By Allison Owen
There are many things to consider when choosing where you are going to audition. It is an even more difficult decision when you’re still in high school.
Being a sophomore in high school, I have to consider many factors before I decide on where I will go to audition for the 2004 season. I have to look at locations, schedules, time commitments, cost, and so many more things. Recently my parents and I checked out all the Division I drum corps that are within a reasonable distance from my town and went from there. We began to narrow down the options even more by looking at cost and camp schedules — I’ve never had to worry about my school schedule conflicting with anything before, but now I do.
After checking out all the factors, we came to a decision of which drum corps would be best for me to audition at for the 2004 season. It was a somewhat complicated process, but it was something that had to be done. We decided that it would — and will — be best for me to go to Jacksonville, Ala., to audition for SPIRIT.
I would find it an honor to audition at such a fine organization, and I am proud to announce that this is where I will be auditioning in November. I know what will have to be done to make a good impression at audition, and just do my best … so I just have to get out there and do it. Now that I have sent in my audition application, I am really starting to get excited. My dream of marching in a Division I drum and bugle corps is finally starting to take shape. This is the first step — of many — in my journey and I am ready to do whatever it will take to reach my goal. Sure, I might have to miss a little bit of school .. .but I don’t mind working harder to make up the work. I also have to earn money to help pay some of my fees … but I am willing to do it. Now that I’ve seen what an amazing activity marching in a drum and bugle corps is, I know that I will do whatever it takes to be a part of it.
Until November, I’ll be practicing and preparing myself for the road ahead of me. Keep checking back on my journey: The road to marching a Top 12 Division I drum and bugle corps.
Allison Owen is a sophomore at Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tenn., who plans to audition for a corps in November.
“I’m in the SHHS guard and I like writing, dancing, performing, traveling, photography and having fun. As for after high school/college, I don’t know what I want to do … I just know I would like to do something dealing with color guard, computers or writing,” Owen said.
