Marlayna Pieratt
Marlayna Pieratt, 20 Miami University Blue Stars Brass 2009-2010, Drum Major 2011 How did you choose your corps? The Blue Stars first stood out to me when I saw them at the 2008 DCI World Championships. It was my first live drum corps show and I loved every minute of it. I decided that night I wanted to march. The following fall as a freshman in college I met a Blue Stars member. He had an exemplary character and personality that impressed me. He came to know of my interest in drum corps and sort of talked up the Blue Stars to me. Before I knew it, I was loading up the car with my air mattress and trumpet for auditions! What was the experience like the first time you auditioned for a corps? My first audition experience was such a rush! I was so excited to finally go after my dream. However, I was intimidated to compete for a spot next to people who, in my fresh rookie mind, were inhuman marching machines. I survived the audition, and it was not as scary as I thought. It is always more intimidating in your mind than it is in reality. However, it was still a challenging experience (as is the rest of the drum corps experience!). I learned a lot about myself as a player, marcher, and person in just one weekend. Even if I had not returned to another camp, I still gained a plethora of valuable information that I could use to improve myself. What's the best way to prepare for an audition? You should practice your audition music so much that it almost seems over-prepared. The more comfortable you are playing it, the better off you will be if nerves take hold of you! Also, know that good attitude and work ethic will stand out more than any skill. Sometimes it isn't about how many corrections you get from the staff, but if you receive and apply those corrections well. What would you say to someone who is unsure whether or not to audition for a drum corps? I'll answer with a famous quote, "As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do." Just do it! If all else fails, and it does not seem like the right thing for you, then at least you tried it out. But imagine if you just wonder about it and never try! Do not be hesitant to audition because of logistical reasons (money, school, summer job, etc.) If there is a will, there is a way. I guarantee someone has been in the same situation and has found a way to march. Any other advice? Come into the audition with an open mind and good attitude. Whether your drum corps journey continues on after the audition or not, you will learn so much from the experience. Learn more about corps audition dates, locations and additional info.