Name, age, hometown: Kelly Bishop, 20 yrs. old, Greenville, S.C. What corps are you in and what is your role this summer? Carolina Crown/lead mellophone. Where I go to school and what I'm studying: Converse College/music education. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. I have marched lead mellophone with Carolina crown since the summer of 2004! I was definitely the one everyone thought would give up, but here I am -- addicted to drum corps.

Kelly Bishop
What does your ideal free day consist of? Absolutely nothing. I got a free day in San Antonio with my parents this summer and it was ideal, and then some. I got to sleep in a huge bed at the Hilton, eat a wonderful seafood buffet the next morning after I slept until 11, and then shop the Riverwalk with my mom (it is always fun to shop with your mom when she misses you!). Favorite pig-out food: Finding a local gas station on tour has to be one of the brightest highlights! I love anything junky -- chips, candy (especially CHOCOLATE), and I don't drink soda, but when we are in the South, sweet tea is my weakness. In the shower you can hear me singing: Anything but show music -- probably making up my own song, definitely something silly. The last good book I read: Actually reading a great one right now called "In Her Shoes," by Jennifer Weiner. The last great film I saw: I have to admit I'm a sucker for chick flicks – "The Notebook" is my all-time favorite. I definitely didn't see this on a tour bus; Dave Chappelle and "Family Guy" aren't my idea of a favorite movie. Jobs I have/have had: Wow, that's a fun one. I've done everything from beverage cart girl on a golf course to beauty consultant at Victoria Secret. However, I consider drum corps to my hardest job, and remind me again why we pay? My favorite TV show: I don't really have time to watch TV; I'm sure all the music ed majors will concur. What has been your formative drum corps moment? Honestly, my favorite moment surprisingly doesn't involve a performance. It was the moment of truth I had with myself when I decided I was not going to give up. I was going to persevere and not only stick with marching, but be great. What would you be doing next summer if you were not marching? I prefer to not even think about it actually, I don't give myself that option. How did you decide to be a member of your corps? I am from South Carolina, and corps is expensive enough without plane tickets to travel far away to audition. I also had a few friends involved with Crown. What first attracted you to the drum corps activity? My love for marching band in high school, and wanting to move to the next level. What advice would you give to young people who want to march? Never give up -- just as simple as that. It sounds clich?©, but it's the truest advice I can give. I can probably truthfully speak for every veteran and current marcher by saying there is at least a split second some time in everyone's drum corps career that quitting is considerable. Always trust if you stick with it the outcome will change your life. What I want to be when I "grow up": I want to teach beginner musicians. Best drum corps show ever and why: I honestly don't have a favorite, although I will say I'm usually a huge fan of the ballads that Boston plays. The year is 2030. What does a DCI show look like? I hope drum corps evolves in a positive fashion.