As published in Drum Corps International Magazine:
The drum corps activity is more than a musical experience: It's an opportunity to learn skills that apply to many endeavors in life. And fall is drum corps' audition season, and units all over the country are looking to fill their ranks.
Even if you have no plans to participate in the coming summer, spending the time at an audition weekend might give you great information for when you really are serious.
While top corps feature elite performers, directors stress that prospects should not be intimidated because the drum corps experience is as much about teaching as it is about performing.
"Don't ever be afraid to audition and never assume that everyone else will be better than you are," says Jeff Fiedler, director of the Cavaliers. "Even if you have no plans to participate in the coming summer, spending the time at an audition weekend might give you great information for when you really are serious."
Whether you're looking to join the ranks of a World or Open Class unit, each corps offers its own set of opportunities.
George Hopkins, director of the Cadets, points out that you don't have to have all the answers before coming to an audition. "Even if you are uncertain, you should audition for the Cadets, or any drum corps. It is a huge positive, and such an experience can only benefit you and your quest to be a member of a drum corps."
"Whatever corps you plan to audition for, get all the information you can and start now," suggests Fiedler. "Send them emails, write them or call them to find out the requirements of the coming summer, as well as for the audition. What is their process and what do they emphasize? Get on their audition snail mail and e-mail lists. Many corps have method and technique books you can purchase to better prepare you for the audition. Never assume that everyone does it all the same way. Request information from many corps and compare and contrast what you receive. Never believe what only one person tells you. Check it out for yourself!"
View a complete list of corps audition dates and locations.
The drum corps activity is more than a musical experience: It's an opportunity to learn skills that apply to many endeavors in life. And fall is drum corps' audition season, and units all over the country are looking to fill their ranks.
Even if you have no plans to participate in the coming summer, spending the time at an audition weekend might give you great information for when you really are serious.
While top corps feature elite performers, directors stress that prospects should not be intimidated because the drum corps experience is as much about teaching as it is about performing.
"Don't ever be afraid to audition and never assume that everyone else will be better than you are," says Jeff Fiedler, director of the Cavaliers. "Even if you have no plans to participate in the coming summer, spending the time at an audition weekend might give you great information for when you really are serious."
Whether you're looking to join the ranks of a World or Open Class unit, each corps offers its own set of opportunities.
George Hopkins, director of the Cadets, points out that you don't have to have all the answers before coming to an audition. "Even if you are uncertain, you should audition for the Cadets, or any drum corps. It is a huge positive, and such an experience can only benefit you and your quest to be a member of a drum corps."
"Whatever corps you plan to audition for, get all the information you can and start now," suggests Fiedler. "Send them emails, write them or call them to find out the requirements of the coming summer, as well as for the audition. What is their process and what do they emphasize? Get on their audition snail mail and e-mail lists. Many corps have method and technique books you can purchase to better prepare you for the audition. Never assume that everyone does it all the same way. Request information from many corps and compare and contrast what you receive. Never believe what only one person tells you. Check it out for yourself!"
View a complete list of corps audition dates and locations.