Editing Drum and bugle corps (modern) (section)

== Visual program and other visual arts ==

=== Color guard ===
{{Main|Color guard (flag spinning)}}

In modern drum corps, the color guard has become a crucial part of each group's visual and thematic program. Standard equipment includes silk flags, non-functioning rifles, and sabres, and other objects like bare poles, hoops, balls, windsocks, and custom-made props are sometimes used to create visual effects that enhance the show.

The primary role of the color guard is to complement the corps' musical program by creating visual interpretations of the music through choreographed dance. The color guard can also enhance the overall drill design by marching in formations that integrate with the rest of the corps. However, the color guard most often performs as an ensemble that frames the rest of the corps or performs within the drill formations of the corps proper. Like all other sections of the corps, the guard often features solo work.
[[File:drumcorps1.jpg|thumb|upright=0.90| Rehearsal at [[Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps]]]]

=== Drill formations ===
Drill formations refer to the formations made by the performers on the field. Modern drill formations are much more complex and dynamic than the drill formations of early drum corps. Traditional blocks, company fronts, and symmetrical formations &mdash; while still utilized occasionally for impactful moments &mdash; have largely given way to more abstract and artistic designs. Drill writing at large is meant to keep instrumental sections together, put featured members at the center of attention, and visually reinforce the choreography.

=== Marching technique ===
As visual programs have increased in complexity, corps have developed and formalized various movement techniques, the goal of each being the achievement of fluid, consistent movements that allow for precise musical technique at all tempos, step sizes, and directions.  Given that instrument-wielding members most often face toward the audience (for maximum sound projection), marching technique must not affect the rigidity of members' upper torsos. Although most horn players are able to follow this technique, members of the battery must keep their entire bodies facing forward at all times due to the nature of their equipment. This has led to the invention of the "crab walk" or oblique, where the legs cross over one another to facilitate sideways motion; the technique is used mostly by battery, but in rare instances by the hornline. Being visually oriented, guard members are not as bound to facing the front sideline, and may face any direction at any time as dictated by choreography.

The most common backward marching technique requires balancing on one's platform (visually seen as the 'toes' and keeping the heels off the ground), which is especially effective at faster tempos. The reverse the heel&ndash;toe roll step, allowing for heel&ndash;ground contact is another technique used, most often at slower tempos. As an alternative, there are four major groups which utilize a bent leg technique ([[Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps|Santa Clara Vanguard]], [[Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps|Madison Scouts]], [[Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps|Pacific Crest]], and Guardians), in which the feet come off of the ground and move in a bicycle type motion.

Marching technique programs have largely been inspired by [[dance]] technique. Terminology from [[ballet]] and high school band is used to describe foot placement and positioning, and members of the color guard and hornline often ''[[jazz run]]'' in order to maintain upper body stability when moving at fast tempos with large step sizes.