When people come together to play music in a group setting, it can have both a mental and physical impact on the participants.
Music plays an important role in human life and playing in a marching band is one of the best ways to experience this. By joining a marching band, individuals reap numerous physical and mental benefits.
Physically, playing in a marching band improves cardiovascular health, coordination, balance, muscular strength, endurance and posture.
This can result in a healthier and fitter version of the individual. Additionally, all of the marching associated with being in a band builds aerobic endurance and increases calorie burn.
Mentally, being in a marching band requires concentration and focus and sharpens problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Playing music has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive performance, and even lower blood pressure.
Studies have shown that, in general, people who engage in music-related activities experience far lower levels of stress and anxiety than those who do not.
Specifically, research has found that playing music in a group setting can have a calming and therapeutic effect, with music stimulating the release of endorphins that cause the body to relax and reduce the heart rate.
Music has also been shown to have a positive effect on cognition.
Playing music can help improve executive functioning and creativity, as well as improve academic performance. For example, studies have found that playing an instrument can improve an individual’s memory and focus.
Group music making can further enhance this effect, since the stimulation of the musical experience fostered by a group helps individuals to better focus and learn new concepts.
Beyond these physical and mental benefits, playing music together can also have a profound positive social and emotional benefits to those involved.
Making music together can create strong bonds between players, not only within your own band, but across the sector as a whole.
It allows individuals to connect to one another on an emotional level..and on occasion, even romantic!
It helps to foster cooperation, and increase communication and collaboration, making it an important part of the human experience.
This connection can lead to an improved sense of belonging and an increased sense of self-worth and confidence.
Marching bands also promote self-discipline, self-confidence and motivation. It can be a great outlet for creativity and artistic expression as you learn to play and perform new pieces.
With focus and dedication, one can progress to higher levels of playing and derive immense satisfaction and pride.
Overall, marching bands can have a major impact on the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of those involved.
Reducing stress and anxiety levels, improving cognitive performance and creativity, and providing a sense of connection, confidence, and belonging can make marching bands an invaluable part of life
The holistic experience of being part of a marching band, right from learning and understanding the music, marching in unison and expressing the unique personality of each player, is a great way to stay both physically and mentally active, whilst having fun.
So pick up your instrument today and get marching!