being performed. In comedic shows, particularly for university bands, an announcer may read jokes or a funny script between songs; formations that are words or pictures (or the songs themselves) may serve as punch lines. Fundamental commands and drill down In some marching bands, the drum majors have the option to give out a set of commands to the rest of the band either vocally, by hand command, or by a whistle. These commands originated from the military history of marching band. Different bands might have different sets of procedures such as the number of counts it takes to carry out the command, but the overall result is the same. To the ready/Standing by/Rest/Relax: the command tells the band to stand with heads slightly bowed, feet shoulder-width apart. The band often automatically does this when they first march onto a field at the beginning of their show. Band atten-hut/Band ten-hut/Set: the command that tells the band to go into the position of attention, a military posture. The band usually responds with a loud verbal response, such as "One!", "Hut!" or "Hit!" Mark time march: the command tells the band to march in place in rhythm to snare taps, normally before they march off. Forward march, sometimes forward harch: This command tells the band to begin marching, in time, and in step. They step off on the left foot and end on the right. Detail halt/Band halt: this command tells the band to stop marching. Normally they mark time for two beats, saying "One, two" or "Dut, dut" on these beats, to ensure they end on the correct foot. At ease: this tells the band that they may completely relax. Parade rest: the command that tells the band to put their feet shoulder wide and join both hands in the front of their body or to put both feet together or in a V-formation and roll their elbows out and put both hands in fists resting on the hip (the upper-body portion is usually only utilized when marching without instruments, sometimes the second option's lower body form and the first option's upper-body form is used). Left face: the command to turn the band 90 degrees to the left while at the position of attention. Right face: the command to turn the band 90 degrees to the right while at the position of attention. About face: the command to turn the band