All y'all 15 and 16 year olds with high ambitions are talking yourselves down, and that's not gonna get you anywhere. Y'all have YEARS to make it into your dream corps. Practice, audition wisely (don't blow all your money auditioning top 6 without any drum corps experience), and make your dreams a reality. There are countless members your age marching World Class. Make it happen for yourselves. You can't control the other auditionees. You can't control a staff member's decision to contract or cut you. You can only control your own preparation.
If you live near or in North Carolina, you should audition for Carolina Gold! It's an open class drum corps, and it would definitely help prepare you for world class tours
When you go to the camp, regardless of how much information you're able to dig up, show them you're willing to give 100% at all times and learn things quickly. Also that you're able to correct mistakes as much as possible. Making a mistake just makes us human, but making a mistake twice or more really turns off the staff. I'm by no means a guard person, but here's some general tips for you :)
My closest corp is Spirit of Atlanta but I dream of joining the Blue Coats, I'm 15 now and I've started physically training and I've set up a regular practice schedule outside of my school marching band but I'm not sure if I should audition for either of these corps between my junior and senior year (I would be 16, yes I started school early) or in a summer of my college years
My friend has auditioned for Cadets on Marimba but he made Cadets2 on Vibes and he's a Junior in high school. I always suggest going to the camp for the experience even if you get cut. Most of my techs are alumni from Cadets and Crown and they always encourage young ones to try out for their specified core before they get to the age out age. I'm trying to try out for Carolina Crown bassline in my senior year of high school. I'm a sophomore right now and I'm in Thunder Brigade, a new and growing DCA core in the DMV area. This is an amazing thing and I love learning more about it :)
There's definitely a possibility that it could. You would have to check out the camp dates of those corps and see if any of them conflict with each other. If they do, then you could still send in a video audition if you can't make the camp. I've known several people to audition for 3+ different corps, so it's do-able. Just be aware that you're spending more money for camp fees and transportation. Best of luck! :)
The truth is that there are people who are given spots in a corps and are not able to march (school/money), so holes open up usually at the very beginning of the season. It would be a gamble, but that could be an option. You should make your goal more specific, and choose a corps that you want to pursue. Your experience will be much more valuable to you and more meaningful if you march for that one group that strikes a chord with you. You will never know unless you try. Best of luck! FHNSAB
Most corps have their main audition camp the weekend after Thanksgiving, because most everyone has that time off. Because of that, it can make it harder to audition for multiple groups. You also need to consider how many veterans are marching that particular year in the section you're auditioning for. A corps will always choose a veteran over a new guy. Say there are 12 in a section and 9 vets are coming back...that makes only 3 open spots.
Also read the bios of the staff of the corps you are marching with. Try and look for the best educators in your area (brass staff, percussion staff, etc.), those people can help you both on and off the field the most.
DCA is probably the best way to start out in the drum corps world if you are unsure about it. I am marching a DCA corps this summer to prepare me for marching a world class DCI group next summer -- Carolina Crown, perhaps?? :)
You could go for World Class if you really want to, I marched with a few 15 year olds this past summer! Having prior experience also gives you an upper hand.
Yup i live in arizona. Marched academy 2011 and a big factor that got me into blue knights 2012 was experience. I joined in may that year and did video audition then after i graduated high school, flew into colorado and a family hosted me. I had to learn everything in a month pretty much lol
well you could try out i am planing to do the same for crossmen as well i would have recomended is marching genesis like i am you can gain experience and also practice alot since most people that go are from UNT but go for it you might make it i will go next year
I'm in my first year playing french horn/mellophone in my school band, and this is my first instrument. I really want to march with Crossmen for the 2017 season, but my school doesn't have a marching band, we just have a pep band, so all I can really do is march forward. Do you think that there's a chance I could make it even with limited/no marching/playing experience?
+ngbtggg Corps will have a different style of marching depending on which one you audition for. They will teach you their style at your audition camps because you will really need to know their style to make sure all the marchers look the same. I'm currently in the process of auditioning for the Cavaliers, and we joined a Facebook group page, where they are posting videos to help us learn and apply their technique. You can try to find somebody who has marched corpsman before, and learn their style of marching, or you can talk to someone from another high school around your area that has a marching band, and learn their style, so that you can get some practice in. You also might want to try auditioning for and marching with an open class corps and then moving to the Crossmen after a season because then you really will get great experience and have a better shot of making the corps. Other than that, practice your instrument a lot. If you sound great on your instrument, and then fumble with the marching at first, but really listen to and apply what you're being taught, you'll have a much better chance of making it than if you only focus on the marching end of it.
+ngbtggg I would definitely recommend joining an easier corps for the 2016 season. A lot are still searching- and you'll get the marching experience you need.
I plan to audition my junior year of high school (I'm only a freshman) and I also plan to go to OSU to major in trumpet and engineering when I graduate from high school
also don't forget, you should know their audition packets front and back. Each packet is slightly different so just know the differences between the three
Go where you like!!!!!! I marched LEAD TRUMPET at Music City when I was 13!! Now I'm 15 and a section leader!!!! I got a callback at Spirit of Atlanta for 2013, Just cause you're 15 doesn't mean you don't have a shot. If you like it do it!!
I definetally would try for it. The main thing they look for is maturity instead of age. I'd email individual corps and ask them how they handle the stuff. Don't just stick with DCI div 1, I'd go for open class or DCA (all age) if you can't find a world class that will take you. Getting that prior experience helps a bunch.
You should touch on DCA a bit as well! I just got into DCA because there is a corps close to where I live and I made it on their snare line :D I'm using it to help improve my skills to audition for Glassmen 2014 snare line!
I am a sophomore and i this was my first year marching, my freshman year i was at a school that doesn't have marching band. I live in Louisiana and im interested in joining the crossmen 2018 season. Any advice?
i marched santa clara 1986 to 1989 and my advice if you want to get into blue devils or santa clara or blue coats cavaliers audition audition audition don’t give up. people audition over and over to get in. it is totally part of the deal, you could be talented and not get in. i got in as a euphonium player my first try but they remember you if you keep returning and you know more than most if you have already auditioned once before. they will go with someone they know more than a stranger. some years there are a lot of age outs so there are a lot of spots. sometimes everyone returns and there is one spot. i was euphonium and lead barry and horn captain my last two years. because one time my rookie year a famous corps instructor went down the line of each horn player and everyone was horribly out of tune. i was the only one that was in tune. i was not really thinking about it i was just in tune. and this famous instructor said if you want to win dci you need to tune to this rookie euphonium player. so until i aged out everyone would tune to me. i guess it was a genetic ear thing lol my last year we won in 1989. contact me if you have any questions i will show you my dci ring and give you pointers. stay safe from covid stay positive
And if you don't make it to your dream corps, don't miss out on the amazing experience. Open Class groups will have available spots and just because it isn't World Class, doesn't mean it's nothing. You might find a Corps in Open that you'll wanna stay with. But you got until your 21 so don't waste those years
The nearest Corps for me is Crossmen and Genesis. I’m really like the show style Crossmen does, but I’m only 15(im a sophomore)lol rip. I’m not the BEST at color guard, but I’m sure as hell passionate about it. I’m really determined to do DCI this season, and maybe if I practiced hard enough each day before auditions, I could make it?
I'll be able to march DCI in the summer of 2017, but there's a lot I need. I need a tuba to audition with, money, and a corp. I really want to do Blue Devils B, but Southwind would be a lot easier for me to do, due to location. I a lot a lot of time to think about it, but the main problem I have is where I'll get the money. Any tips?
+Bilbo Baggins Corps almost always have horns at camp for you to audition with and play with over the weekend. Don't worry about that. Tips to get money? You have the entire year ahead of you. Get committed to finding a job, hunker down, and make money.
+Bilbo Baggins My friend's brother auditioned for Crossmen on tuba, and at the camp you had people on corps horns, sousaphones, and concert tubas. No need to worry about buying a new tuba if you already have one or can borrow one.
Hey, why not support some DCA? DCA is another reasonable option for most. Some are better than others. It's just a weekend corps over the summer so no tour. and fees are cheaper.
I'm marching bass for a dca corps and i'm only 14. I plan on auditioning for an open class corps around 2020. Maybe a world class in the year 2022, but i don't know.
You're not guaranteed a spot even if you are a vet. Although it helps, a rookie could still take a vets spot if he/she is more prepared or is just overall a better player. But I'm guessing that that rarely happens. So in that case, there are technically 12 open spots.
So I am very determined to march next year. I am going to be trying out for snare for pacific crest,BDB and vanguard cadets. The only thing is I am a very introverted person. I love hanging out with good friends but meeting a bunch of strangers stresses me out. Will drum corps be hard for me?
Closest corps to me Mandarins, i am currently saving money and preparing for the 2018 season and I come from a well recognized high school music program. I would be a 16 year old rookie, so Would you recommend an open class crops first to gain some experience or shooting for mandarins wright out the gate? Any advice is appreciated as marching a world class corps is a realistic dream for me and I want to make it happen. Thank you
Skill level is definitely a tough one for me. I live closest to the Bluecoats, but I don't think I'm good enough to make their snare line. If I'm going to audition, I'd prefer to spend money on corps that I have a better chance of making.
I'm in the same situation, except with tenors. As much as I would absolutely love to march with the Coats, I have ZERO experience. I saw Jersey Surf in the lot after a nice trip to Allentown for the DCI Eastern Classic. They all look like they haven't graduated high school yet, but they also looked like they were having the time of their life. I don't mean to brag, but I would probably be able to play their show songs. They are in second to last place currently, but I still want to march with them. Getting experience is critical. I feel like it would be a totally awesome way to start my DCI "career."
I did colt cadets last summer and really liked it...but it was pretty simple and i'm ready for the next step up...problem is...i'm only 15...what should i do???
WHY! I cannot decide over Phantom or Cadets. The Cadets are based near me and I love their shows. I live in NJ when they are based in Allentown, PA, about about one to two hours from where I live. But I love Phantom's musicality and show style more than the Cadets that is enough to have them go about a dead even tie. HELP!
Same. The only corps near me is Academy, but my dream corps are either SCV or Cadets (lol you could say I'm a bit ambitious). And especially because I play synth, Cadets would be great since they typically put so much emphasis on electronics
I know I should probably start out with open class but I would really want to start out with the cascades even though they’re world class. But I still have a couple of years, and there one of the lower class corps, but could I do that?
Honestly man, that's not completely realistic, because it may take a couple of camps for you to be given a contract (spot). It can also get really expensive because most corps require audition/application/camp fees. A lot of the higher-end corps will NOT let you do video auditions, partially because if you're not committed to physically going to an audition, then you're not worth their time. Sacrifice is a big thing in this activity, so the question is how committed are you?
It is very unfortunate that there are no Open Class corps that are within range of driving by car. I'm definately nowhere close to being good enough to be the two World Class corps that are near me, the Bluecoats (personal favorite) and the Cadets. My family is lower-middle class and having to buy plane tickets and training fees and everything else might be just too much. My situation sucks.
+The Undertaker Their are several DCA corps within the area between the Cadets (New Jersey/ Pennsylvania) and the Bluecoats (Ohio); 9 to be specific. Reading Buccaneers: Reading PA. Bushwackers: Princeton NJ. Cadets 2: Allentown PA. Cincinnati Tradition: Cincinnati OH. Hawthorne Caballeros: Hawthorne NJ. Erie Thunderbirds: Erie PA. Fusion Core: Morris County NJ. Skylines: Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton PA. Windsor Regiment: West Windsor NJ.
Robbie Halpner Yes, I have researched my available options for my area and I take back my original comment that "there aren't any within driving range." I am hoping to join a small corp called the "Mon Valley Express" which is located near Pittsburgh. They participate in Soundsport and preform for small audiences and march in local parades. Its a neat little group, and I believe that this will be a nice start for drum corps in general. Thank you for the help, though.
Could someone march when they're 22?Let's say this person is 21 but their birthday is in February. Could they still march? Could they even go to the audition camp in November even though their 22nd birthday is in February?
PLEASE I NEED HELP!!! So I want to audition for a drum corp and the dream corp for me would be the Bluecoats and a second choice being Phantom Regiment. My friend says that most of the big corps are big jerks to rookies and Phantom Regiment trashes their instruments on finals night. Is this all true? I want to try out for these corps but I don't want to go through this.
I really doubt they trash their instruments, if age-outs wanted to get the best score possible on finals night why would they mess with people's instruments
I know you posted this a while ago, but in case you're still worried about this. I don't know anything about Phantom Regiment but I was a rookie with Boston Crusaders this past season and I didn't feel like I was hazed at all or like they treated me differently for being a rookie. From my friends at the Bluecoats, they said its the same there and that they weren't treated badly at all. And I've heard its the same at most corps. They're very open and accepting. We're a family in Drum Corps and most corps don't want anyone to walk away feeling like they didn't enjoy they summer. So I don't think that's anything you need to worry about, you won't be hazed for being a rookie
So I am 15 and want to join in Empire statesmen to get the "rookie" experience but trying to convince is a little hard obviously it would be next summer because their season is over but I DON'T KNOW HOW TO CONVINCE THEM... help? c:
I need advice. Currently I am a freshman in high school, and I'd really like to be in corps sometime soon. I plan on trying out for a corps for the 2014 season, but im not sure if I'd make the corps I'd like to be in. I play trumpet, and my range goes up to about double G# right now. I'm gonna start working on accuracy, endurance, and range over the time I audition. I want to try for Crossmen, definitely not lead part, but either 2nd or 3rd is what I wanna do.
so i decided with my friends to audition for scvc for the 2014 season, i would go for world class, but i'm still in high school as well as there are financial and schedule issues that wouldn't work out if i did make a world class, so for the 2015 season, i can't decide between scv or phantom. D=
I'm only 16 and want to join a corp but a lot of people are telling me to audition for bluecoats cause they are my favorite. But I don't know if I'm ready cause I'm not sure really what they look for at the audition camps
+Ryan Halson Bluecoats is one corps that assesses your improvement (retention) over time...they want to see how much you can improve....and how good you are now is important too
A huge thing all vets talk about is "going for it" if you feel like you should but are afraid of not making it, block that out and just go. I'm going to the December camp for The Cavaliers and many people told me to power through my own thoughts and just do it. A lot of corps are willing to see how you'll improve.
I really want to join a drum corps, but I'm a music ed major and my main instrument is oboe. I'm learning how to play baritone, but I'm concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep up with oboe over the summer. Do you have any thoughts on this?
i live in california, but am going to audition for the bluecoats. if i make it, will they bring me to ohio and provide housing and food? or do i have to fly over there back and forth?
Ok so I want to be in a drum corps preferable the Bluecoats and I live in Michigan I will be a freshman in high school next year but I want to take this into consideration early so I can get everything figured out. So I want to join the bluecoats and I live not near them so I want to know how to be able to join them with my location issues.
Sogo33 Being as young as you are, I would not consider the Bluecoats yet; the physical exertion level that the Bluecoats require is really extreme, so the Bluecoats would likely not give you a contract just because of how young you are. The youngest I've seen the Bluecoats take is a Junior in HS. The good news is, your young age also gives you a lot of time to get corps experience for the Bluecoats later on! I would consider going to an open class corps first, and one that is closer to you at that. Given that you live in Michigan, I'd look very strongly at the Legends from Kalamazoo, MI. Go to the audition camps until you get a contract there. When you get your first contract, do 1-2 years there, and then you can start pursuing the Bluecoats. You'll be SO much more prepared both physically and musically, and you'll be much more likely to get a spot with the Bluecoats when you become old enough. Hope this helped. - Baritone, Music City 2017
Hey! Thank you for the advice it really helped me understand the process of getting into a drum corps. I also want to know what it is like to be in a drum corps. I started watching DCI in 2016. The first show I watched was the Bluecoats (Downside Up) and I was amazed and I've wanted to do it ever since and I always wondered what it would be like to be in DCI. Can you maybe give some detail? I want to make sure this is what I want to do when I become old enough.
Sogo33 The best way to get a drum corps experience is to go to an audition camp for a corps. Some camps are longer than others. Some are one day, some two, some three. Generally the longer the camp, the more the camp will cost you. At the camp, they'll teach you the marching technique that they use, and you'll play (or dance, if guard) in a large group. If it's an overnight camp, it'll be just like you're in the corps; you'll sleep on a gym floor (bring sleeping gear!) and you'll shower in the school locker room. Yes, the shower experience in drum corps will be very public, meaning you'll see other people of your sex naked, and they'll see you. Don't make a big deal of it, everyone goes in there for the same reason, to get clean. It'll feel awkward, but just do it. The main purpose of these camps is to give you an idea of what drum corps life is about; but you're also being evaluated by the staff for a spot in the corps, so keep that in mind. Hope this helped!
how much do cavies cost total? and If I'm fourteen and want to do world class corps when I'm 18 and I'm getting experience with a band program that is all about marching band... 70 people and won our division 3/4 competitions (decent) until then... what should my course of action be? should I take part in lesser corps before I shoot for cavies... I am told by instructors and 4 year marchers on my first year I am better than most (not to brag I don't think I'm that good) or should I go straight for cavies?
It all depends on what you want. If you're willing to work your hardest and want to be a cavie more than the guy next to you, it's all worth it from there. But, if you're just looking to see what drum corps is like in general before you shoot for the big boys, an open corps or even a non top 12 corps can be your best bet.
Flynn Road Official so I should probably do an open corps? so I don't know if the Spokane thunder is doing another season or not... so what are the open class corps around washington
I'm 14 and doing open class this year (just got a contract) why not do open class for a year or so, just to get tye experience that a lot of world class corps require
Hey! I just saw this somehow lol, but drum corps move ins start within the first 2 weeks of May. If you're in high school, you would just have to talk to your counselors and communicate with them to take exams early. And the same for college, except Colleges end earlier. I was fine in college, my college ended the week before move-ins so I was lucky. Best of luck to you!
I don't think you've marched before... Generally, 99.9% of the time, corps will take a veteran over a rookie because that's one less person you have to worry about acclimating to the corps. That's how it works in the top-tier corps, at least. The only reasons a vet wouldn't be allowed to audition again is if they genuinely suck or they're a low-life piece of shit. Every corps has those people.
All y'all 15 and 16 year olds with high ambitions are talking yourselves down, and that's not gonna get you anywhere. Y'all have YEARS to make it into your dream corps. Practice, audition wisely (don't blow all your money auditioning top 6 without any drum corps experience), and make your dreams a reality. There are countless members your age marching World Class. Make it happen for yourselves. You can't control the other auditionees. You can't control a staff member's decision to contract or cut you. You can only control your own preparation.
i joined Chattanooga independent at 14 then worked up to spirit of atlanta
Ian Dyer this is a really great comment I needed something like this
RIP mate from the band world! We’ll never forget you.
Im auditioning for crossmen my junior year been working my butt off since freshmen year
When he talked about "feeder" corps, it made me happy the he mentioned my corps (Colt Cadets) because a lot of people forget about CC
If you live near or in North Carolina, you should audition for Carolina Gold! It's an open class drum corps, and it would definitely help prepare you for world class tours
That’s dca not dci
When you go to the camp, regardless of how much information you're able to dig up, show them you're willing to give 100% at all times and learn things quickly. Also that you're able to correct mistakes as much as possible. Making a mistake just makes us human, but making a mistake twice or more really turns off the staff. I'm by no means a guard person, but here's some general tips for you :)
My closest corp is Spirit of Atlanta but I dream of joining the Blue Coats, I'm 15 now and I've started physically training and I've set up a regular practice schedule outside of my school marching band but I'm not sure if I should audition for either of these corps between my junior and senior year (I would be 16, yes I started school early) or in a summer of my college years
lol the nearest DCI to me is the Bluecoats... yeah i don't stand a chance XD
+NKJbeast plus im only 13 so i don't need to worry :P
+NKJbeast Dude if you're only 13 you have a ton of time to practice and nail that audition!
lol but i don't have an instrument to practice lol
NKJbeast Oh well can't you borrow one from school?
i could
tfw you live in hawaii ;_;
bestevor ikr, its so annoying 🙃
The Couchmen are always an option!
My friend has auditioned for Cadets on Marimba but he made Cadets2 on Vibes and he's a Junior in high school. I always suggest going to the camp for the experience even if you get cut. Most of my techs are alumni from Cadets and Crown and they always encourage young ones to try out for their specified core before they get to the age out age. I'm trying to try out for Carolina Crown bassline in my senior year of high school. I'm a sophomore right now and I'm in Thunder Brigade, a new and growing DCA core in the DMV area. This is an amazing thing and I love learning more about it :)
There's definitely a possibility that it could. You would have to check out the camp dates of those corps and see if any of them conflict with each other. If they do, then you could still send in a video audition if you can't make the camp. I've known several people to audition for 3+ different corps, so it's do-able. Just be aware that you're spending more money for camp fees and transportation. Best of luck! :)
The truth is that there are people who are given spots in a corps and are not able to march (school/money), so holes open up usually at the very beginning of the season. It would be a gamble, but that could be an option.
You should make your goal more specific, and choose a corps that you want to pursue. Your experience will be much more valuable to you and more meaningful if you march for that one group that strikes a chord with you. You will never know unless you try. Best of luck!
FHNSAB
Most corps have their main audition camp the weekend after Thanksgiving, because most everyone has that time off. Because of that, it can make it harder to audition for multiple groups.
You also need to consider how many veterans are marching that particular year in the section you're auditioning for. A corps will always choose a veteran over a new guy. Say there are 12 in a section and 9 vets are coming back...that makes only 3 open spots.
I have my heart set on phantom regiment, and believe me, I will march their someday!
Also read the bios of the staff of the corps you are marching with. Try and look for the best educators in your area (brass staff, percussion staff, etc.), those people can help you both on and off the field the most.
DCA is probably the best way to start out in the drum corps world if you are unsure about it. I am marching a DCA corps this summer to prepare me for marching a world class DCI group next summer -- Carolina Crown, perhaps?? :)
You could go for World Class if you really want to, I marched with a few 15 year olds this past summer! Having prior experience also gives you an upper hand.
I'm 17 (18 in May) and my first year marching corps this summer is with Blue Devils A.
Yup i live in arizona. Marched academy 2011 and a big factor that got me into blue knights 2012 was experience. I joined in may that year and did video audition then after i graduated high school, flew into colorado and a family hosted me. I had to learn everything in a month pretty much lol
What should a guard member expect from the style of regiment versus crown?
well you could try out i am planing to do the same for crossmen as well i would have recomended is marching genesis like i am you can gain experience and also practice alot since most people that go are from UNT but go for it you might make it i will go next year
I'm in my first year playing french horn/mellophone in my school band, and this is my first instrument. I really want to march with Crossmen for the 2017 season, but my school doesn't have a marching band, we just have a pep band, so all I can really do is march forward. Do you think that there's a chance I could make it even with limited/no marching/playing experience?
+ngbtggg Corps will have a different style of marching depending on which one you audition for. They will teach you their style at your audition camps because you will really need to know their style to make sure all the marchers look the same. I'm currently in the process of auditioning for the Cavaliers, and we joined a Facebook group page, where they are posting videos to help us learn and apply their technique. You can try to find somebody who has marched corpsman before, and learn their style of marching, or you can talk to someone from another high school around your area that has a marching band, and learn their style, so that you can get some practice in. You also might want to try auditioning for and marching with an open class corps and then moving to the Crossmen after a season because then you really will get great experience and have a better shot of making the corps. Other than that, practice your instrument a lot. If you sound great on your instrument, and then fumble with the marching at first, but really listen to and apply what you're being taught, you'll have a much better chance of making it than if you only focus on the marching end of it.
+ngbtggg I would definitely recommend joining an easier corps for the 2016 season. A lot are still searching- and you'll get the marching experience you need.
+ngbtggg I'm planning on auditioning for Guardians for the 2017 season so I can move up to Crossmen after a season or two.
I plan to audition my junior year of high school (I'm only a freshman) and I also plan to go to OSU to major in trumpet and engineering when I graduate from high school
also don't forget, you should know their audition packets front and back. Each packet is slightly different so just know the differences between the three
If you're auditioning in Georgia, I will see you there!
Go where you like!!!!!! I marched LEAD TRUMPET at Music City when I was 13!! Now I'm 15 and a section leader!!!! I got a callback at Spirit of Atlanta for 2013, Just cause you're 15 doesn't mean you don't have a shot. If you like it do it!!
Im 16 and marching my first year of DCA with the Caballeros. Hope to march Cadets or Crown one day
aw young david
Still got 2 years to audition for dci, good luck to those going for Carolina Crown!
I definetally would try for it. The main thing they look for is maturity instead of age. I'd email individual corps and ask them how they handle the stuff. Don't just stick with DCI div 1, I'd go for open class or DCA (all age) if you can't find a world class that will take you. Getting that prior experience helps a bunch.
Yup!
I live in South Carolina and idk what corps is near me, the only one I can think of that is far but a close one is Carolina Crown
You should touch on DCA a bit as well! I just got into DCA because there is a corps close to where I live and I made it on their snare line :D
I'm using it to help improve my skills to audition for Glassmen 2014 snare line!
I am a sophomore and i this was my first year marching, my freshman year i was at a school that doesn't have marching band. I live in Louisiana and im interested in joining the crossmen 2018 season. Any advice?
There was a Cadet who started marching at 14. She just aged out this year. 9 years...age doesn't mean anything if you have the talent.
i marched santa clara 1986 to 1989 and my advice if you want to get into blue devils or santa clara or blue coats cavaliers audition audition audition don’t give up. people audition over and over to get in. it is totally part of the deal, you could be talented and not get in. i got in as a euphonium player my first try but they remember you if you keep returning and you know more than most if you have already auditioned once before. they will go with someone they know more than a stranger. some years there are a lot of age outs so there are a lot of spots. sometimes everyone returns and there is one spot. i was euphonium and lead barry and horn captain my last two years. because one time my rookie year a famous corps instructor went down the line of each horn player and everyone was horribly out of tune. i was the only one that was in tune. i was not really thinking about it i was just in tune. and this famous instructor said if you want to win dci you need to tune to this rookie euphonium player. so until i aged out everyone would tune to me. i guess it was a genetic ear thing lol my last year we won in 1989. contact me if you have any questions i will show you my dci ring and give you pointers. stay safe from covid stay positive
Auditioning for Bluecoats this winter
And if you don't make it to your dream corps, don't miss out on the amazing experience. Open Class groups will have available spots and just because it isn't World Class, doesn't mean it's nothing. You might find a Corps in Open that you'll wanna stay with. But you got until your 21 so don't waste those years
Tight, Gold was mentioned.
Should I go for it or am I way over my head?
Yay, you mentioned Music City first! :D
@ me watching all of these videos but i play a woodwind :/
The nearest Corps for me is Crossmen and Genesis. I’m really like the show style Crossmen does, but I’m only 15(im a sophomore)lol rip. I’m not the BEST at color guard, but I’m sure as hell passionate about it. I’m really determined to do DCI this season, and maybe if I practiced hard enough each day before auditions, I could make it?
I'll be able to march DCI in the summer of 2017, but there's a lot I need. I need a tuba to audition with, money, and a corp. I really want to do Blue Devils B, but Southwind would be a lot easier for me to do, due to location. I a lot a lot of time to think about it, but the main problem I have is where I'll get the money. Any tips?
+Bilbo Baggins Corps almost always have horns at camp for you to audition with and play with over the weekend. Don't worry about that.
Tips to get money? You have the entire year ahead of you. Get committed to finding a job, hunker down, and make money.
+Bilbo Baggins My friend's brother auditioned for Crossmen on tuba, and at the camp you had people on corps horns, sousaphones, and concert tubas. No need to worry about buying a new tuba if you already have one or can borrow one.
Ouity Luis Cobos Thanks guys. I've already got a place to get a job. I'll be saving as much money as possible
Blue Devils B only allows kids from the state of California
Wesley Freshwater that's not true
Hey, why not support some DCA? DCA is another reasonable option for most. Some are better than others. It's just a weekend corps over the summer so no tour. and fees are cheaper.
GOLD!
Nearest Corps for me is Bluecoats, but my dream is to march Santa Clara Vanguard.
i suggest starting in a open class to show you have corp experience in your life so then you can move to world class
+tF Twinkie That's what I want to do
Thats what i did
The closest DCI corps to me are Cadets and Jersey Surf, which my former tech played xylo for
I'm marching bass for a dca corps and i'm only 14. I plan on auditioning for an open class corps around 2020. Maybe a world class in the year 2022, but i don't know.
Zombie Dude I'm only 13 but I'm saving up to march heatwave in a couple of years
You're not guaranteed a spot even if you are a vet. Although it helps, a rookie could still take a vets spot if he/she is more prepared or is just overall a better player. But I'm guessing that that rarely happens. So in that case, there are technically 12 open spots.
You forgot DCA. ;) Which I will be marching again for 2013!
So I am very determined to march next year. I am going to be trying out for snare for pacific crest,BDB and vanguard cadets. The only thing is I am a very introverted person. I love hanging out with good friends but meeting a bunch of strangers stresses me out. Will drum corps be hard for me?
Closest corps to me Mandarins, i am currently saving money and preparing for the 2018 season and I come from a well recognized high school music program. I would be a 16 year old rookie, so Would you recommend an open class crops first to gain some experience or shooting for mandarins wright out the gate? Any advice is appreciated as marching a world class corps is a realistic dream for me and I want to make it happen. Thank you
Crunchy Oreo what high school are you from?
Did you end up marching?
Skill level is definitely a tough one for me. I live closest to the Bluecoats, but I don't think I'm good enough to make their snare line. If I'm going to audition, I'd prefer to spend money on corps that I have a better chance of making.
I know this is a little late, but going to the camp and even getting cut leaves you with more than what you came with.
I'm in the same situation, except with tenors. As much as I would absolutely love to march with the Coats, I have ZERO experience. I saw Jersey Surf in the lot after a nice trip to Allentown for the DCI Eastern Classic. They all look like they haven't graduated high school yet, but they also looked like they were having the time of their life. I don't mean to brag, but I would probably be able to play their show songs. They are in second to last place currently, but I still want to march with them. Getting experience is critical. I feel like it would be a totally awesome way to start my DCI "career."
I did colt cadets last summer and really liked it...but it was pretty simple and i'm ready for the next step up...problem is...i'm only 15...what should i do???
WHY! I cannot decide over Phantom or Cadets. The Cadets are based near me and I love their shows. I live in NJ when they are based in Allentown, PA, about about one to two hours from where I live. But I love Phantom's musicality and show style more than the Cadets that is enough to have them go about a dead even tie. HELP!
What are corps like Blue Devils B? Because they always appear on World Class CDs
That moment when Crown is in your area but you want to go to a different corp :(
When you live nowhere near crown but you want to audition for them ;(
+Spike Rover When you live 4 hours from Boston but have to buy a plane ticket to Orlando every month for camps :')
+Ross Hostetler that's the real moment :(
Same. The only corps near me is Academy, but my dream corps are either SCV or Cadets (lol you could say I'm a bit ambitious). And especially because I play synth, Cadets would be great since they typically put so much emphasis on electronics
Spike Rover same corps near me are crossmen and genesis BUT I WANT TO BE IN CAROLINA CROWN
I know I should probably start out with open class but I would really want to start out with the cascades even though they’re world class. But I still have a couple of years, and there one of the lower class corps, but could I do that?
Does anyone have a recommendation for a low-medium level corps for high school?
Also I'm wondering if any corps March trombones
Jameson TDM trombones are becoming a lot more widely used in DCI, so I’d just ask about it. Corps kinda depends on location
Blaketflip Thanks
DCI Open Class & DCA are also great options! Corps will primarily use baritones/euphoniums, but might use trombones depending on their show.
Why did you choose Spirit of Atlanta
Honestly man, that's not completely realistic, because it may take a couple of camps for you to be given a contract (spot). It can also get really expensive because most corps require audition/application/camp fees. A lot of the higher-end corps will NOT let you do video auditions, partially because if you're not committed to physically going to an audition, then you're not worth their time. Sacrifice is a big thing in this activity, so the question is how committed are you?
hey carolina crown is in fortmill my town and our marching band goes to semi finals grand champs should I try out for for carolina crown?
I know us here at Music City would love to have you!
I'm auditioning for Phantom Regiment 2017
Allen Crockett did you make it 😂 4 years later
It is very unfortunate that there are no Open Class corps that are within range of driving by car. I'm definately nowhere close to being good enough to be the two World Class corps that are near me, the Bluecoats (personal favorite) and the Cadets. My family is lower-middle class and having to buy plane tickets and training fees and everything else might be just too much. My situation sucks.
www.gofundme.com
+The Undertaker Their are several DCA corps within the area between the Cadets (New Jersey/ Pennsylvania) and the Bluecoats (Ohio); 9 to be specific.
Reading Buccaneers: Reading PA.
Bushwackers: Princeton NJ.
Cadets 2: Allentown PA.
Cincinnati Tradition: Cincinnati OH.
Hawthorne Caballeros: Hawthorne NJ.
Erie Thunderbirds: Erie PA.
Fusion Core: Morris County NJ.
Skylines: Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton PA.
Windsor Regiment: West Windsor NJ.
Robbie Halpner Yes, I have researched my available options for my area and I take back my original comment that "there aren't any within driving range." I am hoping to join a small corp called the "Mon Valley Express" which is located near Pittsburgh. They participate in Soundsport and preform for small audiences and march in local parades. Its a neat little group, and I believe that this will be a nice start for drum corps in general. Thank you for the help, though.
Which drum corp plays like a love/romance kinda style?
phantom regiment
Could someone march when they're 22?Let's say this person is 21 but their birthday is in February. Could they still march? Could they even go to the audition camp in November even though their 22nd birthday is in February?
PLEASE I NEED HELP!!! So I want to audition for a drum corp and the dream corp for me would be the Bluecoats and a second choice being Phantom Regiment. My friend says that most of the big corps are big jerks to rookies and Phantom Regiment trashes their instruments on finals night. Is this all true? I want to try out for these corps but I don't want to go through this.
I really doubt they trash their instruments, if age-outs wanted to get the best score possible on finals night why would they mess with people's instruments
I know you posted this a while ago, but in case you're still worried about this. I don't know anything about Phantom Regiment but I was a rookie with Boston Crusaders this past season and I didn't feel like I was hazed at all or like they treated me differently for being a rookie. From my friends at the Bluecoats, they said its the same there and that they weren't treated badly at all. And I've heard its the same at most corps. They're very open and accepting. We're a family in Drum Corps and most corps don't want anyone to walk away feeling like they didn't enjoy they summer. So I don't think that's anything you need to worry about, you won't be hazed for being a rookie
Also, Phantom Regiment doesn't trash their instruments. Not sure where that rumor started but its 100% not true
lordtacoz I was at the event in Everett, Massachusetts and it was amazing :D
Idk if you aged out yet but the Bluecoats have been really hospitable from from the audition and callback camps Ive been to
So I am 15 and want to join in Empire statesmen to get the "rookie" experience but trying to convince is a little hard obviously it would be next summer because their season is over but I DON'T KNOW HOW TO CONVINCE THEM... help? c:
I need advice. Currently I am a freshman in high school, and I'd really like to be in corps sometime soon. I plan on trying out for a corps for the 2014 season, but im not sure if I'd make the corps I'd like to be in. I play trumpet, and my range goes up to about double G# right now. I'm gonna start working on accuracy, endurance, and range over the time I audition. I want to try for Crossmen, definitely not lead part, but either 2nd or 3rd is what I wanna do.
so i decided with my friends to audition for scvc for the 2014 season, i would go for world class, but i'm still in high school as well as there are financial and schedule issues that wouldn't work out if i did make a world class, so for the 2015 season, i can't decide between scv or phantom. D=
I like Vanguards energy but Im not good enough yet. I have another year to prepare because Im only 16.
+shaquan talbert I'm auditioning on Baritione for scvc and i'm only 15. Anything is possible dude.
+shaquan talbert Start early, join a corps you can achieve and work up.
+shaquan talbert You should try Vanguard Cadets, it's good experience to get into SCV. It's open class so you definitely have a chance
+Joshua Shetland I was on the website. They don't let you audition for battery unless you're 17
hey i commented one another video to. one question how can i convince my mom to let me do drum corps and not let her think about money?
I'll be a sophmore next year. Made the Texas all-state band this year, What sort of chance would I stand at Spirit of Atlanta?
I'm only 16 and want to join a corp but a lot of people are telling me to audition for bluecoats cause they are my favorite. But I don't know if I'm ready cause I'm not sure really what they look for at the audition camps
+Ryan Halson Bluecoats is one corps that assesses your improvement (retention) over time...they want to see how much you can improve....and how good you are now is important too
+Victor Kindermann alright thanks! I've been very worried about what to expect from auditions and such. so thanks for the feedback
A huge thing all vets talk about is "going for it" if you feel like you should but are afraid of not making it, block that out and just go. I'm going to the December camp for The Cavaliers and many people told me to power through my own thoughts and just do it. A lot of corps are willing to see how you'll improve.
next year im trying out for spirit what would u say would be a good thing to know about the guard
A lot of people who march DCI guards have never spinned before...even the best ones.
I really want to join a drum corps, but I'm a music ed major and my main instrument is oboe. I'm learning how to play baritone, but I'm concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep up with oboe over the summer. Do you have any thoughts on this?
Erica Kruse Did you end up marching a corps?
What corps were you in? Sorry, I'm new to your videos :P
My closest is Crown
i live in california, but am going to audition for the bluecoats. if i make it, will they bring me to ohio and provide housing and food? or do i have to fly over there back and forth?
how do i know if my skill level is on par or not?
HI Kirby!
Him saying Music city is a Open class Corps
Me: Wait a minute thats not right anymore
Ok so I want to be in a drum corps preferable the Bluecoats and I live in Michigan I will be a freshman in high school next year but I want to take this into consideration early so I can get everything figured out. So I want to join the bluecoats and I live not near them so I want to know how to be able to join them with my location issues.
Sogo33 Being as young as you are, I would not consider the Bluecoats yet; the physical exertion level that the Bluecoats require is really extreme, so the Bluecoats would likely not give you a contract just because of how young you are. The youngest I've seen the Bluecoats take is a Junior in HS. The good news is, your young age also gives you a lot of time to get corps experience for the Bluecoats later on! I would consider going to an open class corps first, and one that is closer to you at that. Given that you live in Michigan, I'd look very strongly at the Legends from Kalamazoo, MI. Go to the audition camps until you get a contract there. When you get your first contract, do 1-2 years there, and then you can start pursuing the Bluecoats. You'll be SO much more prepared both physically and musically, and you'll be much more likely to get a spot with the Bluecoats when you become old enough. Hope this helped.
- Baritone, Music City 2017
Hey! Thank you for the advice it really helped me understand the process of getting into a drum corps. I also want to know what it is like to be in a drum corps. I started watching DCI in 2016. The first show I watched was the Bluecoats (Downside Up) and I was amazed and I've wanted to do it ever since and I always wondered what it would be like to be in DCI. Can you maybe give some detail? I want to make sure this is what I want to do when I become old enough.
Sogo33 The best way to get a drum corps experience is to go to an audition camp for a corps. Some camps are longer than others. Some are one day, some two, some three. Generally the longer the camp, the more the camp will cost you. At the camp, they'll teach you the marching technique that they use, and you'll play (or dance, if guard) in a large group. If it's an overnight camp, it'll be just like you're in the corps; you'll sleep on a gym floor (bring sleeping gear!) and you'll shower in the school locker room. Yes, the shower experience in drum corps will be very public, meaning you'll see other people of your sex naked, and they'll see you. Don't make a big deal of it, everyone goes in there for the same reason, to get clean. It'll feel awkward, but just do it. The main purpose of these camps is to give you an idea of what drum corps life is about; but you're also being evaluated by the staff for a spot in the corps, so keep that in mind. Hope this helped!
It did thank you so much!
Sogo33 hey if you're in michigan you should audition for Legends! they're a top 3 Open Class corps!
can I still march drumcorp even if im 14
ayy video is 4:20 long so smoke weed every day in dci
is anyone planning on going to Troopers auditions this year?
how much do cavies cost total? and If I'm fourteen and want to do world class corps when I'm 18 and I'm getting experience with a band program that is all about marching band... 70 people and won our division 3/4 competitions (decent) until then... what should my course of action be? should I take part in lesser corps before I shoot for cavies... I am told by instructors and 4 year marchers on my first year I am better than most (not to brag I don't think I'm that good) or should I go straight for cavies?
It all depends on what you want. If you're willing to work your hardest and want to be a cavie more than the guy next to you, it's all worth it from there. But, if you're just looking to see what drum corps is like in general before you shoot for the big boys, an open corps or even a non top 12 corps can be your best bet.
Flynn Road Official so I should probably do an open corps? so I don't know if the Spokane thunder is doing another season or not... so what are the open class corps around washington
mini hoov idk when i think of that area, i think of Oregon Crusaders. They're a really good corps that you could probably start out on
I'm 14 and doing open class this year (just got a contract) why not do open class for a year or so, just to get tye experience that a lot of world class corps require
condormovies i was planning on doing spokane thunder next season, not this one because it's too late but yeah
Marched Raiders for two years and now I'm a Bluecoat
I live within 20 mins of driving to the bluecoats :/
Dill Pickle Lucky
Dill Pickle used to live 10 minutes away. Now 9 hours away
how much did you have to pay the whole season
Alyshia Cook My first season was $2,600 excluding camps.
How does dci work around school?
Hey! I just saw this somehow lol, but drum corps move ins start within the first 2 weeks of May. If you're in high school, you would just have to talk to your counselors and communicate with them to take exams early. And the same for college, except Colleges end earlier. I was fine in college, my college ended the week before move-ins so I was lucky. Best of luck to you!
I don't think you've marched before...
Generally, 99.9% of the time, corps will take a veteran over a rookie because that's one less person you have to worry about acclimating to the corps. That's how it works in the top-tier corps, at least.
The only reasons a vet wouldn't be allowed to audition again is if they genuinely suck or they're a low-life piece of shit. Every corps has those people.
Really, did'nt mention Santaclara Vanguard, its cause your jealous of our drums isnt it XD
+TheGreatWazoo Context clues lead me to believe that you are not, in fact, in the Santa Clara Vanguard.
true
also is it possible to edit a comment, because i just realized a really stupid typo i made.
+TheGreatWazoo "our"
don't count yourself as part of a corps you never marched.
members of all corps really don't like that.
You have to fly there by yourself
Yay pio2017
DCI is not music !!!
:D vvvvvv
GOLD!