Show Dots
One of the more unique and interesting booths we saw at TMEA was Shot Dots. Show Dots are “custom mementos for the marching arts community.” Each Show Dot is a necklace that contains a unique charm design for a marching band’s yearly show. Members can collect Show Dots for each year they march and wear them on a single necklace. The necklaces serve as a great memento for the members to keep and remember their time in marching band. Show Dots would be great not only for marching bands but also drum corps and indoor percussion and color guard groups. If you’re looking for a special way for your band or group to remember their marching arts season, check out Show Dots.
Marching Health
Modern marching groups are continuing to blur the lines between athletics and arts. With shows becoming more physically demanding, a focus on the health and fitness of the marching members is becoming increasingly important. Marching Health gives “give bands, drum corps, and indoor ensembles the tools to physically prepare for their season properly.” By creating workout programs specifically designed for the marching arts, Marching Health is taking a proactive approach to member wellness. If you’re looking for ways to improve the health and wellness of your marching group, take a look at Marching Health.
https://www.marchinghealth.com
Marching Band Movement
The best marching ensembles have perfected the art of movement. Marching Band Movement has “everything you need to get your band moving”. Their online courses have made it a lot easier to level-up your groups movement and choreography. You can start with their movement programs to help your members develop the skills necessary to perform modern marching arts choreography. Once your members are ready to translate their new skills to the field, Marching Band Movement also has a set of pre-designed choreography routines that you can work into your show. Marching Band Movement has what your group needs to take your marching shows to the next level.
https://www.marchingbandmovement.com
Forte Athletics
Modern marching arts performances are physically demanding. Between high tempo marching and difficult choreography routines, marching members need to maintain a high level of fitness to perform their shows effectively. Forte Athletics helps marching ensembles “get stronger, work hard, and perform at their best” through a set of fitness programs designed specifically for the marching arts. Members can download the Forte Athletics app to find a set of clear workouts for both rehearsal and home. The app can be used to track progress as well to provide accountability across the whole ensemble. To improve the fitness levels of your marching ensembles, check out Forte Athletics.
https://www.forteathletics.net
Jeff Chambers Music
Finding a unique and exciting show for a marching band is oftentimes a challenge for band directors. Jeff Chambers has composed and developed a set of 150+ marching band shows across a wide range of skill levels to make this process easier. Each show has a unique theme so you’re certain to find a show that both excites and challenges your members. Jeff also accepts commissions for new shows each year if you’re looking for a bespoke design for your marching band. You can visit Jeff's website to see all the available shows in the catalog.
https://www.jeffchambersmusic.net
Conclusion
We left TMEA feeling incredibly energized. As we walked around the exhibit hall, it was great to see so many different organizations serving the marching arts community. From innovative products to passionate discussions, it was clear that the future of the marching arts is not just bright—it’s full of potential and creativity. The talent, technology, and dedication on display reassured us that we have chosen a rewarding field in which to work. We can’t wait to see how this community continues to grow and evolve.
There were many other great booths/companies working in the marching arts space that we didn’t highlight in this blog. You can see the full list of companies exhibiting at the link below.
