Name, age, hometown: Ryan W. Tinker, 19, Rock Hill, S.C. What corps are you in and what is your role this summer? The Cadets , euphonium Where I go to school and what I'm studying: University of South Carolina, music education with performance certification. Give us your full drum corps/marching music background. I have been addicted to drum corps since I first saw it on PBS years ago. The first year I marched was in 2005 with the world champion Cadets.

Ryan Tinker
What's your practice schedule like? Three or four hours a day (at school). Cadets tour -- all day. What does your ideal free day consist of? Well, a free day is not complete without rain, REAL FOOD, and an amusement of some kind -- Disney? Oh yeah -- ICE CREAM! Favorite pig-out food: Ice cream In the shower you can hear me singing: Come join me -- you can hear for yourself. The last good book I read: "Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown The last great film I saw: "King Kong" Jobs I have/have had: My school schedule doesn't allow room for a full or part-time job; however, I teach private lessons at area schools every semester as community service. My favorite TV show: "Family Guy" What has been your formative drum corps moment? My summer with the 2005 Cadets was the most amazing and touching experience. I learned more about myself as a person and what I can accomplish than anything I have ever done in my entire life. I feel honored that I had the opportunity to work and march with my fellow Cadets all summer long. What would you be doing next summer if you were not marching? Going to Europe and teaching high school marching band. How did you decide to be a member of your corps? My best friend, Kevin, encouraged me to audition for the Cadets last fall. I attended the camps, enjoyed the music and the program, made friends with the fellow members, and respected the staff there. I soon found myself admiring the traditions and the history of the Cadets. I'm glad I stuck with it. What first attracted you to the drum corps activity? The rich history and tradition, combined with the exquisite execution of drill and music attracted me to the activity. I enjoyed high school marching band. The opportunity to march in a "marching band on steroids" is a dream come true! What advice would you give to young people who want to march? When you audition and are invited back, STICK WITH IT. Return to EVERY camp! It is important that you come prepared; however, the fact that you are at camp in the first place says something about your willingness and dedication to the corps. Realize that drum corps is a continuous learning experience that will make you a better person. There will be difficult days - but I promise it will pay off at the end. What I want to be when I "grow up": A successful high school band director, teaching drum corps, and teaching at the collegiate level. Favorite drum corps personality and why: Gino Cipriani -- I admire Cipriani's teaching methods. He expects nothing but the best from his horn line and is very consistent in his approach and high expectations. He's the man. Best drum corps show ever and why: Cadets 2000 and 2005 -- I can't decide between the two. They're so very different in their approach. The year is 2030. What does a DCI show look like? In the year 2030, DCI shows as you know them today will look much different. Members will wear jet propulsion backpacks and make complex drill moves both on the field and in the air. Stadium lights will be replaced with special lighting to make the activity more theater-like.