Name, age, hometown: Garrett McCort Dillon, 17, Virginia Beach. Va. What corps are you in and what is your role this summer? The Crossmen, I play lead baritone. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. I marched in the Crossmen in '03, that's about it.

Garrett McCort Dillon
How did you decide to be a member of your corps? I chose the Crossmen because they go out every night and throw down as hard as they possibly can. Then they go and throw down harder the next night. What first attracted you to the drum corps activity? My friend/role model marched Carolina Crown in 2001-02 and I went to see him at NightBeat. When I learned that drum corps was basically living on a tour bus and rocking out every night, I was instantly filled with an incredible desire to pursue drum corps. What advice would you give to young people who want to march? Never give up! Set goals, write them down, and constantly evaluate your progress. By doing this you will be a thousand times more likely to achieve what you set out to do. Do you have any favorite road anecdotes? One time, our assistant corps director was yelling at us from the podium and he finished his tirade by yelling, "We are the Crossmen!" and at the exact same instant that he said "Crossmen!", a loud explosion thundered off in the distance. We all thought he was about to shoot lightning bolts or something after that. I guess you had to be there, it was crazy.
The last good book I read: "The DaVinci Code" The last great film I saw: "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" Where I go to school and what I'm studying: I'm still in high school -- not fun. Jobs I have/have had: I'm a cook at a local restaurant, The Purple Cow. Three CDs I'd want on a deserted island: Phish, The Grateful Dead, Sublime My favorite TV show: "Family Guy," no contest Favorite performers: Dave Brubeck, Gordon Goodwin, Maynard Ferguson What has been your formative drum corps moment? Finals in '03, closely followed by the Crossmen banquet following that season. Best drum corps show ever: There are too many to choose from. There are so many good shows, I'd hate to have to pick one. What are you most looking forward to about the summer? Getting away from home, living with my favorite people all summer, and working tirelessly alongside with them. Best thing about being in a drum corps: It's the most physically, socially, mentally and emotionally rewarding activity anyone could ever participate in, ever. Worst thing about being in a drum corps: It's too hot During tour, the best part of the day is: Shows and sleeping During tour, the worst part of the day is: Long, hot rehearsal days. Favorite drum corps personality and why: This guy Ned who is in the Crossmen euphonium line. He's the funniest and most entertaining person I think I've ever met. What I want to be when I "grow up": It's too early to tell. I honestly have no idea. Describe what you think a typical DCI show will look in 2015. 2015 is a long way away, I'm sure that they will get into some trippy,
magic eye-type stuff. That would be insane.