A. Effective transitions
1. Make sense musically
2. Match the mood/dynamics
3. Leave an element of the guard to maintain emphasis
4. Maintain horizontal thought process (continuity) throughout program
5. Are planned to enhance the visual design of the entire ensemble
B. Ineffective Transitions
1. Disrupt the horizontal thought process (continuity) and mood of the program.
2. Draw one’s eye to the transition itself
a. jazz running or SPRINTING between each song
3. Create extra “visual noise” to the program
a. performers talking
b. adjusting uniform
4. Repetitive
a. always changing equipment in a particular area of the field
b. always changing equipment between each song
5. Too much negative space between multiple design elements
II. Methods/ideas to achieve successful transitions
A. Reflect musicality & mood changes
1. This does not always occur with each new song.
2. Often mood changes occur 2-3 times during each song.
B. Use of multiple elements (i.e flags/dancers/sabres/rifles)
1. Have one group transition while the other group is maintaining clear emphasis
2. Careful of how the element that is left on the field generates emphasis.
C. Use of motion
1. “Assembly line”
2. Gradual add-on
D. Use of soloist, duet etc.
1. Must maintain superb expressive qualities
2. Defined emphasis/space on soloist, duet…
E. Try to get out of your “comfort zone”
1. “Hidden” equipment
2. Exchanges