Name, age, hometown: Daniel K. Merwin, 21, McAllen, Texas
What corps are you in and what is your role this summer: I’m in the Phantom Regiment, where I’m the third bass drummer for the bass line.
Give us your full drum corps/marching music background.
I am currently section leader for the University of North Texas bass line. I previously played with the Madison Scouts bass line in 2002 and 2003, where I served as a section leader. Last summer was my first with the Phantom Regiment — on bass three, of course.
How did you decide to be a member of your corps?
As crazy as it sounds, I had these weird moments watching the Phantom Regiment drum line during my 2003 season with the Scouts. I had feelings of envy, awe and even jealousy. I had many friends and acquaintances in the Regiment drum line that I knew from North Texas, including drum line caption head Paul Rennick. After the ’03 season was over, I looked into Regiment and heard nothing but great things about the corps — especially about the cook crew and the corps director Pat Seidling. I was sold.
What first attracted you to the drum corps activity?
Like any other young “bando,” it was in after seeing drum corps videos. Certain videos that stick out in my mind that got me into it are the 1992 Cavaliers (especially Peterloo) and the 1994 Blue Devils.
What advice would you give to young people who want to march?
You’re not going to get anywhere unless you feel confident in yourself as a performer. This confidence will not exist unless you work your butt off to where you gain your own satisfaction about your abilities as a player. These personal feelings about your own “self-esteem” as a performer are influenced by different factors that you should take into account, such as how much practice time you put into your effort, as well as your instructional guidance (make sure you have a good teacher that you trust).
The last good book I read: The last REALLY GREAT book I read was “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky.
The last great film I saw: I recently saw the film “A Walk to Remember.” What!?!? I liked it! It was a good movie!
Where I go to school and what I’m studying: I am a senior at the University of North Texas where I am working on my BA in Sociology.
Jobs I have/have had: I’ve done plenty, from being a 16-year-old cart attendant for Sam’s, to helping teach summer theatre arts for children. I am currently an office assistant for the University of North Texas admissions office.
Three CDs I’d want on a deserted island:
1) My personal burned CD mix of 311
2) The soundtrack to the film “City of Angels.” Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” is money!
3) Korn’s debut album. As I heard it in a quote once, “This music is the glue of the world. It holds it all together. Without this — life would be meaningless.”
My favorite TV show: I’ve been partial to “Saturday Night Live” for a while.
Favorite performers: UNT drum line, Phantom Regiment drum line, Pantera (R.I.P Dimebag Darrell), and Slipknot — their live show is incredible!
How do you “blow off steam?”
I usually go running. I also do pushups, drum, listen to good music, or anything else that would work for self-therapy.
What has been your formative drum corps moment?
Singing “May You Never Walk Alone” with my Madison brothers on semifinals night in 2002. It was one of the most emotional and memorable moments I’ve had in drum corps. Our before-show talk from corps director Scott Stewart was also one of those moments that still stick out.
Best drum corps show ever: 1995 Madison Scouts. Just when you think they’ve peaked — they tease you and keep throwing more until every hair on you is standing. Most climatic ending ever!
What are you most looking forward to about the summer?
Getting in shape, being healthy, and aging out.
Best thing about being in a drum corps: Your own good memories
Worst thing about being in a drum corps: Either having to take the fall for someone else’s mistake (which always happens), or sweat in your eye during rehearsal (the sweat is a mixture of sweat and sunblock).
During tour, the best part of the day is: Rehearsal, of course! Just kidding. Performances are the best part of the day during tour.
During tour, the worst part of the day is: REHEARSAL!
Favorite drum corps personality and why: I’ll give it to Steve Rondinaro. The guy is practically a celebrity. I’ll admit that Jessica Allen is there as well.
What I want to be when I “grow up”: Many things: An actor, a writer, a scientist (sociology), etc.
Describe what you think a typical DCI show will look in 2015.
If things go the way they should, marching percussion will not have to use drum harnesses anymore. Instead, hover-carriers will finally be invented, patented, and used by every drum line in the world.
Feel free to add anything else you’d like.
Look out for the 2005 Phantom Regiment bass line. Have your cameras, mini-disc recorders, and hype ready for THE LOT!
The last great film I saw: Gosh — “Napoleon Dynamite”
Where I go to school and what I’m studying: I am currently not in school, I’m trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.
Jobs I have/have had: I teach the Columbus North color guard. Go CNCG!
Three CDs I’d want on a deserted island: Julie Roberts, Name that techno CD, and Dashboard Confessional
My favorite TV show: “Newlyweds”
Favorite performers: Everyone is my favorite performer. Every person in this activity should be given that title, because they work hard every season to put out a product they are proud of!
How do you “blow off steam?”
Call my best friend from high school — Elizabeth VanHandle
Best drum corps show ever: Cadets 2000
What has been your formative drum corps moment?
Summer of 2002. We (Capital Regiment) were a fierce little Division II corps, with nothing stopping us. That summer was amazing! The summer of “rainbows and ponies!” The color guard staff made us into a pretty little piece of gossip! It was the group that never fought, and always wanted to get better! We were a Division II silver medalist, went Division I, performed at quarterfinals, and somehow by that grace of God made it on to semifinals. It was fabulous. I would go back and march that summer any day!
What are you most looking forward to about the summer?
A whole new marching experience, but most of all — marching on finals night!
Best thing about being in a drum corps: Making lifetime friends, and the hot tour bodies we all get!
Worst thing about being in a drum corps: Being away from home forever
During tour, the best part of the day is: Shower time!
During tour, the worst part of the day is: The sound of the lights being turned on in the morning, followed by stretch and run.
Favorite drum corps personality and why: Marlieta Matthews. She has taught me more than any of my other staff member ever has. She just has a way of touching a student’s heart. And she never gives up on anyone! She will ride you until you board your plane to go home!
What I want to be when I “grow up”: I want to have a posh hair salon in Florida with my co-captain from 2004, Hollie Bailey.
Describe what you think a typical DCI show will look in 2015.
Probably a three-ring circus! I hope things don’t change too much.
