Instruments such as Basses, Euphoniums, Baritones and Tenor Horns are held under the left arm with the bells to the front. Cornets, Flugel Horns and Trombones are held in the left hand in an upright position with the bells towards the ground. The left arm should be bent at a right angle with the elbow close to the side and the forearm and wrist in a horizontal position. All drums are to be on straps in the normal playing position with the beaters held at the position of attention. Cymbals to be carried by the side with the arms fully extended.

When the Drum Major gives the command "Right marker" the band member who stands on the right corner of the front rank (usually a bass) comes to attention and walks smartly to their position on the street. This position is used to "dress" the rest of the band.

When the Drum major gives the command "Band, Fall In" the remaining band members come to attention (see below) and walk smartly to their designated rank and file ( row and column ) on the street.

When the Drum Major gives the command "Band, Attention" all band members should pick up their LEFT leg and smartly bring their heels together at the same time as all other members. During the Inspection, right legs should NOT move at all. Feet should be open at a 30 degree angle (wide enough for another person to put a foot between the members feet from the front.) Knees and back should be straight and the body perfectly erect; shoulders should be square to the front, down - not up - and back slightly; chests should be in a naturally forward position without straining or stiffening; arms should hang easily from the shoulders and as straight as the natural bend of arms will allow; wrists should be straight with hands closed but not clenched; backs of fingers should be lightly touching thighs with thumbs to the front and close to forefingers and thumbs should be placed behind the leg seam of trousers. In addition, necks should be erect with heads balanced evenly and not leaning forwards. Eyes should look straight ahead at all times unless instructed otherwise by the Drum major. Body weight should be evenly balanced on both feet. Breathing must be natural and not be restricted by any unnatural posture. The position of Attention is one of readiness in expectation of the word of command.

When the Drum Major gives the command " Band, Cover" members will need to pay close attention to what the Drum Major is doing at the front of the band. At this stage the Drum major will be checking the spacing of each file (column ) from the front rank (row). Players will need to be aware they are in the file in case they are instructed to move to be in line with others in that file ( numbering starts with the player in the front rank) If instructed to move this must be done smartly while at attention with small shuffling steps. Feet should only be lifted sufficiently to permit the person to move position.

On the command " Right Dress" players turn their heads smartly 90 degrees to the right, looking at the player in the right file. Players in the right file do NOT move their heads but keep looking forward. The Drum Major will then check the straightness of the ranks. Players must know the number they are in the rank in case they are instructed to move to be in line ( numbering starts with the person in the right file ) If instructed to move this must be done smartly while at attention with small shuffling steps. Feet should only be lifted sufficiently to permit the person to move position.

On the command "Eyes Front" heads should be turned smartly to the front and players resume the position of attention.

Drill Adjudicators start with a maximum of 20 points and a point is deducted for each player who does not comply with the above rules. IT IS POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE A PERFECT SCORE OF 20

On the command " Band, Stand at Ease" players should move their left legs 30cm to the left - keeping the leg straight - so that body weight rests evenly on both feet. Hands must not be moved from the position of attention and all other rules for standing to attention continue to apply.

During a march, instruments are held in the same position as when sitting down. Cornet, Flugel Horn and Trombones should be held perfectly straight and level when marching - especially trombones. This may take some practice.

On the command " Band, Ready" instruments should be brought into the playing position in two smart moves. Once in the playing position DO NOT MOVE ANYTHING.

Prior to marching off, the side drummer(s) play two patterns of three drum rolls over four bars. During this time, players should correct their embouchures and check that they are still in line with both their rank and file.

On the command " Band, by the Centre, Quick March" players will start marching upon hearing the "two threes" ensuring that their feet move in time to the beat. LEFT FEET SHOULD ALWAYS HIT THE GROUND ON THE FIRST BEAT OF EACH BAR - DO NOT WALK. Nothing looks worse than someone walking in a marching band completely out of time with the music and everyone else. This is a guaranteed way of letting the band down by unnecessarily losing points for drill. If inexperienced in marching, it is more important to concentrate on keeping in time and in line with your rank and file rather than trying to play on the march.

At the end of the march, the Drum major will give the "Halt" command. If a whistle is used then the whistle will be sounded three times- the first of which will be as the left foot touches the ground at the start of a bar. These whistles will occur after a double beat on the bass drum. On the third whistle, left feet will be again touching the ground and must now stop marching - followed by the right feet on the next beat. Players will now be standing at attention with feet together. Instruments will still be held in the "Band, Ready" playing position until the Drum Major gives the instruction to return instruments to the non-playing position.

On the command "Band, Break Off" players pivot smartly 90 degrees to the right, hold this position for an imaginary count of four beats before walking smartly off the street.