Write the Script, Film, and Share

In 2000 (VHS), we produced our first marching fundamentals video with and for our students. It was never about creating a flashy piece of media — it was about clarity. Updated in 2004 (CD-ROM), the project became less about video production and more about who we were as teachers. The process taught us something vital: writing the script aloud forced us to distill our content, clarify our priorities, and become a more efficient instructional staff.

We had to define:

• The “why” behind our teaching decisions

• The vernacular we used

• The phrasing and sequencing of instruction

All of it had to fit on one page for a narrator. Then, it had to be spoken aloud and understood by every student. The exercise made us ask, “Is what we’re teaching teachable — and repeatable — by anyone on our team?”

Fast forward to today: there are more resources than ever to teach marching fundamentals. Tutorials, apps, YouTube videos, templates — it's all out there. But nothing replaces the deep instructional clarity that comes from writing it yourself, filming it yourself, and teaching it yourself.

The point isn't to suggest that the way we did it is the "right" way. Styles change. Techniques evolve. Vernacular adapts to the times. The point is this:

Define how your program approaches movement and sound — clearly, consistently, and collaboratively.

Your students should star in your materials. They should model your expectations. And most importantly, they should be empowered to understand why they do what they do — not just to master it individually, but to grow as peer instructors.

When student leaders can articulate technique with the same consistency as the staff, your culture becomes stronger. More aligned. More self-sustaining.

So:

Write the script.

Film it with your students.

Share it widely within your program.