Great video as always. I appreciate you for being one of the very few to post badger band content on RU-vid over the last few years. I enjoy your cover videos as well. Eat A Rock and On, Wisconsin!
They’re alternates, since there’s only 190 spots for pregame they march at halftime. Some get half spots some get no spots based on numbers and how well you can march
From a Michigan site: “Like in most Big Ten bands, the MMB drum major is not a conducting position. The drum major provides whistle commands to provide song tempos and parade instructions. While it is not required of the position, most drum majors perform twirling routines during the halftime show. The drum major is also responsible for teaching proper marching techniques during Band Week. The drum major is best known for the back bend performed during pregame.”
Big 10 was based on military style and based on my knowledge the drum majors of say the marine band lead the band and are more a group representative for the band. Like the commandant’s own the drum major leads with a mace and doesn’t conduct. So the big 10 has continued that model.
Some answers I have gotten from fellow UW Band alumni: "Short answer: If it was easy anyone could do it. Eat a Rock!" "Because we aren't the south. I'm not sure you need more of an answer than that." "Marching bands in the south typically adhere more to drum corps style. I’m an alumni who’s lived in Texas for over 30 years and they’ve always been drum corps clones." "Because in a MARCHING band, the major marches- they lead by example. The band director directs. In a walking band, people don't necessarily even carry their own instruments, much less move around the field."
