How to Master Stagger-Breathing Techniques in Marching Bands

The simple truth is this: your band will not sound good if they don’t make a conscious effort to maintain a body full of air! In marching band, as directors, we must constantly monitor and be aware of this fact, and provide strategies for students to keep their bodies full of air. That’s where the concept of “stagger breathing” comes into play.

“Stagger Breathing” is a strategy where members of your ensemble breathe at different times, creating the aural illusion that the sound continues without gaps or breaths. Here’s how to implement this technique effectively with your band.

Stagger Breathing During Musical Phrases

When a phrase of music is played, it’s often full of various note durations, like quarter notes, half notes, eighth notes, etc. Should rests be part of the phrase of sufficient frequency and length, employing stagger breathing won’t be necessary, as students can simply keep their bodies full of air by breathing in the rests. However, in the absence of sufficient rest, apply a stagger breathing strategy.

1. Assign Breathers: Assign students to be an “early” breather, a “middle” breather, or a “late” breather. These assignments should be as balanced as possible, such that each group (early/middle/late) has an equal number of players for each part, with similar strengths.
2. Designate Breathing Spots: Assign each breathing spot group to a breathing place. In this case, students will leave out one entire beat (approximately quarter note length, depending on the tempo).
3. Rehearse Separately: Rehearse each breathing group separately so you, as the director, can hear the breathing spot in unison.
4. Combine Groups: Once confident that all groups understand their breathing assignment, play together.

Stagger Breathing During Long Notes

During long, loud impacts, students have to have places to breathe! To accomplish this, use the same strategy as above, with one significant change: students will need to “sneak out” and “sneak in” to the sound.

For example, let’s say we have a 16-count tone, at 168 beats per minute tempo…

1. Remember Assignments: Ensure students remember their breathing assignment group (early, middle, or late!).
2. Designate Breathing Spot: Assign the breathing spot for this note:
   • Early breathers should breathe on count 4. This means they “sneak out” (decrescendo) during beat 3, breathe on 4, and “sneak in” (crescendo) on beat 5, resuming normal volume by beat 6.
   • Middle breathers should breathe on count 8. This means they “sneak out” (decrescendo) during beat 7, breathe on 8, and “sneak in” (crescendo) on beat 9, resuming normal volume by beat 10.
   • Late breathers should breathe on count 12. This means they “sneak out” (decrescendo) during beat 11, breathe on 12, and “sneak in” (crescendo) on beat 13, resuming normal volume by beat 14.
3. Rehearse Separately: Rehearse each breathing group separately so you, as the director, can hear the breathing spot in unison.
4. Combine Groups: Once confident that all groups understand their breathing assignment, play together.

Elevating Your Ensemble’s Musical Brilliance

Mastering stagger-breathing techniques offers your marching band an avenue to sonic excellence. With meticulous practice and thoughtful implementation, your ensemble can achieve remarkable musical continuity and captivating performances that resonate with audiences. Elevate your marching band’s impact by embracing the art of stagger breathing.

Incorporating these strategies into your band rehearsals will improve your band’s sound and enhance its overall performance quality.