Watch Marching Orders

Marching Orders is a Netflix original series that premiered in 2018. The show follows the lives of the Bethune-Cookman University Marching Wildcats, one of the most successful and prestigious marching bands in the nation. Throughout the show, we see the personal struggles, discipline, and commitment required to be a part of the band, as well as the challenges that come with balancing academic and social life.

The series is divided into eight episodes, each running for around 12 to 15 minutes. Each episode revolves around a particular event or performance, starting with the band's audition process and culminating in their final show at the Battle of the Bands. The series offers a unique insight into the world of marching bands, which are often overlooked or underestimated.

The series begins with the band's preparation for band camp, a week-long training session where the members are put through their paces learning the choreography and music for the new season. Band directors, members of the band staff, and seasoned band members provide tips on how to march correctly, carrying heavy instruments for extended periods, and perfecting the sound of the band. The new members of the band are introduced and interviewed, and we learn about their backgrounds, motivations for joining the band, and their fears.

Throughout the series, we see the personal and emotional struggles of being a part of such a large and luxurious organization. Several members of the band admit that they have sacrificed their social life and are barely getting through their academic work due to their rigorous training schedule. However, the sense of camaraderie within the community, the shared experiences, and the thrill of the performances make it all worthwhile.

The show also touches upon the financial difficulties of attending a historically black university and being part of an expensive marching band, from buying band uniforms to costly travel expenses. Many members of the band have to skip meals, use their own money to buy accessories, and wear hand-me-down uniforms.

The show highlights the talent and skills of the band members, with flutes, saxophones, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, tubas, and percussion instruments comprising the band. The band also features majorettes and dancers, who execute complex choreographed routines in perfect sync with each other. The music performed by the band ranges from contemporary hits to classic tunes to marching band staples.

One of the unique features of the show is the integration of virtual reality. Several of the performances are captured using 360-degree cameras, providing a more immersive experience than a traditional camera shot. This allows viewers to experience the march from the perspective of the band members, providing a unique and exciting view of the performances.

Overall, Marching Orders offers a fascinating and in-depth look at the world of marching bands and the sacrifices made by its members to attain perfection. The show’s portrayal of young people with a passion for their art and discipline in achieving their goals is both inspiring and engaging. Viewers gain an understanding of the depth of artistry, teamwork, and personal development that goes into creating an award-winning marching band. The series is a must-watch for music enthusiasts, high school and college students aspiring to join a marching band, and anyone interested in the lives of young African Americans attending a historically black university.

Marching Orders is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on August 3, 2018.