Ensuring that its members exhibit/demonstrate/utilize a tension-free, relaxed posture is fundamental to marching band instruction. The Alexander Technique is a common technique used to help musicians relax and improve awareness, but at the time of composing this study, no research has been found implementing the Alexander Technique within the context of the marching band. This study reports a comprehensive literature review regarding the utilization of the Alexander Technique for instrumentalists and compares its concepts to common forms of tension in a marching band, including instrument carriage and horn angles. Findings suggest the teaching of concepts from the Alexander Technique would be effective if implemented in marching band instruction. This study provides rationale and techniques to assist directors to find more approaches to teaching marching band posture and technique in a healthy way. It is encouraged for further studies and discussions to apply these Alexander Technique concepts to marching band instruction and record its impact on the health, performance, and attention of a marching band.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Scott Jones

School of Music