Every summer, many of DCI's corps take a break from their rigorous rehearsal and performance schedules to give back. Hosting educational clinics and camps, corps reach out to junior high, high school and college students to improve their marching music skills and give them a taste of what it's like to participate with some of the top units of Marching Music's Major League. Here's a look at some corps' upcoming educational events:
The Academy: Summer Marching Academy Date: June 11-13 Location: Dobson High School in Mesa, AZ About: Join nationally renowned clinicians and members and staff of the Academy in a unique three-day setting designed to heighten your skills, sharpen your mind and connect your soul to the activity you love so much. Registration: Visit SummerMarchingAcademy.com for more.
Bluecoats: "The Blue Way" Interactive Educational Experience Date: June 13 & 14 Location: Denison University in Granville, OH About: Participating students will learn the methods and techniques necessary for success in the marching arts from the Bluecoats' talented educational staff. They will also have the chance to rehearse and perform segments of the corps' 2009 program "Imagine" side-by-side with current corps members. Whether you plan to audition for the Bluecoats in the future and want to get a taste of what to expect, or you just want to learn what it takes to be the best - The Blue Way is for you! Registration: Online at Bluecoats.com. Save $20 by registering before June 1.
Blue Devils: System Blue Educational Live Events Dates: Between June 20 & Aug. 2. Locations: Yucaipa, CA; Fresno, CA; Tulsa, OK; Hattiesburg, MS; Buffalo, NY About: The Blue Devils' System Blue events are non-competitive, educational summer activities focused on helping students of all ages and levels improve their drumming and marching skills. Drum School offers two courses in select regions of California for junior high, high school and drum corps level players. Featuring the Blue Devils staff and performing members, this will be an opportunity you will not want to miss. Registration: Online at BlueDevils.org.
The Cavaliers: Summer Drum Days Date: June 25-27 Location: North Central College in Naperville, IL About: The seventh annual installment of educational camps and clinics presented by the Cavaliers is sure to be another beneficial and rewarding experience for all attendees. This three-day marching percussion clinic is geared toward all levels of performers (snare, tenor, bass drum, keyboard) who are interested in building their skills and knowledge of music performance. Summer Drum Days is open to male and female students ages 13-21. This year's camp will include a special clinic and exhibition by the 2009 Cavaliers percussion section on Saturday, June 27, as well as a full camp performance that same afternoon. Registration: Deadline is June 1. Visit Cavaliers.org for more.
Carolina Crown: CrownCAMP Summer Clinics – Percussion Dates: June 5-7 Location: Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC About: Students will have an active curriculum that will enable them to return to their schools with a deepened experience and confidence. The students will also have the opportunity to watch the Carolina Crown rehearse and interact with the members all while staying in a safe and secure campus life environment. What better way to help train the young adults in your organization to become leaders? This spring, Carolina Crown also held its Drum Major & Leadership Clinic and Color Guard Clinic from May 29 to 31. Registration: Online at CarolinaCrown.org.
Crossmen: Crossmen eXperience Camp Date: June 19 Location: Blossom Athletic Center in San Antonio, TX About: This event is designed to give students an opportunity to learn exciting skills and techniques from some of the finest educators while spending the day with the Crossmen. Attendees will perform that evening at a special Crossmen preview performance where corps members will debut their 2009 production "ForbiddeN". Band members, parents, educators and fans of drum corps are invited to watch the corps members perform as they prepare to depart for their 2009 summer tour. Registration: Online at Crossmen.org.
Glassmen: ENTERTRAINMENT Series Dates: June 24 & 25, July 1 & 11 Locations: Wright State University in Dayton, OH; University of Toledo, OH; Hornell, NY High School, St. Cloud, FL High School About: The Glassmen bring their unique educational style direct to students and educators as part of the highly-regarded ENTERTRAINMENT Series. Participants will have the opportunity to work directly with staff and members of this world-renowned corps both on the field and in the stadium stands – a truly incredible educational experience! Registration: Learn more at Glassmen.org.
Holy Name Cadets: Music is Cool Dates: Between June 12 & Aug. 2 Locations: Johnstown, PA; Chambersburg, PA; Clifton, NJ; Jackson, NJ; Suffolk, VA; Johns Creek, GA; Clifton, NJ About: Open to brass, woodwinds, percussion and color guard, students receive musical instruction and marching training, and learn what life is like with a touring drum corps. Participants even learn a musical selection to perform with the Cadets; which many students say is the highlight of their summer. Registration: Online at YEA.org.
Pacific Crest: Snare Camp Date: June 20 & 21 Location: Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA Snare Camp is a two-day workshop where players of all levels can join members of the Pacific Crest drum line and participate in their daily routine from start to finish. Students will have the chance to learn from Pacific Crest's world-class instructional staff as well as interact with its current members. This two-day event will help participants see what it takes to be part of a successful drum line through training in leadership, technique and development of "chop building" exercises. Registration: Online at SnareCamp.com.
Phantom Regiment: Drum Major Camps Date: June 2-5 & July 26-29 Location: Rockford College in Rockford, IL / Frostburg State University in Frostburg, MD About: The 2008 Drum Corps International World Champions holds three annual camps for aspiring marching musicians. The Snare Drum Camp was held May 29 to 31 at Rockford College in Rockford, Ill. The remaining two camps in Rockford and Frostburg, Md., are specifically geared toward drum majors. Registration: Online at Regiment.org/camps.