To give a definition, a sport is “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.” So, by this definition, marching band is a sport.

Marching band is an activity that involves physical exertion, especially while practicing. One may watch a marching band perform for a fifteen-minute halftime show and think it must be effortless; but, what they don’t see are the hours of practice time put in almost every day. They have to carry their instruments for extended periods, which, by the way, can be extremely heavy, all while playing the songs. Not to mention, they also have to memorize the choreography and the songs.

Furthermore, marching band requires a serious aptitude for music and marching. Not only does one need to be a skilled musician to be in a marching band, but one also needs to be an efficient marcher. Being able to play an instrument while marching on time to the correct spots takes extreme focus and skill to achieve. Timing and rhythm are also important when competing on a team like this. It takes coordination and skill to be synchronized with a team like that.

Though you may only see them during a halftime show or at a pep rally, many high school marching bands will compete in marching band competitions, usually on weekends. The competitions are exactly what they sound like; several bands, usually from closely residing schools, gather to compete. These competitions can last hours and, like other sports, have judges, a point system, winners, and losers.

Yes, the band is entertaining. The lengthy and difficult songs the musicians play are engaging, impressive pieces of work. They play throughout the games and at the beginning and end of some pep rallies simply to delight the crowd. They bring enthusiasm and spirit wherever they play. In addition, for all of the people out there who go to athletic events just because their friends are going, the halftime show is probably the most entertaining part.

So, why do some people not consider marching band a sport? Well, oftentimes they don’t realize just how much work is put in by the band. They often don’t know about the tiring hours of practice put in each day to perfect the songs and marches. Marching bands are not recognized enough for the extensive amount of work put into learning extravagant songs and movements in the routines. Marching band fits the definition of a sport, so why say it’s not?