David Parrella

Cover photo of the Michigan Marching Band



The marching band filmmaker.

Steadicam Operator David Parrella on the field filming the Fighting Illini Marching Band

I am the foremost cinematographer and producer of content within the marching band and marching arts world. While many amazing creators are out there working with marching bands, the nature of my work has taken me to capture a greater variety of programs than anyone else. My training in classic vérité style documentary makes the viewer feel like a fly on the wall (or field), immersed in the story and environment.

I have filmed well over 50 individual ensembles, many of them on multiple occasions, across not only the United States but the globe, capturing tens of thousands of performers over the years. I’ve had the opportunity of interviewing hundreds of people, from legendary band directors like Art Bartner and Jerry Junkin to hundreds of other students, staff, and alumni, for commercial and documentary projects, such as the series Take The Field that I direct and co-produce with @CollegeMarching.

In the drum corps arena specifically, I have directed live DCI broadcasts for FloSports, and I’ve captured and produced content for both Ultimate Drill Book and Drum Corps International’s channels. You may have also seen my work on the jumbotron at DCI events in commercials for DeMoulin, UDB, and other marching arts companies!

With nearly a decade of experience in the film industry, I have the technical expertise to produce content that can rival the production quality of a multi-million-dollar studio.

Take The Field: Michigan

Director, Editor, Steadicam Operator

The finale of our second season of the web series Take The Field, following the Michigan Marching Band, is easily one of my favorite things I’ve ever produced.

Distinguished Brands

I have directed and produced content for some of the most high-profile brands in the marching band community.

Let’s Work Together

Ideas, questions, collaborations?
I’m always looking for new opportunities within the marching arts and music worlds!

Reach Out

Band kid at heart

David Parrella in his marching band uniform for the University of Texas at Austin, flashing a hook 'em horns hand sign

I’m a band kid at heart. After being mesmerized by the University of Pittsburgh’s marching band growing up and finally picking up a trumpet in fourth grade, I was set on a nonstop path. I was the drum major of my high school band, and at the University of Texas I realized my childhood dream of marching in a massive college band alongside a trumpet section that was larger than my entire high school band.

With eight years of experience in the activity, classical film school training, and over a decade of experience in the film industry, I’ve worked to spotlight some of the hardest working yet least acknowledged members of the gameday experience. As a Steadicam Operator, which I attribute my marching band skills to every day, I’ve been able to bring a unique human perspective to the field and allow the viewer to get right into the middle of the action.

After graduation, I partnered with the co-founder of CollegeMarching.com to create Take The Field, an ongoing documentary series and project aimed at giving the world an insight into the unique traditions and culture behind each band, but also the huge amount of work and passion that they dedicate to marching band. We hope to continue expanding and growing the documentary for many years to come!

Take The Field Marching Band Documentary crew on the field filming the Bethune Cookman Marching Band
Photo by Christina Kim
technical director broadcast display of multiple cameras looking around an empty Rose Bowl stadium
Photo by Morgan Wynn

My other work in the marching band world includes directing DCI broadcasts seen live by thousands on FloSports, and capturing and producing content for the innovative minds over at Ultimate Drill Book. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I spent several months coordinating post-production and assembling visual effects for the VDBC (Virtual Drum and Bugle Corps), stitching together more than 800 performers’ videos into a ten-minute show.

A non-exhaustive list of bands that I’ve chased around the field with a camera:

College Bands:

  • University of Michigan
  • University of Southern California
  • University of Texas at Austin
  • University of Florida
  • Penn State University
  • Texas A&M University
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • Purdue University
  • University of Georgia
  • Virginia Tech
  • Temple University
  • Rutgers University
  • Louisiana State University (LSU)
  • University of Oklahoma
  • University of Connecticut (UConn)
  • Auburn University
  • University of Dayton
  • West Chester University
  • Bethune-Cookman University

DCI:

  • Bluecoats
  • Carolina Crown
  • Blue Devils
  • Pacific Crest
  • Boston Crusaders
  • Spirit of Atlanta
  • Santa Clara Vanguard
  • Phantom Regiment
  • Music City
  • The Academy
  • The Cadets
  • Crossmen
  • Blue Stars
  • Genesis
  • The Cavaliers
  • Colts
  • Jersey Surf
  • Madison Scouts
  • Troopers
  • Blue Knights
  • Seattle Cascades
  • Guardians
  • Battalion

Military Bands:

  • The President’s Own United States Marine Band
  • The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines
  • The Corps of Drums of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, CTCRM

High School & Community Bands:

  • The All-American Marching Band
  • Timber Creek High School
  • Quaker Valley High School
  • Burgess Hill Marching Youth
  • Gordon Pipes and Drums
  • Kingston & Malden Scout & Guide Band
  • Bournemouth Youth Marching Band
  • Surbiton Royal British Legion Youth Marching Band

Other ensembles:

  • Rhythm in BLUE
  • Minnesota Brass
  • Blue Devils “B”
  • Eclipse