Marching band fundamentals, plus exercises written for your show.
I study your music, find the passages your band will struggle with, and write Show Articulation exercises from them. They come with the fundamentals program I ran with my own bands for nine years and a Director's Guide with your school's name on it that explains how and why to run it.
For high school bands, with any music, whoever arranged it. Not sure yet? Book a free 30-minute call.
Your hardest passages, rehearsed every day.
A warm-up book can't know where your show will give your band trouble. I go through your score, pick out those passages, and write each one as an exercise that isolates the rhythm, style and dynamics, so students rehearse the hard part every day before they march it.
- Written by me, for your showI write every Show Articulation exercise myself, from your score. No two packages have the same ones.
- A program I trustThe long tones, articulation, flexibility, dynamics and stagger breathing are the program I ran with my own bands at Cedar Park.
- The why, not just the whatThe Director's Guide explains how to run each exercise and why it works, so your staff teaches it the same way.
Everything you need to run it from day one
Show Articulation exercises
Usually 4 to 6, written by me from the hardest passages in your music, in full score and parts for every wind section.
The fundamentals program
Long tones, articulation, flexibility, dynamics and stagger breathing: the program I ran with my own bands, in full score and parts.
The Director's Guide
A 48-page PDF with your school's name on it. How to run each exercise and why, teaching notes, and example rehearsal schedules and tempo calendars.
Here's a real package. Tap any page to see it full size.
Three steps, then you rehearse
- Step 1Fill out the form belowTell me about your band and the music you're performing this year. Mine or anyone else's is fine.
- Step 2Send your scoreI go through your score, mark the passages that will give your students trouble, and write your Show Articulation exercises from them.
- Step 3Start rehearsingUsually about two weeks after I have your final score, you get your Show Articulation exercises, the full program and the Director's Guide together, ready to print and hand out.
Rehearse your hardest passages from the first week.
Show Articulation exercises written for your music, the full fundamentals program, and the Director's Guide.
I ran these exercises for nine years.
I'm Evan VanDoren. I was a band director at Cedar Park High School in Texas for nine years, where we won three UIL State Marching Championships and made two Bands of America Grand National Finals.
I learned many of these techniques as a performer and brass staff member with Carolina Crown, and I use many of the same techniques today alongside the brass faculty at the Santa Clara Vanguard, where I'm the brass arranger. I also write marching band shows for bands across the country.
The program in this package is the one I used with my own bands: short, simple, and focused on playing well while marching. The part I write for you is the Show Articulation exercises, so your band practices its own show every day.
Before you start
What's written just for my band?
The Show Articulation exercises, usually 4 to 6. I write those from your music. The rest of the program is the set of exercises I trust and used with my own bands, and the Director's Guide comes with your school's name on it.
How long does it take?
Usually about two weeks after I have your final score.
Who is it for?
High school marching bands. The program, the guide and the Show Articulation exercises are written for high school players and staffs.
I'm getting my show from you. Can I add this?
Yes. Pick Music Fundamentals on your quote, and I'll write your Show Articulation exercises after your music is delivered. See my marching band shows.
Does my music have to be yours?
No. I can write Show Articulation exercises from any band's music, whoever arranged it.
Why not just use a warm-up book or a free packet?
A good warm-up book or a university packet can build fundamentals, but neither one knows your show. You get a program I trust, a guide that explains it, and exercises built from the exact passages your band will be marching.
When should I order?
Once your music is close to final, since the Show Articulation exercises come straight from it.
Which instruments are included?
Every wind section: flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto, tenor and baritone sax, trumpet, horn, trombone and euphonium, and tuba. It doesn't include percussion.
How hard are the exercises?
Intentionally simple. Your band should be able to play them on day one, so rehearsal time goes into playing them well while marching.
Can my staff use the guide?
Yes. The guide and the parts are for your whole program for the school year, so print what your staff and students need.
How do I pay?
You'll get an invoice. Checks and purchase orders are both fine.
Start your fundamentals package
Fill this out and I'll email you with next steps and how to send your music.
Getting your show from me? Just pick Music Fundamentals on your quote. Have questions first? Book a free 30-minute call.
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My workbook for choosing music that fits the band you'll actually have in October. $29, with a free sample.
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