But what about rehearsals? As the chill of fall and hints of winter start becoming a factor in rehearsal preparations, let’s talk about some important safety precautions we can take to ensure that students are as prepared for the cold as they are for the heat.

A Chill is in the Air.

If you’re from the Midwest or the North East, snow, or at least extreme cold temperatures, are a mainstay of your existence. It’s common to hear Midwesterners say that fall lasts a week, winter lasts 6 months, and spring may decide to show up for a day. However, our body’s reaction to heat and cold is entirely relative. While the South and Pacific West think 60 degrees calls for puffy jackets and layers, someone in Wisconsin sees 60 and rushes to open the lake house for the summer! The same applies to our perception of hot temperatures. 

With that said, nearly everyone in marching band will experience the “cold part” of the season. From students to staff, important safety measures need to be considered when planning for rehearsals toward the tail end of the season. Cold conditions, raise a serious risk for performers and staff alike. In order to maintain peak performance and drive the final push of the season, staff need to know the risks cold weather poses and how to prevent injury/illness due the cold.

Tips and Tricks.

The NFHS Band Safety course outlines guidelines and tools needed to understand cold weather risk and how to mitigate it.

• Dress for success. Wear layers of loose fitting, warm clothing. The loose fit allows moisture from sweat to stay away from the body and prevents further chill from setting in. It is important to wear layers as opposed to one thick layer as well. This creates pockets of warmth and additional chill barriers. Wearing a hat will prevent needed heat from escaping the body as well.
• Frostbite affects small, exposed body parts (particularly relevant for woodwinds, percussionists, and color guard who all rely on the dexterity of their hands). Frostbite begins with extremely cold, red skin and worsens to hard, numb, pale skin. Instant hand warmers and employing “play rotations” are effective ways to mitigate this risk.
• Hypothermia occurs when “the body temp drops below 96 degrees, and can occur in outdoor temps as warm as 60 degrees.” It is important to recognize the onset of hypothermia in performers and fellow staff members. If frostbite or hypothermia seem to be a threat, remove the individual from the cold and seek help immediately. To learn more, enroll in the free course.

• The body burns more calories in cold weather than it does in warm weather. Performers should ensure they are eating a nutritious diet. Additionally, eating hot foods and drinking warm liquids prior to rehearsal can help the body stay warmer longer. This can also help mitigate the risk of hypothermia.
• If in doubt, move rehearsal inside to safeguard against potential injury.

Other considerations and mitigation.

• Encourage performers to change out of their performance attire and into clean, dry clothing as damp clothes will make students colder.
• Do not advise students to cup their hands and blow air into the void. This creates moisture in the hands which, when re-exposed to the cold, will cool off making the student more uncomfortable.

• Wear socks that are made of wool and are thick. However, ensure shoes are not too tight-fitting with thicker socks. Like clothing layers, if feet are plastered tightly to the inside of the shoes, moisture has nowhere in which to escape, and frostbite will be more likely to occur.
• Dry and windy conditions associated with cold temperatures can cause the lips to become numb, chapped, and cracked. This can cause extreme discomfort to all band members, but especially wind players who must continue to play their instruments. The resulting pain and numbness diminishes the strength and endurance of a player’s embouchure which can lead to short term technique errors, poor performance (musically and physically), and further injury. Applying quality chap stick or wearing a scarf that can cover the mouth in cold or windy conditions can help prevent against this issue. 
• Frozen mouthpieces are also a concern in cold conditions. If possible, students can use plastic mouthpieces as opposed their traditional metal counterparts. However, if this is not possible, it is advised to store the mouthpiece in their pocket when it is not being played.

Hydrate!

• Yes, you still need it, even in cold conditions! While students may not feel thirsty, there is still physical exertion happening. It is vital that in order to replace the fluids lost through sweating, students are given and taking advantage of frequent water breaks. Replacing lost electrolytes is also vital.

Arriving in One Piece.

Proper preparation for cold weather is vital even when the performers and staff members are not yet at rehearsal. This is especially important for winter guard rehearsals and pep band gigs. Parents can help educate their young drivers on safety in cold and winter weather conditions.

• Know winter car maintenance, including proper tires, fluids, and safe driving control.
• Carry an emergency bag filled with extra warm weather accessories, snacks, water, and blanket.
• Cold weather doesn’t always mean snow and ice, but if your region encounters winter weather conditions during the rehearsal season, ensure you or your performer can identify and avoid accidents related to ice. 
• Encourage your student to leave home earlier than normal so a safe speed can be maintained.

Learn More.

Taking care of your body and demonstrating preparedness no matter the conditions will pay dividends in the end for you and your program. No matter if you’re wrapping up the marching season, preparing for winter bowl games, or heading to winter guard rehearsal, it is important to heed the weather and armor your body against uncomfortable conditions. For more information on this topic or for additional resources regarding cold weather risks, mitigation, and more, enroll in the free NFHS Band Safety Course! 

A New Era

With the evolution of the competitive side of marching band comes a greater demand for staging props that allow a band to perform in uniquely vertical, horizontal, and angular spaces. On the most elite level, top drum corps are pushing the limits of staging each year. Just last year, the Santa Clara Vanguard revolutionized stackable, storage-efficient props that allowed performers to captivate an audience on multiple levels. The Boston Crusaders, in the last 2 years, have used the same rotating, compass-like prop. The Crossmen built a massive sand dial on which members were able to rotate vertically with the force of their own bodies. The Bluecoats have fielded massive chairs and a slide that appears to belong in a skate park. #DCI2019 is no less innovative and exploratory. These innovative, theatrical designs have become a mainstay in the marching band world as well. Design teams are finding unique ways to make their programs and their students’ performances stand out. 

Pushing the artistic limits of staging and theatrics is a great way to evolve the activity; but with added layers of complexity on a marching field comes added risk. With the end of the 2019 Drum Corps International Tour season in sight and the competitive marching season in swing, let’s take a look at prop and equipment considerations. 

Performer Safety.

When designing for a marching or winter guard show, considerations to performer safety and risk mitigation are paramount. The NFHS Band Safety Course outlines these considerations thoroughly.

1. 4 ft. – At this height, it is recommended that safety equipment be used.
2. 6 ft. – Many organizations require the use of safety equipment (i.e. guard rails for drum major podiums or harnesses and ground-level padding). In fact, DCI mandates that no performer be placed on a prop higher than 6 ft. without the use of guard rails, and no lifts or stunts may be performed at this height without proper safety considerations.
3. Prop measurements need to be taken with wheels & railings accounted for.
4. 12 ft. – It is recommended that staging does not exceed this height (including wheels, railings, additional equipment, etc.). Many venues have height maximums, and tunnels or doorways often limit the height of staging props.
5. Always consider the abilities of your membership. Ensure that if you desire for them to perform on an elevated space, you have provided the proper training, technique, and safety protocol. The prop isn’t effective if the performer can’t maximize their capabilities on it.
6. Ensure all performers, staff, and volunteers are trained on the handling of props and additional equipment. Teach them the wheel systems, how to properly load/unload equipment, and how to safely climb/descend the prop. Additionally, create contingency plans in case of abnormal conditions that may lead to increased risk when handling and performing on the props.

Designers need to consider venue allowances, abilities of their members, and the functionality of the prop itself. Special care and attention need to be given to training performers to use the prop safely and with skill. DCI recently updated their prop policy, which regards the production and manufacturing of props for the safety of the performer (See Appendix 526 in the Policies and Procedures Appendix). 

Learn More.

Make your competitive season as safe and generally effective as possible! Your performers will succeed only when they are comfortable with the responsibilities laid before them and when they know their safety is the first priority. For more information on this topic or for additional resources regarding prop and equipment safety, enroll in the free NFHS Band Safety Course!

Heat.

• Concerns directly related to heat include: excessive heat, hydration, nutrition, and rest. Don’t hesitate to modify activities based on changing weather conditions or a pulse check of the ensemble. Having and implementing a heat and hydration plan makes it easier for directors to make these important decisions as conditions are monitored.
• Heat illness occurs when the body reaches a temperature of 104 degrees.
• Ensure all staff members, students leaders, and volunteers can identify the signs of heat-related illnesses.
• Understand the impact of humidity. Perspiration helps the body cool off. When high humidity exists in the air, “perspiration is slower to evaporate.” The higher the humidity, the hotter it feels. This combined temperature + humidity = the heat index.
• Resources for measuring humidity and heat index include: The National Weather Service heat index chart (above), a “Heat Index” app produced by OSHA, and a hygrometer.
• FYI: Turf and asphalt surfaces will be hotter than grass. Consider the rehearsal environment when detailing your hydration and rest plan for rehearsal.

Treat your body well.

• Have an excessive heat plan that allows for hydration & recovery.
• Hydrate your students often (even if it is just a “gush-n-go”).
• Provide readily available water refill stations (optimizes your rehearsal time and keeps them hydrated).
• Have a shady space available for longer breaks.
• Verbally encourage students to drink & apply sunscreen.
• Model hydration and heat recovery practices (avoid coolers of “staff drinks” that don’t communicate your expectations of them).
• Educate students on proper practice in excessive heat.

Students ​

• Hydrate the day before a long rehearsal.
• Drink water before bed & first thing in the morning.
• Avoid coffee, soda, & sugary juices the morning of a rehearsal.
• Hydrate on EVERY rest break. 
• Secure a large enough water jug so you don’t have to run inside during every water break. 
• Avoid chugging ice cold water.
• During meals, replenish salt lost through sweating with an electrolyte beverage.
• Wear clothing that covers the body, wear a hat & sunglasses, & rest in shade or air conditioning whenever possible.
• SLEEP!

• Encourage your sections to be self-accountable.
• Ensure your student leaves the house with ENOUGH water (do a water check).
• Volunteer to be on “water station duty.”
• Ask your director how you can get involved and help students.
• Ensure your student is sleeping & recovering enough.
• Educate students on proper practice in excessive heat. 
• Identify students that are “toughing it out” and have this conversation with them. 
• Model the expectations you have for your student.

Learn more.

It takes FOREVER! And seasons blend into each other so quickly anymore. You need a design tool that provides immediate proofs, the opportunity for immediate feedback, and the option for same day order. You need a program that allows you to take a proactive and driving role in the design process.

You need a design studio catered to you, your program, and your process.

Great news! Wait no longer!

We’re excited to introduce the DSI Design Studio. In steps as easy as “Drag, Drop, Done,” you can drive the design process, decide your planning timeline, and order whatever you need, whenever you need it. 

We’re breaking down the functions and capabilities of this design tool so you can take full advantage of your design sessions!

1. Select your working template.

Choose from the 3 most popular flag size templates. You can change this at anytime once in the Design Studio without losing your work. Once a template is selected, your work space will appear.

2. Add a Print Guide to help layout your artwork.

When you enter the Design Studio work space, be sure to first and foremost add a print guide to your template. This guide shows the bleed as well as the critical artwork space. If your artwork extends beyond the bleed, the image will be cut off in the printing and sewing process. Ensure all critical artwork is at least 1.5″ inside the work space. Additionally, be away of the pole sleeve area. Remember to delete this print guide layer before adding it to your cart as the printer will leave all artwork as is on the file.

3. Upload images or select from our library.

We understand that your team has a very specific vision when it comes to how your flags will look. There is a lot to consider! What colors, shapes, designs, patterns will be the most generally effective? Will the flag be readable from the stands? The Design Studio offers 2 image selecting functions.

You can upload your own high resolution (minimum 150 dpi) images into the design studio.

Or you can choose from our library of over 1 million free images and graphics.

But why stop with one image? With the Design Studio, you are free to layer images on top of one another to create the effect you desire.

4. Adjust your images.

The longest part of the design process is the waiting game between submitting notes to the designer and actually receiving proofs. With the Design Studio, you drive that revision process! No more waiting on proofs, no more struggling to explain your vision. 

Once a photo is set on the template, you can rotate, invert, and resize the image to your desired layout! Remember that the print guide is there to help ensure all artwork you want seen is inside the critical artwork space.

Please Note: There is a 1/4″ bleed around the edge of the template, so keep the “critical images & text” inside the safe area (about 1″-1.5″ from the edge of the flag).

You can also adjust transparency, add filters, and more!

5. Add text and shapes.

The Design Studio comes pre-loaded with a variety of different shapes, text formats, and font settings so adding text to your flag becomes easier and more customized than ever! Once your text is written and the size adjusted, you can change the color, transparency, and width of the text or shape. 

6. Reorder layers.

Reordering and hiding layers is a necessary capability for collaborating with your team. 

To hide the layer, simply click the eye icon. To reorder, the layer must be unlocked using the padlock icon. From there, moving layers is as easy as it gets!

  This layer is movable now!​

Please Note: Once you are satisfied with your design, be sure to either HIDE (the eye icon) or DELETE (the red X icon) the Print Guide layer. If not, you run the risk of that layer printed on your flags.

7. Save, share, and collaborate with your team.

When your draft is finished, sharing and collaborating is simple.

Save your flag to My Designs. Click on Share in the upper left corner and name your design. This is what your team will see when you share the link.

Create a custom link that only you and those you share it with will have access too! Or look for broader feedback and share your designs to social media. Friends can click on the link, edit your original design, and submit the link back to you! You can view the revision history in the same space as well, so you can restore revisions at any time.

8. Order!

Once your design is team-approved, add the design to your cart. From here, you can checkout and view you cart, adjust quantity, and order! All orders must go through one of our Authorized DSI Retailers, so please know at time of ordering who your local dealer is.

A Cut Above the Rest

What makes DSI’s custom printed flags stand out among the rest is our speed and quality. With DSI’s Design Studio​​​​​, flags are printed in the highest resolution and shipped within 7 business days of artwork approval. Further, there is no minimum quantity. Need a solo flag for that big moment? We can do that at no extra charge. Need 45 sets of swing flags to fill the field with color? We can do that too! Need a flag in weeks? You design it; we approve, print, and ship it. No back and forth. No waiting for proofs. No communication stress.

Create the flags that everyone will love! With the DSI Design Studio, it’s as easy as Drag, Drop, Done. 

Note: We are happy to offer video tutorials for each of the steps listed above and more! To watch these tutorials, click on “Design Help” on the homepage of the design studio OR visit: https://designstudio.dshowcase.com/design_help.php