Front ensemble

Originally, the front ensemble consisted of keyboard percussion and timpani, the marching versions of which are heavy and awkward.

[1] The main emphasis of the front ensemble are the mallet instruments: marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, chimes, crotales, and xylophone.

[2] Under the original rules Drum Corps International used with its founding in 1972, all instruments had to be marched without exception.

Over time, people began to realize the physical strain of carrying these large, awkward instruments, and they were allowed to be placed on the ground in 1978.

The last year marching pitched percussion instruments were commonly used in competition was 1982.

The front ensemble of the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps during the Sunset Parade
A set of marching alto bells used by the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps in 1976
The front ensemble for the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps rehearsing their 2007 show, "Criminal"