Name, age, hometown: Erin Jones, 19, Houston What corps are you in and what is your role this summer? Phantom Regiment color guard member Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. Taylor High School color and winter guard for four years; Santa Clara Vanguard color guard in 2003 (age 17).

Erin Jones
How did you decide to be a member of your corps? Their guard had a graceful and sophisticated quality about them that I was drawn to. Their respectful and traditional, yet passionate and devoted nature seemed very similar to what I loved about Vanguard, and I admired them for that. Another big factor in my decision to switch corps was the guard staff. At SCV I was under the direction of Adam Sage and team, who decided to transition to the Phantom Regiment in 2005. Having become comfortable with both their unique style and the way they instruct on the field, I felt it was a good decision for me to make the switch as well. What first attracted you to the drum corps activity? The precision and stunning talent of the drum corps that I watched in high school. They could make the most difficult show seem effortless, and I was inspired by the mature artistry of the performers. What advice would you give to young people who want to march? Go into it knowing that you are willing to give 100 percent all day, every day, in order to improve. Keep your spirits high; good attitudes are contagious! And most importantly: Go heavy on the sunscreen! Do you have any favorite road anecdotes? The day of semifinals in Orlando, the guard took one rehearsal block (three or four hours) off in tradition to have a little fiesta. That year's theme was "'80s prom." We all made prom outfits (mine was fashioned out of black trash bags, courtesy of our food truck, Miss Amana). We had leftover punch and snacks as well as some music and dancing. To top it all off, a couple of staff members walked in with actual '80s prom dresses on (they had gone to a thrift store and bought them the night before!). The last good book I read: "A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving The last great film I saw: "Closer"! Where I go to school and what I'm studying: The University of Texas (in Austin), majoring in advertising Jobs I have/have had:
1. Lifeguard for Sweetwater Pools
2. Art teacher for the Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center
3. Choreographer for several high school guards
4. Dance instructor (5th- and 6th-grade level jazz; K through 2nd-grade level rhythmic gymnastics; private lessons) with Dance Associates Dance Studio and Outreach Program in Austin (current)
5. Movement tech with the Bowie High School color guard (current) Three albums I'd want on a deserted island: Fiona Apple, the Shins, and Elton John My favorite TV show: I'm crazy about "Survivor"! In all seriousness, it's a goal of mine to be on the show when I turn 21... So keep your eyes peeled! Favorite performers: Julia Roberts and Kevin Spacey are my favorite actors. I also love the standup comic, Dane Cook. That guy cracks me up! How do you "blow off steam?" Write in a journal, go running, or drive with the windows down and karaoke my little heart out. What has been your formative drum corps moment? The Murfeesboro, Tenn., show in 2003. It was a typical, hot, long day until we all took the field late that night, and then magic happened out of nowhere. For some reason, everyone on the field created this intense energy and we had one of our best shows of the season. Everyone came off the field crying tears of joy and hugging each other because we all knew that "that was it." Thereafter, shows like that were coined "golden shows." Best drum corps show ever: SCV 2003 – "Pathways" (Maybe I'm just a little biased). What are you most looking forward to about the summer? Just being able to spin again, make some great friends, the interesting bus rides, and (of course) performing. Best thing about being in a drum corps: Feeling like you've touched or inspired a spectator. Worst thing about being in a drum corps: There are two kinds of showers: Freezing or scalding. During tour, the best part of the day is: After a show! You get to change, have a snack, and say hi to friends from other corps. Also, just having some time to chill out and relax is nice. During tour, the worst part of the day is: Waking up early! Boo! Favorite drum corps personality and why: Myron Rosander. He is just an amazing individual. His late-night, post-show talks could always motivate me and make me want to be a better person and performer. What I want to be when I "grow up": An art director of an advertising agency. Describe what you think a typical DCI show will look in 2015. I think the difficulty level will only continue to rise, and maybe corps will be using more props or other clever "extras" to induce the *wow* factor.