Name, age, hometown: My name is Freddie Smith and I am 21 years old. I'm from Tempe, Ariz. What corps are you in and what is your role this summer? I march with the Santa Clara Vanguard and I am the center snare of the drum line.

Freddie Smith
Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. I began in high school and went on to help start the Arizona Academy, then I did SCV Cadets for '02 season, and then began with SCV in'03. How did you decide to be a member of your corps? It's the way SCV (especially in the drum line) displays power and emotion. They are ruthless and full heart. That is why I am involved with Vanguard. What first attracted you to the drum corps activity? My freshman year of high school, my upperclassmen friends made me watch '97 Vanguard. Needless to say, it changed my life forever. What advice would you give to young people who want to march? As always, have a great attitude and have fun. This activity can focus on the negative at times, but always remember that this was meant to be enjoyed. I'm a big fan of pouring your heart into everything you do. You need to have your heart racing for this and to show it coming out of your eyes. If it does not come from within then it will surely not get to your hands, feet or mouth. I'm sure practicing is in there somewhere too. The last good book I read: "Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul" by John Eldredge (this book can change a man's life if you let it). The last great film I saw: "The Notebook." I'm a helpless romatic! Where I go to school and what I'm studying: I'm currently a fourth semester student at Berklee College of Music studying music business and film scoring. Jobs I have/have had: I've been an assistant band director in Arizona and I've worked at Abercrombie and Fitch. Three albums I'd want on a deserted island: 1. Mingus Big Band's "Nostalgia in Time Square"
2. Alexander Zemlinsky, "The Mermaid Fantasy" after Christian Andersen 3. Thomas Newman, "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events" or "Amercian Beauty" My favorite TV show: "Third Rock from the Sun" Favorite performers: Michael Jackson or Usher (he might be a more suitable choice now), Boston Symphony Orchestra, and of course Vanguard! How do you "blow off steam?" I will write music or just ideas on the piano or my computer equipment, watch a movie, or work out. What has been your formative drum corps moment? I love playing in the lot with a lot of people inches away from your face, watching your every move. If you can throw down inches away from people, you're good! Best drum corps show ever: Vanguard '97 and Cadets '98 What are you most looking forward to about the summer? Being able to work hard with all your best friends and being able to see my girl! Best thing about being in a drum corps: People that look up to you, knowing you have the ability to change their life. It is a very strong thing, being able to move or touch someone's heart. Worst thing about being in a drum corps: Ticking and sitting next to a smelly dude. During tour, the best part of the day is: Stretch block (can't lie). During tour, the worst part of the day is: Not being able to feel your legs and hearing, "Reset!" Favorite drum corps personality and why: Robert Chavira (SCV's cymbal tech). He demands that you play every note, march every step with power and emotion. Getting your eyes on fire and your heart ready to exploded. Giving everything you got and never, ever hold back. EVER! What I want to be when I "grow up": I really wanted to be a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle but I kept on getting better at music than with my ninja skills. My goal now would definitely be to write music for feature films. Describe what you think a typical DCI show will look in 2015. Well, the snares will have the drums hover over every dot and electronics will once and for all prevail!