Attention
Pronounced "Detail, a-ten-HUT!" Stand straight, heels together, feet at a 45 degree angle; stomach in, chest out, shoulders back, elbows frozen, chin up, eyes with pride! Horns are down. Excactly how you stand and hold your instrument/equipment varies from section to section. Respond by shouting "Go!" This means that you are at attention and ready for the next command.
Backward March
Step backward, LEFT foot first.
Cover Down
Used when in formation (parade or field) to align yourself to the person in front of you. Ideally, an imaginary straight line should pass through the spine of each person in your column.
Dress-Left-Dress
Turn your head to the left and align yourself with the person on your left.
Say "We're!" as in "We're ready!" See 'Ready, Front' command.
Dress-Right-Dress
Turn your head to the right and align yourself with the person on your right.
Say "We're!" as in "We're ready!" See 'Ready, Front' command.
Dress-Center-Dress
Turn your head to the center of your row and align yourself with the person on that side.
Say "We're!" as in "We're ready!" See 'Ready, Front' command.
Forward March
Step forward, LEFT foot first. Roll foot from heel-to-toe. Keep toes up.
(Band) Halt
Stop marching in two counts.
Horns Down
Commonly follows Halt. Center your instrument in front of your body. Move instrument. Hold wind instrument perpendicular to the ground.
Horns Up
Commonly follows Attention. Snap horn to playing position (Make sure mouthpiece is secured in horn!) Bring your instrument to a "ready-to-play" position.
Left Turn Ho
Turn 180 degrees to your left in four counts.
Left Turn
Turn 90 degrees to your left in four counts.
Mark-Time-Mark
March in place.
Parade Rest
To go from "Attention" to "At Ease." Step sideways with your left foot so that your feet are shoulder-width apart. Move your instrument/sticks/mallets/equipment to a resting position, which varies by section. No talking!
Ready, Front
Follows all of the dress commands. Snap your head forward as you respond "Ready!"
Resume March
Normally given after the "Mark-Time-Mark" command, or between songs during a field show. Tells the band to continue marching.
Right Turn Ho
Turn 180 degrees to your right in four counts.
Right Turn
Turn 90 degrees to your right in four counts.