With the 2009 Drum Corps International season in the history books, drum corps throughout the country are already preparing for a wave of new recruits, which means one thing – auditions.
For those wishing to join a corps, preparation is essential. Fortunately, most corps offer materials online detailing all of their technical requirements and explaining their respective audition processes.
“As you're deciding where you might like to audition, it’s important to try to get a feel for the organization – check out past performances and talk to current or former members,” says Boston Crusaders Executive Director Tom Spataro. “Contact staff members; they’ll be more than happy to tell you about their corps.”
When you're researching corps to join, be sure to factor in things like location, fee structure, music and marching styles.
While some corps can be pretty demanding and having a solid marching band or drum corps background helps, experience isn’t always necessary, and other organizations may provide a spot ideal for beginners. Even if your nerves get the better of you and you fall flat at your audition, the process will still be rewarding. “Sometimes performers will give up without even trying, and what a loss that is,” says Spataro.
“We encourage everyone to come out to the audition, even if it’s just to check out the corps. If someone doesn’t feel ready to commit to the summer, it’s a great way to prepare for the future. Even spending one weekend with a corps will leave you with a great educational experience.”
Within this page are various resources to help get you started in finding a corps that you might like to join. Always be sure to contact the organization of your choice directly to confirm dates, locations and other audition requirements.
Good luck, and we hope to see you on the field in the summer of 2010!
Listed below are audition dates and locations for many drum corps across the country. As groups finalize plans for their 2010 auditions, information posted here will be added, updated and changed periodically.
Check back often, and for the most up-to-date audition information always be sure to visit each corps' individual Web site.
Nov. 21, 2009
:
North Richland Hills, TX
(System Blue Texas Brass Clinic and Audition)
Nov. 21, 2009
:
Chicago Heights, IL
(System Blue Midwest Brass Clinic and Audition)
Nov. 27-29, 2009
:
Pleasant Hill, CA
(System Blue Northern California Clinic, MAIN Brass & Color Guard Auditions)
Dec. 5-6, 2009
:
Pleasant Hill, CA
(System Blue Northern California Clinic and MAIN Percussion Audition)
Dec. 12-13, 2009
:
La Verne, CA
(System Blue Southern California Winter Clinic (All Sections))
Dec. 6, 2009
:
Diamond Bar, CA
(Pre-Audition Rehearsals)
Dec. 13, 2009
:
Diamond Bar, CA
(Pre-Audition Rehearsals)
Dec. 19-20, 2009
:
Diamond Bar, CA
(Audition Weekend)
Every fall and winter thousands of marching musicians vie for a limited number of positions in Drum Corps International ensembles across the United States. Traveling to new locations, navigating crowds of unfamiliar faces, learning new techniques and overcoming nervousness; the audition experience can sometimes be daunting for both prospective and returning members alike! To help put you at ease and steer you in the right direction for your upcoming audition, we’ve compiled the expert advice and first-hand experiences of these current corps members. Click each name below to learn more.
Enter your birthday to determine if you are within the age limit to join a Drum Corps International corps.
Month
Day
Year
Prospective corps members who are under the age of 22 as of June 1, 2010 are eligible to compete during the 2010 season. Minimum age limits may vary from corps to corps.
7th Regiment - New London, CT
