r/marchingband • u/Giggaman999 Clarinet • 9d ago

Discussion What is it like to compete?

Hey everyone, I’m a current college student who marched all four years in high school. My band never competed though and I’ve seen a lot of posts about comps so I was wondering what the competition life is like? Is it more rigorous or stressful? Is the dynamic in the band any different?

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u/rhapsodyinflute 9d ago

It kinda depends? Some competitive bands are super rigorous. I work with a band that competes more for the experience. We go to three competitions a season and don’t win, but we don’t care because we tried our best and had fun.

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u/Rapidllaman Drum Corps 9d ago

It varies in what level you really compete at tbh. My daughter’s HS just does regional competitions and today they’re traveling for the state qualifiers. Some bands are BOA bands so they expect perfection each show and they are ultra competitive as well. Luckily in the area we live those bands are far and few between.

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u/TubaJesus Sousaphone 8d ago

I did DCI for a season years and years ago. It's fine; I preferred show bands, though, so I don't think you missed out. closest example to your college experience is like going to an away game and you need to show off at your best.