First of all, good job on making the line! It's gonna be a really fun time for you. In addition to what everyone has said above about learning the basics and the rudiments inside and out, you should also pay very close attention to what your band will be playing for shows. Listen to the songs if you can, maybe ask your director if he/she can find the recording of the marching arrangement for your use. Having the music in your head before (and during) playing it helps so much. Good luck this year!

Find the right practice schedual and be consistant, or practice every day. Get a good pad that you like playing on also think of the transfer from pad to drum and see the difference that you need to play on the drum. Should be more energy to play on the drum so if you can play on the drum as much as possible and use the pad when you can`t play the drum. Follow the advice you are recieving from the others here and take it a step further, practice what you can`t do well!

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What I did in my Freshman year was found out a good schedule in which I could fit in practicing as much as possible. I think that was the most important thing. Also, ask for tips from your section leader or Instructor. that helped me a bunch.

Get to know your drum I know before I was in marching band I barely ever got to play anything other than a concert snare and the marching snare was pretty alien when I first picked it up. The rims were higher, the sticks were bigger, the heads could stop bullets, and it was much more loud and fun

Welcome!!!, That`s is why we like it because it is loud and fun!

practice when you can, it's all about finding the right balance between drumming and other aspects of life practice often, but not so much it turns into a chore, or it stops you from getting out with friends. most of all, enjoy yourself!!!

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Start from the bottom with technique (which ever you may use). Build up left hand in traditional but working out independence.. remember to start slow, drumming is muscle memory. Don't stress out your muscles in your arms and hands too much, drumming should have a relaxed approached.