Mark Time Mike Fanning The purpose of the Mark time is to establish strong timing is the feet. Strong time is the bonding of music and marching. Everyone must have their feet in time and learn how the rhythms relate to their feet. If this happens then we all play and move in time together. Example; We don’t always have the opportunity to march and play. Marking time gives the marcher the sensation of marching while standing on the spot. The initiation of the mark time starts on 4& when the tempo is 132bpm or lower. If the tempo goes above 132bpm then the initiation starts on 4. On the initiation the left heel comes up until only the platform is left on the ground. The left knee should bend at this point.  Some people use height references such “heel up to the opposite ankle”. I find that by giving the student a physical reference point that uniformity is achieved earlier On count 1 the left heel comes down. The moment the left heel makes contact with the ground the right heel goes up, On 1& the right heel raises to the platform and the right knee bends. On count 2 the right heel moves back down towards the ground. Once the right heel touches the ground the left heel rises to the platform and the left knee bends. You should think of your weight as being rested at slower tempos. The weight will be placed on the one foot that has complete contact with the ground and the opposite foots platform. The marcher should not bob side to side when they mark time. The upper body must be fluid. At a faster tempo you should have your weight towards the front of the feet/platforms. This will keep the students weight less rested. This makes it easier for the student to mark time at a faster tempo. Common tenancies and things to look for; The knee does not stop when the opposite heel hits the ground. You should always be in motion. Don’t let motion become too rigid. Drummers tend to have staccato mark time. This is due to drums being a more staccato instrument. Make sure the height of foot rises to the platform. After time a marchers feet tend to fall lower and lower.   Don’t have lazy feet!!! Copyright 2005