Matthew deSaracho
Capital Regiment. Ever since I started marching when I was 14, I've wanted to be the drum major of a drum corps, and now my dream's become a reality. DCI.org: Did you always strive to become a drum major? If not, when did you decide to become one, and why? deSaracho: From the very first time I saw any drum major, I knew I wanted to be one of them. It's been my dream all along. I knew that if I worked hard and strove to be the best I could, that I could attain it. DCI.org: In the winter, how do you prepare for the summer's drum major responsibilities? deSaracho: I use the winter camps as a training ground for the summer. I like to look at that as the place where you'll get a little taste of what it's like to be a drum major and what is expected of you. It's the time when you can make a mistake, as I have done on some occasions, and still have a chance to correct it. DCI.org: How would you describe the drum major audition process? deSaracho: The audition process was a little scary. I wasn't expecting some of the questions that I got. One such question that really stumped me was when the corps director asked me what I would do if the staff was messing around during rehearsal and it was obstructing the learning process. It took me a while to answer that one and I felt I could have hurt myself with my answer. However, I got through it all right and came out alive on the other side. DCI.org: Besides the Capital Regiment, what are some of your other interests?
deSaracho: My other interests besides Capital Regiment include my band back home, working on my 1967 Camaro, and just being with my friends. DCI.org: How would you describe the leadership and management of the Capital Regiment? deSaracho: The leadership and management of Capital Regiment is one of the best that I've ever seen. Everyone has a chemistry about them that just clicks. They all seem to get along and work well together. DCI.org: How would you describe the Capital Regiment members? deSaracho: The members of Capital Regiment are probably some of the most positive and all around nicest people that I've ever had the pleasure of marching with. Each year it gets better and better, and everyone seems to get along better than the last time they saw each other. That sets the tone for what is really shaping up to be a great summer. DCI.org: How would you describe your own leadership style?
deSaracho: I look at my leadership style as being laid back, but getting work done. I think it's always good to mix fun with work because the people that you're working with will have a better time. They will respect you more than if you were just a mean person, which is something that I try to avoid at all costs because it can destroy your relationship to the people around you. DCI.org: During the winter, do the Capital Regiment's drum majors keep in close contact with each other? deSaracho: During the winter season, I try to stay in contact with Will in case I need help with anything. It's an added bonus that we both live within about 10 minutes of each other, so we try to get together and work on the show and whatever else needs to be done. DCI.org: What during the summer are you looking forward to the most? deSaracho: The thing I'm looking forward to the most during the summer is the shows. I remember what it's like everyday I wake up to be standing there on the field at the start of the show. It's a feeling that can't compare, and I love it. If we could have a show every day of the year, I'd do it.