Marching Bands Books

The Line is a well spun story with the most intriguing subtleties. The search for a young girl's identity, her power, and her sense of place are the overriding themes in this delightfully feminist story of a high school girl in a marching band. There is something here for everybody. Courtney has created an endearing character in Lucy Karate who gains her strength and stands up in the face of intimidation. Great job on this work of literature!

I am a sophomore in high school, I am on the drum line, and I play 2nd bass. The Line is the most amazing book I've read. This book captures what being a girl on a drum line is like. It's freaky how much I have in common with Lucy. 5'4" burnett, girl, 2nd bass drumer, I feel the same way about my boys on the line, I feel the same way about the whole 'for a girl' thing. Its so weird, it was partly like reading about me. I can relate to so much of this in the book, except the whole dating two guys at once and having to choose thing.

This is deffinetly my favorite book ever. I love how its about a girl durmmer that plays bass and works hard for evreything and wants to keep going. I love how there are deffinitions to different things at the begginging of each chapter. I love the whole story line, its amazing.

I recommend this book to everyone, drummer or not. It is truely an amazing book. Every time I picked it up I didn't want to put it down, I got so into it.


go out, buy it, and read it!!

The items were easy to order and arrived in the timeframe stated. Very happy with the service and item that was purchased. Would definitely use this buyer again.

THE LINE is a novel for all those band geeks out there. If you are a percussionist, you'll feel right at home as the Forrest Hills High School drum line prepares for a new season of football games and competitions.

Lucy has spent weeks preparing for her audition to be a member of The Battery. Once she makes it, she finds out that being the only girl on the line has special challenges. Especially when the hot cymbal player she's been crushing on leaves no doubt that he's interested in a relationship. Lucy will have a boyfriend to take her to the homecoming dance!

But, of course, it's not that simple. Lucy has also met another guy and can't stop thinking about him. That fact that he's the Captain of the rival drum line makes the situation even more complicated. Is it possible to date two guys from different schools? Should she tell them about each other? What if they find out that they are competitors, not only for Lucy, but on the drum line competition field as well?

Once Lucy opts for truth, she realizes it's not fair to the boys who both want to date her exclusively. Who will she choose? Nevada, the flashy cymbal player from her own line? Or Sam, from the rival line, who liked her even after finding out who she was? Will Lucy find out the secret that has fueled the rivalry between the two drum lines? And who is that mysterious cyber-buddy that's always on-line for her?

The beginning of this book is a little slow starting, with a fair amount of telling. But don't let that discourage you. Lucy will draw you in. The fun tension between the drum lines and the boys will make you want to read on. You will inevitably pick who you want Lucy to choose and you won't be disappointed. It took me back to my band days, those bus trips, the pranks in the band room, and the rush you feel when you compete with high honors. My 12-year-old daughter took this book away from me and read it in a day. She and I agree that this book was a fun read with a highly satisfying ending.

Reviewed by: Cana Rensberger

Courtney Brandt is quite the up and coming author, writing an entertaining and engaging story that highlights the band world as well as much of the drama during teenage years.

A good read - it'll leave you either reminiscing about band days long ago or psyching you up for the next season.

I saw this book while waiting in line to check at the local bookstore and when I saw hte tittle I was iffy to buy it but since I had little to read, I decided to try and read it. I am a band geek and proud of it and I love this book. I love the characters and how a small town marching band is potrayed. I am in a competitve High School marching band and have never lived or attended school in a small town. It was intersting to see how these characters reacted to certain situations and I love how the book ended.

Take Virginia, ex-beauty pageant queen and current CO-drum major. Then there's Drew, farmer boy and also the CO-drum major. That means the two of them have to work together. When they hate each other? Yeah, right.

But they have to get along, and who says that won't lead anywhere?

This book was great! I read it so quickly, because you really want to find out what happens next. So realistic and romantic. You can spot a little bit of mystery in there, too, involving the rumors about ... well, just read this book. It's a great romantic comedy. After reading this one and Animal Attraction by Jamie Ponti, I'm pretty eager to check out the rest of the Simon Romantic Comedies. Great book!

Virginia is the first female drum major her high school in rural, traditional Alabama has ever had. She's also the first co-drum major. Well, one of them. The other one is Drew Morrow. Last year's band director knew what a ruckus having a female drum major would cause, so he chose two. Problem is, he took off right before school. So now the new band director doesn't know what to do with them. Drew is so infuriated about sharing his job with a girl that he barely speaks to Virginia, except to yell at her. Virginia can't stand Drew either -- sure he's hot, but that's not a right for a superiority complex. Apparently he doesn't think she's so bad-looking either, because before you know it, sparks are flying. But so are rumors. Rumors that threaten to split the couple -- and the band-- apart. Any way you look at it, it's bad, but can Drew and Virginia control it? This fun romance has surprising depth in the issues it discusses, though the reader will still be engaged in the Drew-and-Virginia situation.

In her YA debut Jennifer Echols hits all the right notes, if you'll forgive the pun, with her story of Virginia and Drew and why they just can't get along. Then can.

What makes this story work is the obvious love that Jennifer has for her subject in marching bands and the depth that she gives each of the main characters. They're inherently nice kids, but at the same time aren't portrayed as simple, two-dimensional cardboard cutouts. Each of the main characters has a difficult, potentially life-changing issue they're dealing with and they find that in each other, they have a confidante and a friend.

Can't wait for your encore, Jennifer!

If you're thinking that MAJOR CRUSH is another one of those "one time, at band camp" stories, then you're sorely mistaken! I have to say that this is one of the best, not to mention funniest, young adult romance stories I've read this year.

Sixteen-year-old Virginia Sauter has just gotten the job as co-drum major of the high school marching band. A position she just happens to share with her crush-of-a-lifetime, Drew Morrow. Having given up her life on the beauty pageant circle, fashionista Virginia has given way to manly band uniforms, orthopedic shoes, and a nose stud. She knows she's not the prettiest, or most popular, girl in school, and now that she's working closely with Drew--and if the first game of the season is any proof of the matter, failing miserably--she's at the center of jealous girlfriends and rude gossips.

It seems that Drew isn't enjoying working with Virginia, either. She knows he's not happy about their co-drum major status; after all, Drew's family has held the position--alone--for a long, long time. So when he's not harping at her about not arguing in public, or the fact that he won't stoop to her "juvenile" level, he's giving off signals that Virginia just can't interpret.

When it becomes obvious (sort of), that Drew just might be crushing on Virginia as hard as she is on him, things really start to get interesting. As the two drum majors struggle to work together and create a band that the school, and the band instructor, can be proud of, they'll have to deal with their attraction in a way that hopefully won't create major fireworks.

MAJOR CRUSH is a quick, fun read that anyone can enjoy. It's obvious that Ms. Echols herself loves the marching band, and even though I never got to experience any of those "one time, at band camp" stories myself, I truly enjoyed seeing it through Virginia and Drew's eyes. With well-devoloped characters, fresh dialogue, and a great cast of supporting characters, MAJOR CRUSH is one story you don't want to miss.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

Excellent and beautiful book! Kids loved pictures and story.

These books are delightful. They are beautifully written and illustrated with a "lesson learned" tucked in to each book. I can hardly wait for more books from this author. I have bought these books for each of my grandchildren and for my friends grandchildren. Keep the good books coming!

This is a wonderful book. The story is great and the illustrations are playful and clever. A great book as a gift or for your own kids. Great!

In "A Marching Band for Bears" Eileen Benator tells a colorful, fanciful tale that will interest children from their "picture book" phase until they are well into their reading years. The story, about a group of animals assembling a marching band, is simple but presented intelligently. My own daughter, who was six years old and already reading when she got the book, still found three or four words challenging when she first read it. Now she knows those words, of course, and although she reads on her own daily now at age seven, she still still likes to pick up Ms. Benator's book and read it to herself.

Kerstin has compiled a wonderful book that is more than "just" the history of the UMMB. The book (especially the photos) captures the true experience of being a member of this amazing organization. Current members or alums of a high school or college marching band can relate to the stories. The book can easily hold the attention of anyone interested in history, education, and/or music (and anyone who has participated in a Drum Major Academy/Band Leadership Training seminar). The Power and Class of New England is a truly unique group defined by its history, with its excellence maintained and improved upon year after year by the band members and incredible staff.

Lisa M., Clarinet/T-bone UMMB, 1989-1993

This book is about the most inspiring part of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Minuteman Marching Band. Unless you have attended a football game in the past you have not witnessed the Power and Class of New England. At my first football game I was astonished when I saw more people in the stands during the half time show than were present for the entire game. The history of the band is quite amazing and is a story to be enjoyed by all. From the 4:40 practices to sleeping on gym floors the dedication and pride shown by the members of this organization should be enjoyed by all. Two enthusiastic thumbs up, way to go Kerstin.

This book covers the evolution of a marching band that, while hindered by being at Division 1AA Football School (Instead of the normal Division 1 School) still is able to wow audiences and become known wherever it goes as one of the most energetic, profesional, and downright best bands in the land.
The great work done here by Kerstin to chronicle all the ups and downs of how the band grew to become what it is today is a great read, and a great walk through the history of an amazing American Institution, The Marching Band.

Through These Doors: The History Of The University Of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band 1863-2003 is the true story behind an acclaimed, award-winning marching band that has even earned the honor of marching for President George W. Bush in Washington, D.C. at the Presidential Inaugural Parade. Black & white photographs as well as a smattering of color plates enrich this chronicle of an organization grounded in excellence and musical celebration, which delves deeply into the personal efforts of the individuals who shaped, taught, and led the marching band as well as the broader history of the band and the school it served.

This book taught a lesson about twins switching places. It told you about how if you switch places it could turn into a big problem. But these twin girls figured out a way to solve their problem. And the parade went on! It was a really good book and I think other seven year olds would like it too.

This was a good book, and very fun. I liked that Jessica didn't want to give up playing the drum. And twin switch is always fun to read.

This is a no holds barred story about a young man who grows up when he joins the famous Santa Clara Vanguard Drum & Bugle Corps. He shares his experience with amazing detail. You'll feel like you're right there with him, living in the moment.

Who should read this book? It's a "must-have" for anyone ever associated with the Vanguard or who want to be. For anyone else, it's a wonderful story of growing up and enduring some great positive "life lessons."

It's a fantastic tribute to one of the greatest drum and bugle corps to ever take the competitive marching arena. I recommend it without reservation.

~=Gregory M. Kuzma=~
Author, "On the field, from Denver, Colorado...The Blue Knights!"
On the field from Denver, Colorado...The Blue Knights!: One member's experience of the 1994 summer national tour (N)

Any student of music will definitely want to add "Not for the Faint of Heart" to their collection. Spike takes you on a very personal, realistic, and memorable adventure through his exciting seasons in DCI. If you are considering joining a corps, or have previously marched, you will especially enjoy reading this book.

~Courtney Brandt
Author, The Line

March right out and get it! It's a delightful book. This is the second book by the author that my nieces and nephews have enjoyed. The book has made music come alive for them and given them an appreciation for the challenges and joys of making music. The text and illustrations work seamlessly!

Wonderful learning book that's FUN. Our 2 year old grandson has already learned the musical instruments in a marching band. The illustrations follow the band through the four seasons and the kids' final triumph of performing in the 4th of July parade.

"A Portrait of Tradition" chronicles the history of the Michigan Marching Band, through spectacular photographs, in celebration of the band's centennial season. As the most visible symbol of the University, the Michigan Marching Band's unique mixture of tradition and innovation shine through in this beautiful 160 page pictorial. A "must-have" for anyone who enjoys one of America's great Saturday traditions-- the Michigan Marching Band.

This book is an exciting look into the history of the Michigan Marching Band. Produced in part by the band members, it has a unique and colorful examination of that which makes the band what it is today -- an organization of class, commitment and excellence. I truly enjoyed this book.

This cookbook has a fantastic variety of recipes. I keep going back to it for my favorites and to try new recipes. Everything I've made has turned out deliciously!

This book is a compilation of tips and tested techniques that will make your first year as a marching band instructor a success.