Glide Steps in College Marching Bands: Commonality and Culture
When it comes to college marching bands, the dance and precision of the glide step have been a subject of interest for many viewers and participants. While this style is more prevalent in certain regions, it's a question many ask: do college marching bands indeed use glide steps?
The Glide Step in Action
The glide step, also known as corps-style marching, is a performance technique characterized by smooth, fluid movements. It’s often associated with drum corps and precision bands. A notable example is San Jose State University, where students perform an entire field show with minimal knee lifts, apart from choreographed sections. This form of marching is more prevalent in specific regions, and San Jose State serves as a prime example of how it can be incorporated into traditional college band performances.
College Band Diverse Backgrounds
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According to band enthusiasts and those familiar with the tradition, the use of glide steps in college marching bands is more common outside of the Big Ten Conference. This is partly due to the recruitment of talent from areas where corps-style or semi-corps-style bands are prevalent. In regions such as the Bay Area, where San Jose State is located, there is a strong music culture and numerous youth drum corps and marching bands. This background often leads to a smooth transition for college bands, embracing the glide step technique.
The Influence of Youth Drum Corps
Youth drum corps play a significant role in shaping the future of college marching bands. Many top college bands recruit members from these corps-style bands, ensuring a smoother transition into college settings. For instance, San Jose State, home to the Santa Clara Vanguard and the Concord Blue Devils, both well-known drum corps, benefits from a rich pipeline of talented performers.
Comparison with Big Ten
The Big Ten Conference represents a different culture of marching bands. These bands often employ a different style of marching, which may include more knee lifts and a more robust, energetic approach to music. This difference can be attributed to historical traditions and the specific style of music these bands perform. However, it’s worth noting that within this larger context, corps-style marching is still seen.
Conclusion
In summary, while not all college marching bands use glide steps, it is indeed common outside of the Big Ten. The influence of youth drum corps from corps-style backgrounds significantly contributes to this prevalence. As these bands grow and evolve, the style of marching, including glide steps, plays a crucial role in their performances, reflecting the musical and cultural traditions they carry forward.