Bands use percussion to create basic rhythms that can have a melody added usually through a wind instrument preferably brass like a sax, trumpet or trombone though clarinets and tin whistles work just as well. You may draw on folk, African, South American, Carribean and contemporary rhythms. These bands stroll as they play and also move from one site to another where they might play for up to ten minutes depending on the crowd response.

Charles Sturt University Theatre Media students used bands in street festivals celebrating annual car races from 1989 - 1996. Their bands drew on and extended the musical skills of the group. The students once made a tin drum band by tuning 20 litre drums which told a story while they played because each drum had a letter on it which spelt BATHURST, but could be moved about on the beat to also spell 'hat burst', 'bath rust', 'rubs that', 'bush tart' etc.

These bands have accompanied other performances, led street processions, drawn crowds for mumming shows and been part of the grand parade. They have usually performed for fifteen to twenty minutes in any hour. Their members have usually been performers in mumming shows as well. They can be used to set up simple dancing involving the audience as much as possible

Ideal:

A troupe of dancing, tumbling, extravagant, character musicians costumed in sculpturally and visually arresting outfits who can parade and play simultaneously.

Form:

Standing, strolling, parading. May be two or 200.

Principles:

• Use existing music skills.
• Make your own instruments.
• Teach simple rhythmns that complement each other e.g. rock 'n' roll, reggae, samba, Afro Cuban.
• Everyone can play something.
• Move as you play.
• Use basic percussion rhythmns.
• Use a variety of instruments: bought, home made or in combination.
• Appoint a bandleader.
• Appoint a tempo keeper - eg bass drum.
• Overlay a melody using a competent musician, eg sax, clarinet, trumpet, flute
• Choose images for costumes and backpacks appropriate to the event and music.
• Start and end cleanly/precisely on a beat.
• Make sure performers are comfortable in their costumes, and that they are able to manage their instruments, choreography and props with ease.
• While dancing and playing is fun it may stress the body, Practise early and frequently for short durations to develop strength, stamina, and flexibility. The less expereince people have the more slowly you should proceed, and the shorter the sessions should be until strength and endurance develop.

Practices:

• Visual effect is as important as the sound.
• Make two bands to compete against each other (as friendly dramatised rivalry).
• Costume the bands to look like teams.
• Use wrist, knee and ankle shakers.
• Use silence between musical pieces.

Performance Notes:

• Make eye contact with the crowd and speak/play to them directly.
• Incorporate any event into the performance immediately wherever you can.
• Spotlight hecklers "Look Murph he likes us. I think I'll give him a kiss/hug, slap on the back, this apple (which you've just been eating)".