By Allison Owen

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.