The Field Percussion User Manual
Marching band directors and staff, learn all about your group’s percussion section!
(Marching percussion may seem intimidating, but it’s not that bad!)
This booklet can be enhanced with the 326-page Pre-Built Percussion Warmup & Exercise Packet!
New band directors, incoming staff, and performers alike can gain valuable insight from this 136-page percussion guide. It answers questions you didn’t even know you had and dives deep into the complexities of the percussion section and the unique properties of its sound.
This is quite literally a user manual for your drumline and pit, with clear sections that follow the natural flow of a show day: from sub-sectionals and section warmups to full ensemble rehearsal and performance preparation. The book even includes a troubleshooting guide to tackle common challenges.
Staff can use this book to align their teaching approach and improve ensemble effectiveness. This guide is made specifically for you, and of course, autographed gift copies are available here, too!
Don’t be intimidated, managing a percussion section doesn’t have to be overwhelming! This book is designed to guide you step by step, giving you practical strategies and clear explanations so you can confidently lead your drumline and pit.
Whether you’re a new director figuring out how to organize rehearsals, a staff member helping coordinate sectionals, or a performer trying to understand your role, the guide makes complex ideas accessible. Think of it as having a trusted mentor at your side, showing you the ropes and helping your ensemble sound its best, without stress or confusion.
With this resource, you’ll approach every rehearsal with clarity, confidence, and even a little fun.
If you teach a drumline or pit you can use all of the pit and drumline music at no additional cost with your group!
This work, and all my other work, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
For instructors, this packet pairs perfectly with The Field Percussion User Manual!
(*Pit warmups, exercises, and songs may be used freely for practice and warmups, but not as part of a show or paid performance.
For performance permission, contact the composer using the URL listed at the bottom of each PDF, or contact Patrick Blakley above.)
Do you know what’s better than subdividing out loud?
Wearing a shirt with the lyrics while doing it!
Check out the drumline apparel and drumline clothes section for tons of great drumline shirts and accessories to wear to your next rehearsal. From things that the whole band will understand, to things that only the drumline will understand, and even things that nobody might understand!
