What kind of props could I make for my Marching show called Skylines?

Question:I need help with my Marching band show for next year. our show is called skylines and I have no idea what we should use as props...This show inspired me soooo much.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G9-6NtTt...

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I need help with my Marching band show for next year. our show is called skylines and I have no idea what we should use as props...This show inspired me soooo much.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G9-6NtTt...

First of all that was a great show. It was well executed and everything from the choreography, to the arrangement and drill was written excellently. Having said that: The purpose of any visual element is to enhance the music and not to distract away from it. Although the marching band in the clip did a great show, the props used were almost meaningless because it did not enhance the music or visual on the field. Sure it was a great theme tool because it reflected the yellow brick road; but it did not help bring the music off the field visually.

Having said that, I would choose props that can be actually used by the auxiliary or band members during the show, and not props that stand alone on the field. If you spend the money, time and effort buying or creating props and just use it as static objects it will be as if the prop was invisible. You need to be able to use a prop that can move in or around the field. An excellent example of this would be the use of props in the 1989 Santa Clara Vanguard's Production: "The Phantom of the Opera". That show is full of props that dynamically help visualize the music on the field. This is actually the creme de la creme example of a corp having successful props on the field.

The reason I emphasize this is because I can tell that you are thinking about using props just for the sake of theming your show. I honestly cannot tell you what kind of props unless I had a chance to listen to the music. The music will drive the visuals. Some general props I would use in a show would be large objects where pockets of marchers can hide behind them to enhance music that may have resolving elements. Another good prop are large flags that can run up and down a field to visually fill negative space on the field.

Anyhow, you should sit down with the staff and discuss the music before the visual. Do not use props to paint a pretty picture, but use props to paint the musical picture.