The simple idea of a marching band began with the idea of traveling musicians performing together. The styles have evolved from military groups that moved to direct troops with their constant beat and musical sound. Rather than having their existence in just armies, marching bands now have a ceremonial role (“The History”). Several of the military traditions have …show more content…
The first halftime show took place in the State of Illinois at a University of Illinois game versus University of Chicago. The Illinois marching band, named the “Illini,” performed in 1907 at the football game. Following the performance, and within the same year, a man named Paul Spotts Emrick worked to advance the style of field marching (“The History). Emrick’s developments were based on the idea of a flock of birds flying. The sight led him to create a ‘V’ looking formation and he called the creation “Block P.” At first field performances only had members placed in military rank-like formations. Nowadays, new formations are created along with the addition of color guard members, dance lines, and baton twirlers, or majorettes. Ever since 1907, field performances have received more attention and increased in