Through the past twenty years or so, the "pit," or "front ensemble," has grown to be an integral part of the modern drum corps and marching band activities. This evolution has brought us into a new realm in the world of percussion education and performance, merging outdoor playing styles with indoor playing styles. This book explores the numerous details of a successful front ensemble. Topics included are: equipment; instrument ranges; transposing; instrument care; technique; exercises; teaching techniques; arranging and much, much more.