DCI.org writer Becky Novac used our Q-and-A format for her column this week. Name, age, hometown: Becky Novac, 22, Odenton, Md., but I'll consider Hoboken, NJ my home now. What corps are you in and what is your role this summer? I was in Bluecoats. This summer I will continue my role as "mom" by sending packages and cheering from the stands.

Bceky Novac
Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. High school: Freshman year -- piccolo. Sophomore -- color guard. Junior -- color guard. Summer 99: Reading Buccaneers senior corps. Senior year- back to piccolo. I played flute/piccolo in concert band every year. How did you decide to be a member of the Bluecoats? I'm not going lie. The Bluecoats were not my first choice. Dan Delong convinced me and a few other Buccaneers to go to the Bluecoats, so I went and I stayed. I found my home. What first attracted you to the drum corps activity? The level of intensity. The fact that everyone actually cared about the product being produced instead of just doing it in high school because "My parents said I had to." What advice would you give to young people who want to march? Don't doubt yourself. Too many times people quit before they even try out. Even if you don't make it one year, go somewhere else and gain more insight, more practice, and try, try again. Realize that you're about to embark on a journey that requires a high level of maturity. If you don't believe that you're mature enough to handle a variety of situations and people, please wait until you are. The last good book I read: "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom, courtesy of Jenn Johnson (Bluecoat alum '99-'03). The last great film I saw: "Coach Carter." I really don't get to the movies all that often because I tend to fall asleep. Where I go to school and what I'm studying: I went to Penn State where I majored in journalism and psychology. One day I think I'll go back to school for my MBA, but that's not for a while. Three CDs I'd want on a deserted island: Honestly, I can name all the CDs I own. In total it's about six. So If I could have any three, I would pick Tori Amos' greatest hits album, Britney Spears' "Greatest Hits -- My Prerogative", and the Bluecoats color guard CD of 2004. My favorite TV show: Of all time, hands down, "Beverly Hills 90210" Favorite performers: I won't take the time to name every individual person. But I do love when my instructors would perform our work. They're absolutely breath-taking. How do you "blow off steam?" I call people and talk for hours about nothing. What has been your formative drum corps moment? This past summer, one day I realized that I had changed as a person. I was 21 and didn't think I would change, but after three months, I emerged with a whole new outlook on all aspects of my life. I am truly grateful of all the people I finally became friends with this summer. Best drum corps show ever: 2004 Bluecoats, I will be biased for the rest of my life. What are you most looking forward to about the summer? Going on my first vacation in five years. Best thing about being in a drum corps: The rock star feeling, the friendships, the ability to put a product together with 134 other people and an amazing staff. The moment that you finally realize what we do is an art to be appreciated by others. Worst thing about being in a drum corps: Rain, natural gas leaks (in 2000 we practiced on a field that had a gas pipe break behind us, that was interesting), sweat in your eye during the push at the end of "Ride." Waking up before 8 a.m. During tour, the best part of the day is: Anytime that I'm not running. Dance class, breakfast, dinner, and the time I took to do my make-up away from everyone else. I needed a little me time every day. "Take off your shoes." During tour, the worst part of the day is: Running. Running "Ride" in multiple chunks. "We have to completely change three songs today, strap in, kids." What I want to be when I "grow up": Successful by my definition not others. Describe what you think a typical DCI show will look in 2015. I hope it doesn't change that much. I think what makes the activity special is that it goes relatively unchanged from generation to generation. The talent level will be higher as younger and younger people envy drum corps. There still will be amazing silent features. Feel free to add anything else you'd like. I thought this would be a fun change to my typical columns, since I've never had an Aria. Thanks to those who read my ramblings every week.
 
Becky Novac currently lives in Hoboken, N.J., and works for Universal McCann in New York City as an assistant media planner. She is 22 years old and a recent graduate from Penn State University where she majored in journalism and psychology. Becky marched with the Bluecoats in 2000, 2002 and 2004 as a member of the color guard.