Marching Band Drill Design Service

Marching Band Drill

Looking for custom marching band drill that fits your band’s style and ability level?

My mission is to create marching band drill that not only looks great but is tailored to your band’s specific needs, with a focus on achievable and effective staging.

Whether you’re fielding a small non-competitive group or a BOA finalist, I specialize in creating drill that is: 

  • Easy to teach and clean
  • Visually engaging
  • Musically aligned
  • On time, every time

I’ve written for bands of all sizes across all 50 states. Whether you have a band of 10 winds, over 700 members, or somewhere in between, I can write custom drill that showcases your band’s strengths.

Client Testimonial

Robert knew exactly what my band needed and set them up for success with his drill. He even went out of his way to help me with a tight deadline. I’ll definitely be working with Robert again next year.

Micah Pennel, Band Director Belle Fourche High School Band, SD 39 students marching

Written Personally, Never Outsourced

When you hire me, you get my full attention. I do not use ghostwriters. Every drill is written by me, based on a clear understanding of your program’s identity, musical structure, staging needs, and difficulty level.

I ask the right questions from the beginning so your drill is achievable for your students, complements your music, and maximizes your ensemble’s strengths.

What’s Included in Your Custom Drill Package

  • Drill that works the first time without errors
  • Full PDF chart set written for your specific field layout
  • Individual coordinate sheets for each student
  • Pyware file in your preferred version
  • Clear text instructions and notes on every page
  • Designated staging for soloists (winds, guard, percussion)
  • Unlimited consultation and support throughout the season
  • Optional animation video of the drill matched to your show music.

Client Testimonial

He is great with deadlines and ALWAYS answer the phone if we have any questions or need support. His drill is always creative, easy to teach, and effective. If you are looking for a dependable company who will go above and beyond, reach out to Robert Strunks at RMS.

DJ McConnell South Paulding High School Band, GA 134 students marching

Complete Visual Design Packages Also Available

Looking for more than just drill? I offer full show design packages that include:

  • Custom Horn line body visuals
  • Custom guard choreography
  • Custom Drill

All 3 components are written from the start as part an integrated design. This ensures a consistent and cohesive total visual design package.

How the Process Works

Every drill is designed from the ground up using a proven system that delivers great results fast.

The steps are: 

  1. Initial discussion and design questionnaire to understand your band’s vision. This can be a phone call or email.
  2. Theme, prop and uniform integration planning (optional) 
  3. Drill and choreography writing based on your music and visual priorities
  4. Full delivery of charts, coordinates, files and choreography with instructions
  5. Ongoing support all season

Why Directors Choose Me

  • 36 years of experience in drill design, directing, and judging
  • Every drill set is teachable and staged for musical clarity
  • Smooth transitions written to follow musical phrasing and dynamics
  • Guard and percussion are thoughtfully integrated in every set
  • Consistent communication, fast turnaround, and flexibility
  • Drill resizing available if section totals change (optional added service)

Client Testimonial

Over the past two seasons, our ensemble earned a state championship and a state runner-up finish, along with Outstanding Guard both years, the highest visual score both seasons, and the Effect caption this year. Across the last four years working with RMS Visual Designs, our band has earned more than 50 marching band accolades, including placements and caption awards. Those results are a reflection of design that consistently sets students up to be successful.

Halftime and Non-Competitive Shows Welcome

Don’t compete? I also specialize in writing exciting halftime show drills designed for maximum audience appeal and quick learning. Each drill is fully customized and written from scratch.


Need a Complete Visual Design Package?

Horn line body visuals and/or guard choreography can be included. You will receive a fully integrated marching band show, complete with drill, visuals, and guard work, all coordinated from the beginning.

I am passionate about helping band directors meet their marching band goals. I ensure that the right people are in the right place at the right time throughout every part of your show. You will also experience better guard staging and transitions because I carefully plan each moment in advance. I understand the challenges directors face when trying to field a successful program and know how to balance your specific concerns as I stage the ensemble.

Marching Drill for All Band Sizes and Difficulty Levels

With RMS Visual Designs’ custom drill writing service, your drill will be tailored to your band regardless of size or difficulty level. Everything is designed to be logical and easy to teach. You will not hear a student say they can’t reach a dot because the stride is too big, and you won’t struggle all season with one drill move that can’t be cleaned.

The drill is written at the correct difficulty and delivered on time. All elements are integrated from the beginning. Drill transitions will fit the musical phrasing and style of your show. Unlimited support and consultation are included throughout the entire process.

What makes great marching band show writers great? The difference with Robert’s marching band drill ideas is that they are created through clear communication and the integration of your overall vision and goals. The drill transitions will fit every musical phrase and style of the music. Our custom drill design service comes with unlimited support and consultation throughout the entire process.

Meet the Designer: Professional Drill Writer Robert Strunks

Robert Strunks is a professional marching band drill writer with 36 years of experience in drill design, directing, and judging. He has created custom drill shows for high school and college bands across the United States, from small halftime groups to nationally competitive programs.

He personally writes every drill based on the music, staging needs, and teaching goals of each client. His work prioritizes logical transitions, musical alignment, and full coordination of winds, percussion, and guard.

As a former band director and experienced judge, Robert understands how to write clean, teachable shows that make sense for both students and adjudicators. He also offers optional visual design packages, including horn line body visuals and guard choreography.

Client Testimonial

It was a pleasure working with Robert this marching season. The students absolutely love the drill he provided us this season and had so much fun learning and executing the moves. I’m looking forward to working with him again! Got a 1st division at region and advanced to area! Thank you, Robert!

Thomas Hille Banquete High School band, TX 44 students marching

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Receive the Drill and Choreography After I Submit My Music and Show Details?

Drill, visuals and guard work delivery timing is 100% customizable based on each individual bands needs and schedule. With planning, we can accommodate ANY schedule.

Some directors must receive all of the drill, visuals and guard work by a certain date so that it can all be taught during band camp or preschool rehearsals which typically last one or two weeks in July or August.  In this situation, be sure give us those camp dates by May 15th so we can ensure the show is delivered by the required dates.

I teach my opener at band camp, but we always have drops or adds to the roster before school starts. Can You Write the Rest of the Drill as Needed and Account for the Changes in the Remaining Drill?

YES! I do this all the time for several customers and it works great. Writing the drill in sections leaves “wiggle room” so section totals and other changes can be made as we progress through marching season.

I can send the subsequent drill segments when they are needed WITH the changes accounted for.  This can be done during band camp dates OR the drill segments can be sent all season when needed (July-Sept).  I write fast and I can accommodate any schedule.

Do You Charge Extra If I Need to Resize Drill That Is Already Written?

Additional charges could be necessary depending on the situation.

Section totals changes that occur before any drill is actually written are included in the quoted drill price.  You will have lots of time to determine section totals.  We can talk about all of this in advance and customize my services to handle any late changes if needed.

In most cases, the director will close any holes or swap out students inside the existing drill that has been written.  I will then adjust to account for the changes as I write the remaining drill for no additional fee. This works quite well for 90% of my clients.

Will I Receive the Drill, Visuals, and Guard Work on Time?

Absolutely!  I use a very detailed scheduling system to ensure delivery by the dates you request.

I know this is a big problem with several drill designers, but you won’t experience that issue with RMS.  I was a director for 10 years, and I understand the importance of having the drill and choreography ready to go for rehearsals.

Will You Make Changes to the Drill, Visuals or Guard Work if Something Is Not Working?

I always stand behind my drill designs and choreography.  We use a detailed process and always ask the right questions in advance.  It’s rare that we are asked to go back and change something after the fact.  However, we are always happy to make adjustments if something is not working for your group.

Because of our level of experience and our detailed approach, you can rest assured that you will receive highly effective, teachable and cleanable designs from our team.  If requested rewrites are due to late musical or concept changes, additional fees could apply.

What File Types Will I Receive?
You will receive a full PDF chart set, coordinate sheets for each performer as well as the Pyware file in your requested version. Everything comes with clear instructions.
Do You Offer Support During the Season?
Yes. Unlimited support and consultation are included. If you have questions during rehearsal or need to troubleshoot a section, I’m available.
Do You Design the Drill to Line Up With the Music?

Yes. I always make sure the drill counts fit and direction changes fit the phrases of the music so the students are stepping on very clear, recognizable musical cues.

Every transition and staging decision is based on musical phrasing and impact moments. I design the drill to enhance the music and fit your parameters, requests and difficulty level.

Is This Service Only for Competitive Bands?

No. I design for both competitive and non-competitive groups.

Many bands are focused on entertaining halftime shows, senior nights, or special events.  I am very experienced in writing these types of shows enjoy designing drill for any occasion.  These drills teach quicky and are fully customizable just like the competitive shows.  Page count and level of guard integration is 100% up to you.

Can I See Samples Before Committing?
Yes. I can provide additional samples of my drill designs on request. I can also provide examples of the custom guard choreography and horn line body visuals
How Much Do Your Drill Writing Services Cost?
Pricing depends on the size of your band, the length of the show, and any additional services you may require. Please fill out the quote request form, and I will provide a custom estimate promptly.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the online form to request a quote or reach out directly for a consultation. Whether you need a single chart or a complete visual show package, I’m here to help your band look and sound its best.  Fill out our quote form to get started today!