Marching

Marching refers to the organized, uniformed, steady and rhythmic walking forward, usually associated with military troops.

Marching is often performed to march music, and often associated with military parades.

Marching is part of basic training in the military in most countries. In most cases, marching uses a system of drill commands. Learning to march by obeying commands is considered a form of discipline.

While marching, individuals must maintain their dress, cover, interval, and distance (DCID):

In Northern Ireland, for some people, marching is a major provocative ritual. Hundreds of marches occur annually. These are usually organized by groups such as the Orange Order, which provide most of the participants. Music is provided by marching bands including silver bands, flute bands and others. Marching is often seen as a symbol of control over a particular area, and marching is often seen as a sectarian activity.

Marching (sport)

In New Zealand and Australia, a competitive sport involving marching teams of young women grew up and became established from the 1930s.

Marching combines military precision with formations and elaborate costumes.

The sport had its origins during the Depression of the 1930s when teams were formed to keep young women fit and healthy. The sport became more organised during the 1940s with a system of scoring developed to ensure teams could compete against one another. Points were deducted for lack of precisions, dressing, movement and length of pace. At its peak marching competitions drew large crowds of spectators.

Teams marched not only in competitions but also frequently appeared in parades and social occasions such as blossom festivals, A&P Shows and car race events.

Marching was the inspiration behind the television series Marching Girls which was developed for Television New Zealand and screened in New Zealand in 1987.

The Australian Marching Association (AMA) was the main officiating organisation for the sport in Australia up until 23 June 2012. On that date at the organisation's Annual General Meeting, the sport unanimously approved the new name of DrillDance Australia to replace the Australian Marching Association. DrillDance Australia is now the governing body. This rebranding marks a significant turning point in the sport in Australia as it takes steps to once again be a popular choice of activity for young people as well as those returning to the sport. Marching New Zealand (MNZ) is the main officiating organization for the sport in New Zealand.

Marching 100

The Marching 100 is the official name of the marching band at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida. Since its inception, the band has been credited for 30 innovative techniques which have become standard operating procedures for many high school and collegiate marching band programs

History

The first band at FAMU was organized in 1892, under P.A. Van Weller. From an original 16 instruments, the "Marching 100" has grown to over 440 Members.

Major accomplishments (partial list)