MO_Drummer,

Have you talked to the band directors about goals for the next few years with the band programs in general?

It's a tough conversation to have, but some directors (and it sounds like this one) don't really care about the marching program. Although I'm not a fan of directors like this, it is completely understandable as it take a lot of personal time away from the director. I think it is okay to not devote time to marching band as long as she did devote time to concert band or jazz band. She simply might not be comfortable marching. If this is the case, she probably really appreciates all that you do and wants you to help with everything that you can.

Tan

How many basses are said stock parts written for. If 4, it will sound the best played as it is written. If 3, it will sound OK but not great. If 5, then it will sound much better modified for 4 then for 3.

4 also opens up more possibilities phrase wise in writing for cadences and warm ups, but again, 3 can be OK.

Personally I'd say 4, but it's really a call based on the exact demands of the situation.