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Marching Bass Drum in front?

Posted by Henn on 9/30/2025, 8:53 am

Greeting fellows! So I have a really interesting (to me at least) situation. One of my Marching bass drummers on the field is struggling to see while marching. We tried to help them many times but the reality is it's not getting better. They are worried and super stressed. So I have a solution but I am hesitating on this decision. Should I put them on the front line with their marching bass drum stationary OR in the back field Stationary away from the marching. I am worry about the phasing is why I ask. Any and all advice is welcomed. Thanks!

Re: Marching Bass Drum in front?

Posted by BDSO on 10/1/2025, 11:45 am, in reply to "Marching Bass Drum in front?"

Back in the 1900's, I took a band to SMC with one kid playing four bass drums on a rack on the front side line (ended up putting all percussion, 2-snares, 1-tom, one cymbal on the sideline with the two mallet/aux players). Had to go this route after two bass drummers (siblings) moved and the other one failed. Borrowed the rack from a neighboring school and ended up buying one the next year. Balance and precision was fine. Didn't win SMC (or make the finals) but it wasn't because of the bass drums on the sideline. Now, this was a small school, so YMMV.

Re: Marching Bass Drum in front?

Posted by help on 10/1/2025, 8:57 am, in reply to "Marching Bass Drum in front?"

I think some people may be misunderstanding your question. Is it that he cannot see over the drum, or that he has vision problems?

Re: Marching Bass Drum in front?

Posted by Henn on 10/1/2025, 10:53 am, in reply to "Re: Marching Bass Drum in front?"

Sorry I wasn't clear, yes it is a vision problem. Eyesight isn't that great

Re: Marching Bass Drum in front?

Posted by Respectfully on 10/2/2025, 11:52 am, in reply to "Re: Marching Bass Drum in front?"

Involve your nurse. Get them glasses.

Re: Marching Bass Drum in front?

Posted by Solutions oriented on 9/30/2025, 3:41 pm, in reply to "Marching Bass Drum in front?"

Tonal basses don't belong in the front, nonnegotiable.

Bass in the back is better but not helpful if the rest of your battery is not also stationary.

Have you tried using smaller bass drums? You can still achieve lower intonation on a smaller drum.

Do you have a huge budget? This student is a good candidate for ergosonic bass drums, but it will seem strange if they are the only drum of that style on the line.

Have you tried a different kind of harness? The straps used in traditional military bass drum might give lower carriage and more visibility.

Visilite shells? (Kidding but maybe not)

Re: Marching Bass Drum in front?

Posted by ForeverN00B on 9/30/2025, 3:39 pm, in reply to "Marching Bass Drum in front?"

Also, not a fan of having them in the front. Really messes with the sound. Having them stationary in the back while the rest of the line is moving will seem very odd to a judge I would think.

Re: Marching Bass Drum in front?

Posted by ForeverN00B on 9/30/2025, 3:38 pm, in reply to "Marching Bass Drum in front?"

Unfortunately, they do not make periscopes for bass drums. I can think of a few solutions.

1 - Put them on a smaller drum. I know they've trained for that part of the multi-person instrument, but a smaller drum will allow them to see over.

2 - If the problem is on the marching field during show run, more reps and make folks around them aware that the drum will not stop for them if they're in the way because they can't see. (This should always be true anyway.) When it's not time for drill, have them remove the harness to one shoulder. This will allow them to carry the drum and see around. (This is how I carry them when moving place to place.) When learning drill, do away with the instrument and go with just the carrier until they're confident in the steps. Use peripheral vision to keep up with ranks around them in parade marching.

3 - When not on the marching field, have a friend escort them. Doesn't have to be the same person every time, but I'd recommend an upper classman who can "adopt" this student and help boost their confidence.

A LOT of us out there have had more than a fair share of bruises falling over something and onto the drum because of the nature of this beast. It's probably going to happen. Some things in life are like that. Best of luck! I look forward to hearing other suggestions!

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