What's the best way to keep time while marching?

Question: What's the best way to keep time while marching!?

I've only recently started marching (street marching, not field marching), and I'm having trouble trying to keep step when playing syncopated rhythms!. I can play regular rhythms fine, but I keep falling off the beat for a few bars when I play a syncopated rhythm!. Any way of keeping time!? Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

I had this problem for awhile so I would suggest sub-dividing (1 & 2 &!.!.!.) and if that doesn't work for you try getting the part down really well and then adding the different parts as you practice!.!.!. and if you have conductor/drum major then follow them and you know when count one is when their hand goes down (which is also when you're suppose to step with your left foot) but all in all, you're just suppose to practice it and you'll eventually get itWww@QuestionHome@Com

Subdivide your counting to the lowest counting level!. For example instead of counting an eighth - quarter - eighth rhythm as 1- + - + count it 1 - +2 - +!. This way you can keep track of the beat!. If this doesn't help try this: stop playing at those parts and huim your part!. This would allow a little more concentration on the marching!. It may also be caused because your having problems playing those parts!. If you can't play it you'll never be able to play and march it!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Practice, Practice and Practice some more!.
The more you practice something the better you shall become!.Www@QuestionHome@Com