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Minnesota parade bands and Indiana track show bands have perfected the art of marching beyond the football field. You might be surprised to learn about the excellence and innovation that take place in these unique marching venues.

By Ken Martinson

This article was written by Marching.com for the March/April 2009 issue of Halftime Magazine.

It's just after 9:30 a.m., and the parking area of the Indiana State Fairgrounds is already packed with cars. The first of nearly 50 marching bands is just beginning to perform, and the grandstand is filled with thousands of energetic spectators.

Evidently, Indiana bands are serious about track show marching.

A few months earlier, down the main street of Alexandria, Minn., chairs already appear along the route of the Vikingland Band Festival parade marching championship. It's Friday afternoon, and the event doesn't begin until Sunday.

It's clear that Minnesota bands are serious about parade marching.

Interestingly, these forms of marching competition—that generate so much enthusiasm in the Midwest—are largely unknown in other parts of the country. Yet the innovation and excellence found in these unique activities rival what is found on the field.

Read the full article at HalftimeMag.com >>

Halftime Magazine is a bimonthly lifestyle magazine aimed at the marching arts. Halftime Magazine connects high school and college musician-athletes through shared experiences about competitions, school spirit and band traditions. In addition, Halftime Magazine provides tips to enhance musical and marching skills. And don't forget to visit the Halftime Magazine Marching Community to share your experiences and connect with marching enthusiasts nationwide.

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Story and photos by Ken Martinson.

Copyright 2009 Marching.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published or redistributed without permission.

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