Chair step
Image:Badger halftime 2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|University of Wisconsin Marching Band executing the "stop at the top".
The chair step is a type of high step used by marching bands. This step is named because of the resemblance of the leg in action to a leg's position when sitting in a chair. It is primarily used by bands that brand themselves as traditional-style bands.
The chair step is very visual and emphasizes leg movement with a slight pause in each step, during which the thigh of the action leg may raise to as high as parallel to the ground, with the lower part of the leg and foot remaining perpendicular to the ground. As with the ankle knee step, the toe is the last part of the foot to leave the ground and the first to reconnect.
The move is common among bands in schools affiliated with the Big Ten Conference, as well as bands who are influenced by them, primarily in the Midwestern United States.
Variations
Some bands will bend the leg at the knee at a 90-degree angle during game performances, and a 45-degree angle during parades. Others will use a combination of the two.Another element of chair step highlighted by many bands is a horn flip, or swagger, that is executed during the march.
The University of Wisconsin Marching Band originated a unique version where the leg is brought up extremely quickly and pauses at the height of the step, coined "stop at the top".
University bands that use the chair step
- Bowling Green State University Marching Band
- Purdue All-American Marching Band
- Pennsylvania State University Marching Blue Band
- Marching Illini
- Indiana University Marching Hundred
- The Pride of Minnesota
- The [Ohio State University Marching Band]
- Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band
- Michigan Marching Band
- Northwestern Wildcat Marching Band
- Iowa State University Cyclone Football "Varsity" Marching Band
- Hawkeye Marching Band
- University of Nebraska Cornhusker Marching Band
- Band of the Fighting Irish
- Marching Chiefs
- University of California Marching Band
- University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band
- University of Washington Husky Marching Band
- California Aggie Marching Band-uh
- University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band
- The Pride of Ohio
- Kansas State University Marching Band
- Ohio University Marching 110
- CMU Marching Band
- Goin' Band from Raiderland
- Southern Methodist University Mustang Band
- Marching Mizzou