I need some guidance.
I am the director of a 3A marching band program that has achieved a 1st division. However, after competing at Area and observing the bands at State, it is obvious that we must expand our front ensemble.
There were no electronics at all in our show. None of the soloists used mics.
We own one marimba and one set of vibes. Maybe an additional marimba is feasible for next year. We also need the set-up with suspended cymbals and the like. Right now we have three students in the front. They are good players. They will all be returning next year.
Percussion and electronics are weak areas for me as a director. Fortunately, I have some really good help in the percussion area, but not a full time director.
What electronics should I invest in? Speakers, sound board, mics?
This is so incredibly out of my comfort zone, I am very old school (52 yrs old). The asst. director also has very little experience in this area. But these students deserve the opportunity to be competitive. We’ve already made great strides, including a more contemporary approach to the marching show, but we have to do more. I’m willing to take the leap.
Where do I start?