First published in 1984, The System: Marching Band Methods by Gary E. Smith is the quintessential marching band instruction textbook intended for music students, drum majors, colorguard, college music majors, and band directors. It covers all the methods for building, improving and maintaining an outstanding marching band program. The book is also co-authored by many leading band directors and specialists in various fields of music education. Over the years, the book has undergone many editions. This edition has been completely redesigned and includes a substantial amount of new material. Register your book at MarchingBandSystem.Com, to download PDF documents of forms and resources, which you are permitted to print and distribute.

Gary E. Smith’s prolific achievements and reputation in his career of music education has earned him one of the highest honors of being elected president of the American Band Masters Association (ABA) in 2018.