I hope when you read that word "tradition" you hear it in your head like it is in Fiddler on the Roof. At least that is the way I hear it said. hahaha
Tradition in it's simplest terms is a custom, or belief, that is passed down or passed on. A lot of the marching arts are rooted in tradition. The first drum corps were part of the military. We still keep some of those traditions alive through uniforms and marching drill.
That being said, the world changes and evolves and with it traditions can change and evolve as well to stay current. Drill formations are no longer only symmetric formations, blocks and company fronts. Movement is no longer only roll step marching. It is a multitude of different ways to move your feet and choreography. Brass instruments have valves and can play in multiple keys (if you go way back in the history of the instruments). The use of traditional uniforms has evolved into costuming. Mallet percussion instruments are grounded. Physical training has changed/been added as we have become more aware of the stress our activities put on peoples bodies. Amplification has been added to allow percussionist to play mallet, and auxiliary, instruments with proper technique and good sound quality.
I believe that all of those changes/evolutions listed above are positive changes. Side note - I know that not everyone feels this way, but look at orchestras, bands, sports, etc. Every activity has evolved since its inception to stay current and alive. Now as activities evolve, we as teachers have to evolve as well. I just think about my story. I started teaching just percussion, and really more focused on battery since I was more comfortable with that side. Then I turned into a front ensemble guy. When I made that change I have NO IDEA about electronics. Luckily, my first years of teaching independent groups I didn't have to worry about that. However, about 9 years ago I took over a group as the percussion director that was slightly into the electronics game. During my time there I learned Kontakt, how to plug in a digital mixer, then MainStage, then how to set-up the digital mixer, then how to actually use a digital mixer. When I took over I could have said, "I've always taught this way," but I didn't. I evolved because my students needed me to AND because I wanted to give them the experience they deserve. Honestly too, I didn't have anyone that could come do my electronics for me on a regular basis.
Now this post is not meant to push electronics, or the growth of electronics, but more to encourage us to look at traditions in our activities, our groups or ourselves that maybe we can evolve in. Why do we use specific instrumentation? You have heard me say it before, but my high school is not marching bass drums in our competitive program. We don't have students that really enjoy that instrument and educationally we are still really focused on drumming well on a flat surface. Before we made the change to no bass drums, I was going to march them because that is what you do. But why is that? Luckily, I work with a band director that asked me that question and that was that. Why force something just because we "have always done it." Why limit ourselves based on what "we have always done?"
I was listening to a podcast and they referred to this time (the COVID pandemic) as "The Great Reset" because it forced everyone to slow down or pause. Maybe this is a time of change and evolution. Maybe we ask if there are better ways to do things and create new traditions.
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