To discover the secrets of a successful marching band, Clemson University percussion instructor Paul Buyer set out to observe seven of the best bands in the nation, chronicling his findings in the new book “Marching Bands and Drumlines: Secrets of Success from the Best of the Best.”
A sports fan who’s been involved in the marching arts for more than 20 years, Buyer found inspiration in Brian Curtis’ book “Every Week a Season: A Journey Inside Big-Time College Football” in which the author goes behind the scenes with several college teams.
“I’ve been teaching the drum line here at Clemson for about 10 years, and I’ve always been interested in finding out how other instructors teach their drum lines and how directors teach their bands,” Buyer says.
While researching for the book, Buyer spent time with bands at seven universities: Louisiana State University, the University of Alabama, Western Carolina University, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, the University of North Texas and the University of Arizona.
“I think the book has the potential to enlighten educators about how they run their programs,” Buyer says.
