating seamless transitions that are not obvious. They also discuss the role of visual art references, negative space, and the use of speed, color, and mass to create focus. The conversation concludes with advice for young designers and directors on creating engaging shows and setting realistic expectations.

Keywords

designing for small bands, audience perception, positive atmosphere, balance and contrast, coordination, planning, wise decisions, October problems, props and set design, marching band, coordination, transitions, musical score, focus, visual art, negative space, speed, color, mass, engaging shows, realistic expectations

Takeaways

• Consider how the band is perceived by the audience and create a positive and inviting atmosphere.


• Balance and contrast are key in designing a show.


• Coordination between musical and visual elements is crucial for a well-coordinated performance.


• Plan and make wise decisions early on to avoid October problems.


• Props and set design should be coordinated and aligned with the overall concept of the show. Effective coordination and transitions are crucial in marching band shows.


• A cohesive musical score that works together is essential for a successful performance.


• Focusing on coordinating minutes rather than moments creates a seamless and engaging show.


• Visual art references and the use of negative space, speed, color, and mass can help create focus.


• Young designers and directors should set realistic expectations and focus on incremental growth.


• There are many resources available, such as YouTube and Dynamic Marching, to help with designing and teaching marching band shows.

Sound Bites

• "Consider how it looks from the non-band person's perspective"


• "The most important thing is that they be memorable"


• "It looks like they need to have a staff meeting."


• "Not every musical transition needs to be percussion."


• "Our goal should be that we can't even identify transitions."

Resources

Aristotle's Elements of Drama

Design Basics, David A. Lauer

Picture This, Molly Bang

Carolina Crown 2017 "It Is"

Ambassadors of Harmony, Seventy-Six Trombones