In this issue

The May/June/July 2021 issue of Halftime Magazine previews 2021 Drum Corps International shows, recaps 2021 WGI Sport of the Arts group competition, spotlights the Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, and provides an excerpt from “’90s Kids,” a young-adult, time-travel, romance novel featuring characters involved with the marching arts. Jump on the bandwagon with Halftime Magazine, which presents the sights, sounds, and spirit of the marching arts.

Vandegrift High School

When Mozart composed “The Magic Flute,” he likely didn’t envision a 386-member marching band and dance company performing the famous opera.

4 mins

Captain Of Her Own Destiny

During my first season of high school marching band as a freshman trumpet player at Clear Creek High School in League City, Texas, I hardly noticed the four girls twirling flags at the back of the field.

3 mins

VARSITY SPIRIT

A major new player has entered into the marching arts activity. See how Varsity Spirit, known for cheerleading apparel, competitions, and camps, has already made an impact to elevate the student experience.

7 mins

THE AMBULANCE ARENA

Know how and why to activate the Emergency Medical Service for your event.

2 mins

KEEP IN TOUCH

Group management tools help band directors communicate information, share photos, videos, and files, and even manage finances at their fingertips.

6 mins

TARPS ON THE FIELD

Used in various shapes, sizes, and colors, tarps help marching groups transform the football field into their own stage.

6 mins

THE DRUM MAJOR LIFECYCLE

From aspiring hopeful to drum major, from student to teacher, and from motivated to motivator, a drum major grows by leaps and bounds during her time on the podium with the University of Delaware and with the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy.

4 mins

SPIRIT & SYNERGY

With formations of giant stick figures doing the “floss,”

8 mins

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

The University of Southern California ( U S C )Trojan Marching Band (TMB) has many nicknames:

5 mins

REVIEWING GAME DAY SECURITY

Safety first! Both host and visiting bands must join forces with administrators and security personnel to create a positive event experience.

8 mins

The Uniqueness of Uniforms

Groups competing in Drum Corps International have spent the past few years tailoring their uniforms to each season’s show while still working to maintain elements of their corps’ signature look.

7 mins

People Over Product

With her commitment to solving problems and forming connections, two-year Phantom Regiment head conductor wins the 2019 Jim Jones Leadership Award.

5 mins

DCI Champions 2019

Portraying ghosts and The Beatles with journeys to the cultural underground and under the sea, the 2019 Drum Corps International winners took fans on a wild ride of evolution, transformation, and the pursuit of happiness.

10+ mins

Core Connections

Strengthen the legs, spine, and abs to lighten the load of carrying heavy instruments.

2 mins

Small But Mighty

Marching bands in rural locations make the most of limited resources to participate just as fully in the activity.

7 mins

Prepping for the Winter

Booster organizations shift gears at the end of the fall marching season, putting their focus on winter guard and indoor drumline.

3 mins

Note Worthy

WAGNER COLLEGE AND MORE IN THE MEDIA

6 mins

Missouri State University

With one year under his belt directing the Missouri State University Pride Marching Band, Dr. Bradley Snow follows in the footsteps of long-time director Jerry Hoover while continuing to increase membership and take the band to the next level of excellence.

4 mins

field of vision

aligned with their band directors on common goals and values, booster organizations can better promote their organizations’ cultures and support their long-term goals.

4 mins

Show of Unity

Joined by their love of music and a common cause, many marching bands find ways to collaborate during halftime even despite perceived rivalries.

7 mins

The Evolution of Plumes

As marching shows and uniforms have changed over the years, so too have plumes. Mainly white or black in the past, now plumes seem endlessly customizable to match the latest fashion and to surprise audiences.

7 mins

Dont Give Up

Encouraged by supportive directors, a struggling student overcomes personal and musical challenges to lead the band.

4 mins

Trip Prep

Booster organizations make careful plans to ensure excursions to out-of-town events go smoothly.

4 mins

Implementing the Student Succeeds Act

With ESSA as a guide, education accountability plans will be developed at the state and local levels. Many states are at different points in the process. Get ideas from the front-runners.

6 mins

Extended Drum Corps Family

After experiencing amazing acts of kindness from strangers, a drum corps drum major realizes the activity’s biggest benefits.

4 mins

In The Social Media Craze

Bands are jumping on the bandwagon of the latest online trends.

7 mins

All the Fun Without the Fuss

To some young adults, alcohol may seem like an unavoidable part of their college experience. Marching bands across the country are finding solutions that keep their members safe and performing at their best.

6 mins

Marching For MLK Day

Everyone loves a parade. Participating in a parade for Martin Luther King Jr. Day is even more fitting to celebrate his message of inclusion.

5 mins

University of Washington Husky Marching Band

For the first time in seven years, the entire marching band from the University of Washington traveled to a bowl game.

5 mins

Old Kids In The Block

Participating in the marching arts is not just for the young but can also be for the young at heart. Even if you go away from the activity, you might find yourself being easily welcomed back.

7 mins

Read all stories from Halftime Magazine

Halftime Magazine Description:

Halftime Magazine® is the only lifestyle publication that presents the sights, sounds and spirit of all the marching arts in a highly visual format. Our mission involves education, entertainment and inspiration for marching instructors, students, parents, alumni and fans. Covering high school, college, drum corps, winter guard, indoor percussion and all-age groups, Halftime Magazine showcases our common bonds: our pride as we march to the field, our spirit as we support our athletic teams, and our feelings of accomplishment after every performance. At the same time, Halftime Magazine celebrates personal stories and challenges. We believe that every group and every person has a story.