Marching band is known for performing in a coordinated and spirited manner to entertain the audience. Well, all the marching band participants, as well as lovers, want this activity to be recognized as a sport.  Another question which arises out of this is,”what is the definition of a sport?” How would you classify a given physical activity a sport? There are a number of games which are played all over the world at the international level. On the other hand, there are also a few activities which despite requiring a lot of exertion do not get categorized as a sport. One of these physical activities is marching band. In this post, we will throw light on all the points to answer the question, “why is marching band a sport?”

Definition of a Sport

Before giving explanations to prove “why is marching band a sport?”, we will discuss the definition of a sport. Well, any physical activity which leads to an exertion of body and requires skills to do tasks according to a given set of rules is considered as a sport. While marching band activity can simply be defined as playing music by a group of people while marching on the ground from one side to other. There is a serious debate over categorizing marching band as a sport.

Here two types of thinking work. One considers marching band just as a musical activity and does not value it as an athletic activity. On the other hand, the other set of thoughts are fighting an intense battle to get marching band activity recognized as a sport. Below we have enlisted a number of factors which simply proves that the marching band is as difficult to perform as any other sports activity.

Reasons Why Marching Band is a Sport

Just like other sports games such as cricket, football, basketball, the performance of the marching band requires a lot of efforts. Marching band performance not only demands the physical robustness of a participant but also it requires the right mental coordination of the brain. Here are some of the factors which prove that the Marching band activity is indeed a sport:

• Competition Between Teams – There is a stiff competition between various marching band teams and every team tries his level best to impress the crowd with its skills. It simply answers the question, “why is marching band a sport?”. Not only do they compete while doing marching shows but also participate in the parade portion to perform better than the other team. All this seems amazing and easy while watching but these efforts require a person to be physically fit. Members of a marching band undergo a tough testing before getting a place in the final squad. It is not easy for a marching band to do an intense physical activity and play music in coordination at the same time while competing with the other team.

• Need to Practice – Many people don’t know the fact that marching band requires rehearsals and practices by teams on daily basis to perfect themselves in their task. Days are decided for each team to practice so that every team gets a proper time to sharpen their skills. Isn’t this thing similar to other popular sports in the world? Like many other sports, marching band also have to devote finite hours on daily basis to practice. The routine is not like school hours, around 3-4 hours must be reserved to practice it.
• Intense Physical Activity – Just like other sports, marching band also requires a lot of physical activity in the musical performance. Every time, the endurance, as well as the muscle strength of the band members, is tested. It is not an easy task to hold a heavy instrument on arms and perform simultaneously in full coordination for the entire period. Also, the weight of the uniform is heavy to handle while performing with a band.
  One of the challenges is to ensure the proper supply of oxygen during the performance. This is because a marching team has to hustle from one end to other while making uniform body movements. In other sports also, the physical strength is tested on various grounds during the game. This is the strongest evidence to answer the question,”why is marching band a sport?’

More Reasons –

• Proper Uniform and Equipment – Another characteristic of marching band which resembles it as a sport is the use of uniform and equipment in it. While performing in a band, every participant wears a heavy uniform on his body. It is very difficult to imagine how one agrees to put on a heavy uniform in the summer season also. Also, various instruments and types of equipment are used by every performer while doing the show. Marching bands use props for themed shows and instruments for the actual members.
• Source of Entertainment – Not only the shows of marching bands but also their performances in the other sports are a great source of entertainment for people. Parades perform by a marching band are enjoyed by people. The uniform and coordinating movement of every band member, as well as the beautiful sound of music, give delight to heart.

• Requires Skill – It is not at all an easy task to move and play music simultaneously. Marching band tests concentration and coordination of every performer. Every person needs to calculated step according to the music. Not only they need to learn every line of music but also adjust their body in uniformity with other members. This really requires a lot of skills and one needs to master it whole-heartily to execute his task well.
• Involves Injuries – Many people are unaware of the fact that marching band members suffer injuries just like other players in sports. The types of injuries they go through are a lumbar pain, thoracic pain, and chest pain. Other health problems they face include headaches, shortness of breath, upper-extremity pain and sensory symptoms. Also, the heavy instruments they carry on their body puts a lot of load on them which leads to some sort of discomfort due to stress on the body.

So, these are the popular reasons which prove, “why is marching band a sport?”. Marching band lovers across the world are trying to spread awareness about it. Various supports are appealing to the higher sports authorities to avail this game the status of being a sport. We hope you would agree to the point that marching band is a sports article. Also, there is no significant point which can prove why marching band is not a sport.