Is Marching Band a Sport?

[Tempoarces]

What is your opinion on Marching band being a sport.

I personally believe it is, due to the extreme physical exertion and mental usage that's required to be in it. Also 12-14 hour competition days are extremely difficult.

[Iron Man]

Marching band requires long hours of strenuous and repetitive physical and mental activity, it is competitive...long story short, yes. It is a sport.

[Jupiter]

Also basics. Damn it basics are insane

[Tempoarces]

Also basics. Damn it basics are insane

Oh don't get me started on the basics(fundamentals) going back and forth(on a blacktop for my band) in 90-97 or 30-55 degree whether is absolutely torture, along with holding a 10 pound baritone...

[Jupiter]

Oh don't get me started on the basics(fundamentals) going back and forth(on a blacktop for my band) in 90-97 or 30-55 degree whether is absolutely torture, along with holding a 10 pound baritone...

the worst is when it's hot and they make you do basics and their like "oh we should make them die, OKAY WIND SPRINTS EVERYONE!

[Human]

I'm not so sure. Even though it is strenuous, it doesn't automatically make it a sport. But yeah I'd count it as a sport as it fits the definition

[Iron Man]

I'm not so sure. Even though it is strenuous, it doesn't automatically make it a sport. But yeah I'd count it as a sport as it fits the definition

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_latblnU0kd1qc8dtao1_500.jpg

How about that?

[Electra Heart]

If you have to be able to barely check off all dictionary qualifications to be a sport, fine by me.

In addition, I'd like to see these "extreme physical conditions" be withheld against real sports.

[Zenos]

They'll call anythung a sport!


What next "High Speed Checkers"?:rolleyes:

[Jupiter]

If you have to be able to barely check off all dictionary qualifications to be a sport, fine by me.

In addition, I'd like to see these "extreme physical conditions" be withheld against real sports.

Well Tim if its raining hard we are still outside. If its 109 degrees outside we are still or side. We always run to reset, and if you miss a spot, ten push ups. We are more of a sport than golf, cheer leading, polo, and I'd even say Football simply because band almost never has breaks, while in football half the team sits out.
They'll call anythung a sport!


What next "High Speed Checkers"?:rolleyes:

Read above subject nigga

[Iron Man]

If you have to be able to barely check off all dictionary qualifications to be a sport, fine by me.

In addition, I'd like to see these "extreme physical conditions" be withheld against real sports.

What exactly do you define as extreme physical conditions? Depending on the team, be it a high school marching band or even a drum corp, the standards can be very lax (the band doesn't care, so they just don't put in the effort) or very strenuous (practicing every single day for however long required, rain or shine, hot or cold). Memorizing drill and music, not to mention putting the two together without it looking sloppy isn't a picnic. It takes practice, dedication, effort, and a shitload of sunscreen. Drum Corps International, which is basically the Olympics for marching band, where the best of the best compete, have probably the toughest standards. Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyzzG5MTMyM&feature=related) is an example of a Drum Corp doing their thing.

They'll call anythung a sport!


What next "High Speed Checkers"?:rolleyes:

How can you even compare marching band to checkers?

[PurpleReign]

Marching band is definitely not a sport. It's an activity. I am not in band, but that doesn't mean I'm prejudice against it.

I love golf, but I don't view golf as a sport. Also an activity.

[Iron Man]

Marching band is definitely not a sport. It's an activity. I am not in band, but that doesn't mean I'm prejudice against it.

I love golf, but I don't view golf as a sport. Also an activity.

Football is an activity, basketball is an activity, baseball is an activity, and they are also known as sports. So, the whole "it isn't a sport, it is an activity" argument, can be taken with a grain of salt.

[Jupiter]

Marching band is definitely not a sport. It's an activity. I am not in band, but that doesn't mean I'm prejudice against it.

I love golf, but I don't view golf as a sport. Also an activity.

i don't think that if you haven't watched nor participated in marching band that you understand how tiring the practices are. like they literally will go from 90834518904328904328904231980 degree weather to 44 (like last nights practice) and no matter the weather, we still do all of the normal running, playing and everything. have you ever tried walking in a set position and thinking about going a certain place all while holding your breath for 20-30 seconds while wanting to breathe the entire time? what about the parades that are five hours long and we have to walk, once again in set, while playing and staying in lines in the 90 degree weather. we had people pass out, hallucinating. finally, if it isn't a sport, then why do the bandies gasp for breathe at the end of a show? could it because it's a leasurly activity? oh wait. no.

[PurpleReign]

Football is an activity, basketball is an activity, baseball is an activity, and they are also known as sports. So, the whole "it isn't a sport, it is an activity" argument, can be taken with a grain of salt.

Everything that is a sport is an activity.

Everything that is an activity is not also a sport.

IMO.

[Iron Man]

Everything that is a sport is an activity.

Everything that is an activity is not also a sport.

IMO.

I have given so many valid points as to why it is a sport, yet you continue to say that it isn't, in your opinion. Not very promising.

Go to that link that I listed, and ask yourself if you could really do what they do.

[PurpleReign]

i don't think that if you haven't watched nor participated in marching band that you understand how tiring the practices are. like they literally will go from 90834518904328904328904231980 degree weather to 44 (like last nights practice) and no matter the weather, we still do all of the normal running, playing and everything. have you ever tried walking in a set position and thinking about going a certain place all while holding your breath for 20-30 seconds while wanting to breathe the entire time? what about the parades that are five hours long and we have to walk, once again in set, while playing and staying in lines in the 90 degree weather. we had people pass out, hallucinating. finally, if it isn't a sport, then why do the bandies gasp for breathe at the end of a show? could it because it's a leasurly activity? oh wait. no.

Construction workers pass out from heat exhaustion, too. When something is done in extreme conditions stuff like that happens.

Not questioning how difficult marching band can be. I just would not consider it a sport.

[Iron Man]

Construction workers pass out from heat exhaustion, too. When something is done in extreme conditions stuff like that happens.

Not questioning how difficult marching band can be. I just would not consider it a sport.

Why wouldn't you consider it a sport?

[PurpleReign]

I have given so many valid points as to why it is a sport, yet you continue to say that it isn't, in your opinion. Not very promising.

Go to that link that I listed, and ask yourself if you could really do what they do.
I agree that, according to the dictionary, marching band is a sport.

[Jupiter]

I'd like to see these "extreme physical conditions" be withheld against real sports.

Construction workers pass out from heat exhaustion, too. When something is done in extreme conditions stuff like that happens.

i rest my case.

[Iron Man]

I agree that, according to the dictionary, marching band is a sport.

A breakthrough. So, would you say that it is a sport?

[PurpleReign]

A breakthrough. So, would you say that it is a sport?

No. Just my own personal belief. Might be right, might be wrong.

In my eyes, things that are judged are not really a sport (band, choir, cheerleading, figure skating). I think a sport is something with a black and white set of rules for scoring. A lot of people have a negative connotation when they say something is not a sport. I don't necessarily think it should be that way.

Like I said, by me saying something isn't a sport, I am not looking down on it. Hell, I think an argument could be made for marching band being more strenuous than a baseball game at times!

[Iron Man]

No. Just my own personal belief. Might be right, might be wrong.

In my eyes, things that are judged are not really a sport (band, choir, cheerleading, figure skating). I think a sport is something with a black and white set of rules for scoring. A lot of people have a negative connotation when they say something is not a sport. I don't necessarily think it should be that way.

Like I said, by me saying something isn't a sport, I am not looking down on it. Hell, I think an argument could be made for marching band being more strenuous than a baseball game at times!

Okay, I submit this to you: Football isn't a sport, because I don't believe it is. (I don't really believe that)

If people live by that, how will anything change? Marching band doesn't get the respect it should as a sport because people are biased with their beliefs.

[TheBigUnit]

it is a sport yes, but i believe unless there is some "council" or some book about sports in general to rule if a certian activity is a legitimate sport or an just activity, anything is a sport it is just your opinion,

[Jupiter]

No. Just my own personal belief. Might be right, might be wrong.

In my eyes, things that are judged are not really a sport (band, choir, cheerleading, figure skating). I think a sport is something with a black and white set of rules for scoring. A lot of people have a negative connotation when they say something is not a sport. I don't necessarily think it should be that way.

Like I said, by me saying something isn't a sport, I am not looking down on it. Hell, I think an argument could be made for marching band being more strenuous than a baseball game at times!

are you aware that there are BAND COMPETITIONS that do have many MANY rules that you have to go over?

[Iron Man]

it is a sport yes, but i believe unless there is some "council" or some book about sports in general to rule if a certian activity is a legitimate sport or an just activity, anything is a sport it is just your opinion,

There are councils. The High School Music Associations for each state, DCI, etc

[ArsenicCatNip]

Okay, I submit this to you: Football isn't a sport, because I don't believe it is. (I don't really believe that)

If people live by that, how will anything change? Marching band doesn't get the respect it should as a sport because people are biased with their beliefs.

I believe the bias comes from thinking sports have to deal with just competing or making points, but from what my friend had told me marching bands do actually compete.

[Iron Man]

I believe the bias comes from thinking sports have to deal with just competing or making points, but from what my friend had told me marching bands do actually compete.

That is true. Marching bands do compete.

[PurpleReign]

are you aware that there are BAND COMPETITIONS that do have many MANY rules that you have to go over?

Yep - I have a lot of friends in band. And I'm in choir, so we have very similar competitions.

I'm just saying that I think sports have black and white rules for scoring. Like in football, get the ball across the line, 6 points. Or in hockey, get the puck across the goal line, get a goal. Band and choir competitions don't have black and white rules for scoring, because the scoring is determined through judging.

Okay, I submit this to you: Football isn't a sport, because I don't believe it is. (I don't really believe that)

If people live by that, how will anything change? Marching band doesn't get the respect it should as a sport because people are biased with their beliefs.

Can't disagree with you.

Please don't double post, instead just edit the first one. ~Mirage

[ArsenicCatNip]

Yep - I have a lot of friends in band. And I'm in choir, so we have very similar competitions.

I'm just saying that I think sports have black and white rules for scoring. Like in football, get the ball across the line, 6 points. Or in hockey, get the puck across the goal line, get a goal. Band and choir competitions don't have black and white rules for scoring, because the scoring is determined through judging.

People win competitions what's the difference between winning a football game and getting first place in a band competition?

[Jupiter]

People win competitions what's the difference between winning a football game and getting first place in a band competition?

winning first place at band is crazy awesome considering there are 8-15 bands there. if you get 5th or better that's fucking awesome.



the thing is people who just see band at the football games don't understand the hell that we go through to get to that game and to make a halftime show that they don't care about and get up and go pee or get some nachos.


but i'm not complaining. i just think that the football players should play their little game at the judges break at the band competitions. :P

[PurpleReign]

That would be pretty funny. 10 minute football game between breaks at a band competition. LOL

[Electra Heart]

Well Tim if its raining hard we are still outside. If its 109 degrees outside we are still or side. We always run to reset, and if you miss a spot, ten push ups. We are more of a sport than golf, cheer leading, polo, and I'd even say Football simply because band almost never has breaks, while in football half the team sits out.

10 push ups? Some running? Have you ever been on a sports teem? And I hope to god you don't mean water polo isn't a sport. Saying marching band is more of a sport than football... I can't even begin.

What exactly do you define as extreme physical conditions? Depending on the team, be it a high school marching band or even a drum corp, the standards can be very lax (the band doesn't care, so they just don't put in the effort) or very strenuous (practicing every single day for however long required, rain or shine, hot or cold). Memorizing drill and music, not to mention putting the two together without it looking sloppy isn't a picnic. It takes practice, dedication, effort, and a shitload of sunscreen. Drum Corps International, which is basically the Olympics for marching band, where the best of the best compete, have probably the toughest standards. Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyzzG5MTMyM&feature=related) is an example of a Drum Corp doing their thing.

I'm not saying it isn't strenuous. Although I am prepared to make an argument over whether or not most other sports require more of an effort to do well in. I'll even use that video as an example. Those people are performers, not athletes. (I'm sure some of them are I'm just saying in THIS context right now). Marching band is a part of the arts, and I don't see how it can be viewed as a sport.

[Iron Man]

10 push ups? Some running? Have you ever been on a sports teem? And I hope to god you don't mean water polo isn't a sport. Saying marching band is more of a sport than football... I can't even begin.



I'm not saying it isn't strenuous. Although I am prepared to make an argument over whether or not most other sports require more of an effort to do well in. I'll even use that video as an example. Those people are performers, not athletes. (I'm sure some of them are I'm just saying in THIS context right now). Marching band is a part of the arts, and I don't see how it can be viewed as a sport.

How would you define a sport then?

[Jupiter]

10 push ups? Some running? Have you ever been on a sports teem? And I hope to god you don't mean water polo isn't a sport. Saying marching band is more of a sport than football... I can't even begin.



I'm not saying it isn't strenuous. Although I am prepared to make an argument over whether or not most other sports require more of an effort to do well in. I'll even use that video as an example. Those people are performers, not athletes. (I'm sure some of them are I'm just saying in THIS context right now). Marching band is a part of the arts, and I don't see how it can be viewed as a sport.

both of these posts fail to explain why it ISN'T a sport.

[Mirage]

Well, it's physically straining to carry a large, heavy instrument and march in a seemingly endless straight line. So yes. I'm going to go with yes.

[Iron Man]

Well, it's physically straining to carry a large, heavy instrument and march in a seemingly endless straight line. So yes. I'm going to go with yes.

You don't always go in a straight line, but it does feel endless sometimes.

[Zenos]

What exactly do you define as extreme physical conditions? Depending on the team, be it a high school marching band or even a drum corp, the standards can be very lax (the band doesn't care, so they just don't put in the effort) or very strenuous (practicing every single day for however long required, rain or shine, hot or cold). Memorizing drill and music, not to mention putting the two together without it looking sloppy isn't a picnic. It takes practice, dedication, effort, and a shitload of sunscreen. Drum Corps International, which is basically the Olympics for marching band, where the best of the best compete, have probably the toughest standards. Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyzzG5MTMyM&feature=related) is an example of a Drum Corp doing their thing.



How can you even compare marching band to checkers?

LOL it's called sarcasam dude,check the :rolleyes: next time and you'll get it!

[Zenos]

Well Tim if its raining hard we are still outside. If its 109 degrees outside we are still or side. We always run to reset, and if you miss a spot, ten push ups. We are more of a sport than golf, cheer leading, polo, and I'd even say Football simply because band almost never has breaks, while in football half the team sits out.


Read above subject nigga


Wha? what ?wait? I know you didn't just go racist on me!!!!

[Wesl3y]

Playing an instrument is a hobby. Marching is just a specific way and pace of walking. The combination of the two is marching band. Therefore it is a hobby in which you walk funny not a sport. Such as fooball, volleyball, basketball, etc..

[Aves]

ITT: Butthurt marching band members pick fights with people who don't think marching band is a sport.

Yes, it's a sport. We get it. Stop getting your panties in a bunch. If people don't want to view it as such, good for them.

[Electra Heart]

Y'know what. Fuck it. If you're ABSOLUTELY focused on the dictionary definition in order to be qualified, fine, marching band is a sport.

[Aves]

Y'know what. Fuck it. If you're ABSOLUTELY focused on the dictionary definition in order to be qualified, fine, marching band is a sport.

Having fun? Lol. With all the "sports" there are today, I don't see what's so wrong with having another sport that happens to be musical too. Simple as that. Sure it fits the definition, but there's sports I wouldn't consider sports still.

[Iron Man]

Y'know what. Fuck it. If you're ABSOLUTELY focused on the dictionary definition in order to be qualified, fine, marching band is a sport.

How else will you define it then? If you are saying that marching bands don't have it rough enough to be considered a sport, then you really don't know much about marching band.

[DerBear]

To be honest, dictionary definition, it is a sport. Realistically no, it really isn't.

However Chess is also a sport (I think) so you know...they class nearly anything as a sport these days.

[Jupiter]

To be honest, dictionary definition, it is a sport. Realistically no, it really isn't.

However Chess is also a sport (I think) so you know...they class nearly anything as a sport these days.

Have you read anything I've said? How is it NOT a sport. Someone explain


Wha? what ?wait? I know you didn't just go racist on me!!!!
Niqqa does not mean racist

[Wesl3y]

"I like how everyone says that marching is just walking. There is a lot more to it than you think, so don't say you know what it is, because clearly you don't." I love how this person that left me this comment on my post, because they don't like my opinion, just to put it out there, it wasn't my intention to offend anybody. But I must say, it's almost satisfying taking away other people's sunshine unintentionally.

***Even though my reputation suffered.

[Agent 47]

oh noes bad rep

[Magical]

Have you read anything I've said? How is it NOT a sport. Someone explain

OK.

I'm going to get ~2 -rep for this - more posts from -_- man to -rep, but...

YOU have the burden of proof.

YOU are saying Marching Band is a sport.

YOU have to prove that.

Just because you compete in extreme conditions...that doesn't make it a sport.

EDIT: Waiting on my second -rep.

To adress that guy's -rep...you TOTALLY misinterpreted my point. You hit the moon with it. And then you punished my image because of it.

I AM SIMPLY POINTING OUT THAT JUPITER, IN THE ABOVE QUOTE, HAS THE BURDEN OF PROOF. I AM ALSO POINTING OUT THAT COMPETITIONS NOT BEING MOVED WHEN EXTREME CONDITIONS OCCUR DOES NOT MAKE SOMETHING A SPORT.

Is that clear?

I hope it is.

[West Coast Sheriff]

NO! It is not a sport.

[Jupiter]

NO! It is not a sport.

you should know by now that you should probably explain WHY???

it's a debate homie. i can't express why you're wrong without you explaining why you're wrong.

[West Coast Sheriff]

Sport (or, in the United States, sports) is all forms of competitive physical activity which,[1] through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical ability and provide entertainment to participants.[2] Hundreds of sports exist, from those requiring only two participants, through to those with hundreds of simultaneous participants, either in teams or competing as individuals.
Copied from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport

[workingatperfect]

Ok, I'm in marching band, or was for a few years... Anyway, Yeah, it fits the definition, but a lot of things are considered a port that aren't really.. well, sporty. Marching band is one of them. I don't consider it a sport aside from fitting the definition, sorry. Yeah, it's strenuous, it's pretty damn hard, some bands compete, etc. But that doesn't mean it's necessarily a sport. And if a marching band doesn't compete, such as the one I was in, are they no longer included in it being a sport? Marching band isn't based around competition, it's about performing. Competing is just a bonus that some, not all bands do.

[Jupiter]

Sport (or, in the United States, sports) is all forms of competitive physical activity which,[1] through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical ability and provide entertainment to participants.[2] Hundreds of sports exist, from those requiring only two participants, through to those with hundreds of simultaneous participants, either in teams or competing as individuals.
Copied from: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport

which parts of these does not describe what has been said in the threaed?

[joshM1996]

Anyone who says marching band isn't hard or isn't a sport, wear a drum/carry an istrument while marching and playing in perfect timing, while being in line with 200 people, and do all this for 5 hours in negative 15 degrees. Then tell me what you think

[workingatperfect]

Anyone who says marching band isn't hard or isn't a sport, wear a drum/carry an istrument while marching and playing in perfect timing, while being in line with 200 people, and do all this for 5 hours in negative 15 degrees. Then tell me what you think

I have, I still don't think it's a sport. It is hard, but it's not a sport.

[joshM1996]

I have, I still don't think it's a sport. It is hard, but it's not a sport.

Its not a sport the way baseball or football are a sport, but I would consider it a sport, that's just my opinion

[nice]

I think it takes talent but I wouldn't say it's really a sport like football and basketball