Holiday Gift Ideas for Marching Fans

We love the glitz of the holidays (and of the pageantry arts), and this shiny glass ornament fits the bill. Features a bass drum with a red heart and the words "Marching Band" on one side, a pair of drumsticks on the other side. Hand painted and decorated.

Buy For $19.79 at Amazon >>

The popular Band Nerds book series melds author DJ Corchin's humorously inspiring observations with spot-on illustrations from Dan Dougherty. We've been a fan for years, and the books were recently updated and republished after the author's catalog was acquired by Sourcebooks. The books are currently on sale at Amazon, making it a great time to purchase more than one book from the series. Additional content is available on the author's website the13thchair.com.

Buy Individual Paperbacks For $12.99 or Less at Amazon >>

Related story on Marching.com: Poetry book delivers humorous observations of band life

Hearing protection is essential ... not only for band members but also for directors and staff who are frequently in close proximity to the marching unit. Earplugs from vendors such as Earasers, Etymotic Research and Vic Firth reduce noise to safe levels while preserving the clarity of speech and the richness of music.

$10-$50 at local and national retailers

Buy earplugs online at Amazon >>

Developed by professional trumpet player Dan Gosling, ChopSaver is formulated to relieve chapping, swelling, soreness, fatigue and inflammation of the lips caused by playing brass or woodwind instruments. Makes a great stocking stuffer ... save when you buy a multi-pack.

Buy For $25.74 (6 Pack) at Amazon >>

The "Artistocrat of Bands" broke new ground in 1955 as the first HBCU marching band to appear on national television, and now it's the first to earn a GRAMMY nomination. The Urban Hymnal is nominated for Best Roots Gospel Album at the upcoming 2023 GRAMMY Awards. Your purchase can help the band generate impressive sales and streaming numbers on this worthy project.

Buy MP3 Download for $8.99 at Amazon or Listen Free With Amazon Music >>

Related story on Marching.com: Tennessee State University Marching Band nominated for GRAMMY Award

The Drum Corps International online store offers one-stop shopping for official DCI merchandise including t-shirts, caps, accessories and audio/video products. Browse deep in each category for some great stocking stuffers, including a phone grip, logo patch and legacy DVDs dating back to 1974.

Buy For $2.00 and Up at DCI.org/store >>

Related photo gallery on Marching.com: 2022 DCI World Championships Photos

Give the music students in your life the best week of their year with a gift of registration to "America's Camp," the Music for All Summer Symposium. Run by the same organization that brings us the Bands of America Championships, this gigantic band camp draws hundreds of high school students and teachers and has focused divisions for marching band, marching percussion, color guard, and drum majors, as well as a music production bootcamp and a director academy. June 26-July 1, 2023, with a leadership weekend June 24-25.

Register by January 31 for Super Saver rates at MusicForAll.org >>

Related photo gallery on Marching.com: 2022 Bands of America Grand National Championships Photos

Performers AND designers can develop their skills with educational videos from WGI. Each video focuses on a specific topic such as movement, technique, show design or electronics. Titles include "Amplification" and "Sampling" for indoor percussion and "Across the Floor" and "Toss" for color guard. All modules are available as digital downloads and some as physical DVDs.

Buy For $8.00 - $29.95 at shop.WGI.org >>

Related galleries on Marching.com: 2022 WGI Color Guard Photos, 2019 WGI Percussion Photos, 2019 WGI Winds Photos

Holiday shopping should not be complete without a stop at your local music store, which is likely to be a big supporter of music events in your community. Gift cards are a great choice to let recipients choose something useful. For stocking stuffers, consider these items which are top sellers at Progressive Music in McKeesport, Pennsylvania: 3-packs of reeds, mouthpiece pouches, compact metronomes and folding music stands.

$10 and up at local music retailers

Fundraisers are an essential source of income for marching units. Check the website and social media of your favorite group to see current offerings, such as fruit baskets, clothing, wreaths or scrip gift cards. You might find some creative items: The band boosters for Plainfield North H.S. (Illinois) sold pillows crafted from old uniforms.

Various price ranges from local booster organizations

Advances in digital printing have made it possible to apply your favorite photos to just about anything. A good place to start is with a customized mobile phone case. If you're not sure of the recipient's phone model, consider other custom printed items such as magnets, ornaments or water bottles.

$10 and up at in-store and online photo centers

With the continuing popularity of Star Wars films, this clever t-shirt featuring iconic Star Wars characters in marching band formation will always be in style. Available in five color options and sizes S-XXL. Product reviews suggest the shirts run small, so you may want to buy one size bigger than usual.

Buy For $19.99 to $21.99 at Amazon >>

With roots in the drum & bugle corps activity, Blast! was the thrilling stage show that played Broadway and thrilled thousands as a touring production. The DVD does a great job capturing the magical energy of the show, and the productions of Bolero and Malaguena are among the best you'll find anywhere.

Buy From $14.99 at Amazon >>