- Yes, Marching Band Belongs on the Field
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a sport is “a physical activity (such as hunting, fishing, running, swimming, etc.) that is done for enjoyment.” By that definition, marching band is as much a sport as football.
Many people view marching band as the activity done by musicians who aren’t physically fit enough to play soccer, baseball, or run cross-country. Although that is often true, marching band is in fact a physically trying activity.
Two weeks before the school year even starts, the marching band is at school rehearsing for six hours each day learning drill, memorizing music, and practicing technique.
Marching band is a complex sport that involves breaking down music into pieces and arranging it to constantly changing formations. Coupled with some heavy instruments such as the tenor saxophone, baritone, and sousaphone, marching band is serious physical activity. If you believe marching band isn’t difficult enough to be a sport, you are very wrong.
People will often argue that since marching band is not competitive, it can’t possibly be a sport, but, although this may be surprising, marching band is a competitive sport. The Long Beach Poly Marching Unit participated in four competitions within their league, and placed eighth within its division (4A) of the Southern California Judging Association (SCJA).
Some people contend that marching band is not a sport, but instead is an athletic event, which, when thought about, is a rather circular argument. Sports are events where athletes compete, and an athletic event is an event where athletes compete. So, arguing a difference is illogical.
Marching band requires skill and a certain level of physical fitness in order to succeed, just like any other sport. It has rules and regulations that have to be followed and traditions that are faithfully practiced by members. Although marching band obviously doesn’t have the physical contact aspect like soccer, hockey, and football, it does call for the same dedication and practice.
Marching band in many respects is more labor intensive than some sports that are regularly covered on the sports page of the High Life, such as golf. Members of marching band receive physical education credits like other sports, so there is no good reason marching band shouldn’t be labeled a sport.
No, They Should Stay in the Stands
Marching band is a classic icon at high schools, playing pieces during Friday-night football games and competing in weekend band tournaments. They provide an important vibe to the high school atmosphere. There are many people who voice opinions stating that marching band should be considered a sport. I, however, disagree and think marching band does not constitute a sport.
My criteria for a sport is a competition focused on athletic ability that has impartial scoring to determine a winner. This rules out activities such as math team or competitive fishing.
Marching band’s main focus is playing instruments together, and is an act of showmanship. For sports, the main focus is to compete against others and be the best. Marching band’s focus is to support the football team, provide encouragement for the crowd at games, and represent the school at public events like parades.
There are a number of activities that require physical strength to participate in, but not all these are considered sports.
There are a number of activities that require coordination and hand-eye coordination to excel at such as brain surgery and cutting vegetables, and, incidentally, marching while playing an instrument.
I am not denying the hard work required to be in a marching band. Marching bands practice for more hours than some sports and is very demanding, but it is a performing art, not a sport.
Marching band has competitions and involves scoring and beating other teams. However, this alone does not constitute it as a sport. Spelling bees are scored competitions with winners, but are not a sport.
There is a difference between sports and athletic events. I am not denying that some athletic competitions require more physical strength than sports, such as gymnastics and cheerleading, but they still do not constitute as sports. Marching band has judges who critique technique and musicality, but who do not enforce rules. This is similar to other music competitions where judges base the winner on who they like better, rather than simply who does the best.
Marching band is not a sport. This does not detract from the intense physical components of being in the marching band, but it simply does not count as a sport.