Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

When I was in the drum core we called this “controlled violence” and can also be referred to as “controlled chaos”. When marching for a university band there are many things to consider, your step, cadence all while being aware of what everyone else is doing so it appears we move in lock step. It isn’t easy to synchronize the movement of hundreds of people and it only comes from exerting some type of organizational control all while providing the illusion of free flowing movement. Hence, the term “controlled violence”.

If allowed, people’s inherent nature is to be uninhibited, do what they want, be heard, be seen, stand out and play as loudly as possible. But if everyone plays loudly at the same time then it becomes just noise and not enjoyable for anyone. When performing music at appropriate times there is a need to be Forte (loud) or Pianissimo (very soft) and it is this sense of self control that allows the group to be heard as a whole. There are passages when louder and faster are necessary but all within the self awareness of others while having sense of organization. This is the control that is required to maintain an organization. Otherwise if there is no control then you have lost the organization and if you lose the organization you will have lost the sense of community, and the sense of synchronization to the detriment of others. Just because you can do this doesn’t mean you should!

Comment below and let me know any of your experiences where you have found this to be true