DOT BOOK 101

How to write the perfect dot book

What you need…

To make a dot book you will need only a few materials:

1 – Notecard Spiral

2 – Coordinate Sheet

3 – Pen or pencil

4 – Shoe string or other cord

5 – Tape, Ziploc Bag, or clear contact paper

o Your dot book may not be complete (pictures and notes) until we have learned the drill on the field and/or have drill chartso It may be wise to use pencil early in the season due to drill changes and possibly new coordinate sheets

Before you get started know that…

What you must include…

Name Instrument Marching Show name and year Coordinate Sheet identification (i.e. C18) 1 page for every move Music measures on every page Notes on holds, horn moves, dance

moves, and marching details (i.e. forward slide right)

Drawing or picture of formation

What the cover looks like…

Must have:

o Name

o Instrument

o Show name

o Year

o Drill I.D.

Writing the pages in your dot book

Next step…

Write set number at the top of the index card and then copy set location from coordinate sheet onto page.

Step 1

Write the number of counts in takes to arrive to that set.

Step 2

Write the corresponding measures for the move made when arriving to this set.

Step 3

Describe the move you are making to arrive to this set. Use terms such as hold, forward diagonal right, backwards slide left, etc.

Step 4

Write notes on your move. Include horns up/down, visuals (i.e. plies), and other relevant information.

Step 5

Draw or print a picture of the “big picture”. In other words, draw what shape is being made on the field and where you are in relation to that shape and the field.

Step 6

What your final product should look like…

o Now repeat steps 1-6 for each set on your coordinate sheet.

o Each set much have its own page.

o I recommend you use both front and back of notecards to include more sets (i.e. #1 in front, #2 behind it)

Each section should have a divider

Note

Put together a functional dot book that will be available at all times when on the field

Final Step

Use contact paper, tape, or a Ziploc bag to keep dot book water resistant and to keep it in better conditions.

Step 1

Use shoe laces, string, or any form of cord to tie to your dot book in order to have an easy way to carry it on the field.

Step 2

o Go back and make sure that all the parts included in this PowerPoint are in your dot book.o DO NOT throw away your coordinate sheet simply because you have it written down in your dot book. Save it in case of emergencies.

Conclusion

o If you have trouble making your dot book or simply have other questions on how to make your dot book ask me by e-mail, text, or phone call.o Do not wait until the day before next band camp to start. Get it done early to leave room for questions and mistakes.

If you still have questions…