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electronics

Posted by Anon on 2/3/2025, 2:44 pm

ARGH!!!

Is it not possible to find a halftime show without a bunch of electro-crap sound effects anymore?!? Even for a 2A band?!!?

Re: electronics

Posted by Formerly 2A on 2/4/2025, 1:25 pm, in reply to "electronics"

It is possible but it is becoming the standard to have certain elements, such as electronics, in a field show. At the same time, they have to be integrated well and compliment good tone quality.

I was fortunate to judge several contests last fall and noticed that lots of schools are leaning heavily on sound effects and amplification of soloists and small ensembles. Most of the groups I judged had some sort of technical issue or problems with balancing the tech stuff with the winds. It certainly does add another level of complexity but it can really enhance the show if done right.

Reach out to someone close by to see if they can help set you up. It sounds like you're at a 2A school so "close by" might mean 40 miles away. But that director may need help with something within your area of expertise. Best wishes!

Re: electronics

Posted by Luke McMillan on 2/4/2025, 12:50 pm, in reply to "electronics"

If you find a marching show that you love that has electronics (and you don't want to use electronics equipment in your show), it would be worth having a conversation with the arranger to see if it would work without them. We have optional electronics packages for several of our shows at the request of the commissioning client, but our shows will sound great even if you don't use the included optional electronics package. Any arranger who understands 2A bands will know that not all bands have electronics capabilities, and if needed, will likely work with you to modify the show to work without them!

Re: electronics

Posted by optional on 2/4/2025, 8:58 am, in reply to "electronics"

I dont know what you have listened to, but a lot of the ones I see have them in the recording but they are optional add ons.
Find an arranger you like and communicate your wants/needs. Most are happy to give you want you want, or fix things for you.

Re: electronics

Posted by small school on 2/4/2025, 8:27 am, in reply to "electronics"

Anson had a really neat Peanuts show this past year they did from the old POP arrangements of Linus and Lucy/etc.

You can remove sound effects and still present the show effectively. I'm not too fond of sound effect files, but a keyboard bass is nice to beef up if you're lacking tuba on the field.

Re: electronics

Posted by Me on 2/4/2025, 7:45 am, in reply to "electronics"

You're welcome to march military, for one.

For two, yes, it's quite possible to find shows without electronics. Contact people who specialize in small school shows and explain to them your situation, and they likely have shows written 10-15 years ago that could accommodate you.

For three, whether we like it or not, this is the evolution of top-level marching band. Just like in the early 1960s, when DCI introduced contrabasses, or in the early 2000s, when they switched to Bb horns. It's going to trickle down, which it has.

Finally, I've never heard of or seen a school that earned a 1 or didn't earn a 1 at UIL solely because of their electronics. You may not advance at area, but given you're a 2A school, I'd say you still have a good shot even without.

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