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Stratagem

Stratagem: A Comprehensive Guide to Marching Arts Rehearsal

Available 2025!

For updated information about Stratagem, email: stratagembook@gmail.com

Taken from Stratagem’s Preface:

            The marching arts have evolved so much over the centuries. We can easily trace its origins from the military bands and then follow them all the way to today’s winterguard and other indoor activities. The activity has brought so much development of musicianship, physical coordination, leadership skills, teamwork, and confidence to so many performers (young and old) in much of the world.

            The marching arts have always relied on apprenticeship and the handing down of practices to spread and innovate. Although many books have been written about the marching arts, I felt there had been something missing in most. While the books covered technique, structure, and organization, none seemed to provide much focus on the craft of rehearsal. This inspired me to look at rehearsing in a much deeper manner and ask myself, why “we” (directors and instructors) do the things we do in rehearsal? Then I began moving on to ways of explaining the rehearsal process to others. Those actions were the beginnings of Stratagem.

            Stratagem: a plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end. –From the Oxford Dictionary

            It has been a great journey of self-evaluation and introspection, of research and sharing, and of discovery writing Stratagem to this point where you the reader are now involved. It is my hope that you too will begin to ask questions about the rehearsal process and will gain insight to help find your own answers. Your own, Stratagem!

            Making this offering gives me great joy.