Name, hometown, corps: Amy Scopa, Richland, Wash., Seattle Cascades What is your role in the corps this summer? I am one of two drum majors

Amy Scopa boogies at a recent wedding.
Where do you go to school, and what extracurricular activities are you involved with there? I go to a local junior college where I play on the co-ed hockey team. I am also the captain of the Richland Police Explorer post (with five state pistol shooting titles). Give us your full drum corps/marching music background, and how each position prepared you for the leadership role you're in this summer. I've been involved in music since the third grade (starting with the flute (do hold it against me)). I switched to percussion in sixth grade and have loved it ever since. In high school I marched bass drum and snare, being center snare two years, percussion section leader for three years and assistant drum major for three years at Hanford High School, where I now coach the drum line. I was second assistant drum major for the Cascades last year. Each position in its own way has been a stepping stone with different challenges and lessons to learn, each one more valuable than the last, to get me to a point that I know I am ready for the "big time." The last good book I read: "Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make" by Hans Finzel The last great film I saw: "50 First Dates" Three CDs I'd want on a deserted island: "Styx Greatest Hits," a mix of country, and a jazz mix. My favorite TV show: "Third Watch" Favorite performers: Seattle Cascade members! How do you "blow off steam?" Turn on some music and conduct, play hockey, go to the gym, or go to the shooting range. Why I march with the corps I am in: LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION Was it always your goal to be in a leadership role? Not really, sometimes you just fall into leadership roles. How will you go about balancing the roles of leader and corps mate? Work with Chris Hart (drum major) and we'll play the "Good Cop Bad Cop" roles when times call for it. But first and foremost, I'm there for my corps mates not just as a drum major but to support them as their friend. What has been your formative drum corps moment? Last show, semfinals 2003, hugging and crying behind the stadium as a corps knowing that it was over and missing them already. Best drum corps show ever: The first drum corps shows that I saw on PBS in 1989, from then on I knew that I had to do drum corps. What are you most looking forward to about the summer? The memories of my age-out season, sharing those moments with my Cascade family and the feeling of accomplishment on tour when it hits me that I've finally made it. Best thing about being a drum corps leader: Having the ability to encourage and inspire others to bring out the best in people. Worst thing about being a drum corps leader: Having the ability to affect other people in a negative way. During tour, the best part of the day is: Meal time and show days! During tour, the worst part of the day is: The morning run. Favorite drum corps personality and why: Kurt Jull: An mazing, talented program coordinator. John Freeman: SHLUBA! What do you want to be when your drum corps career is over? Go into the military, serve my country and later on down the road maybe Cascade corps manager -- do you think being corps director is too much to ask?