Planning to audition for a drum corps this season on brass? Check out this guide for tips and info. Leave a comment telling me where you're auditioning! (and subscribe :D)
I started marching DCI at 13years old with the Marion Glory Cadets back then when DCI was was Division 1,2, and 3 We was a Division 3 corps, we placed 3rd in D-3 that year! You have to be at least 14yrs old to be apart of the "World Class" Division 1 Corps but can start out in the younger corps at 12.
To add to this video, know that just about everyone will be nervous trying out rather if its rookies or vets. NO ONE is guarented a spot, unless your the drum major( for some corps), horn sergants, or center snare. All the staff ask of you is to give it your best and leave nothing behind. Keep an open mind and willing to learn, dont be cocky! Staff will take a member who tries really hard, is willing to learn, and ask questions then a stuck up person that thinks his or her's stuff dont stink!!
Drum Corps. only march valved bell-front brass. I think it's because it looks more uniform, every section looks pretty much the same but they vary in size.
THANK YOU, DAVID! Your vids helped me in my 2013 season for drum corps. Thanks to you I made it through everything (auditions, pre-season, etc.) and I owe it to you for having the greatest time of my life! I am now a proud phoenix vet!
We had a couple kids in my corps march when they were 14, Andrew Odello Started marching when he was 3 and made BDB when he was 13 on Bass Drum. So yeah, he could've
Sure! So most corps will give you 3 possibilities, contract, callback, or cut. Depending on how many people auditioned, you could get these results within the next week, a day or two, or sometimes immediately. When you get a contract, congrats! You're in. But keep in mind they can take it away as quickly as they gave it to you, it doesn't mean you can slack off. Callbacks mean that the staff liked you and they want to see more, they might give you some things to work on for the next camp....
Nope, not necessarily. Having prior experience with the corps means a lot, but you still have to prepare your best for your audition. You're not guaranteed a spot completely; if there's a rookie who is more prepared for his/her audition than you, then they can take your spot.
I marched nine years of DCI, I started out as a member of the hornline of various corps. And also a drum major various years including my age-out year in 2010!
I've marched with a few 15/16 year olds so it's more common than you think. However, that number usually goes down with the top corps. Your chance of getting a contract really depends on the corps you audition for and how many people are auditioning. For me, it took me one time.
Hi, my name is charlie smith. Trumpet. when you tried out for spirit, how long did it take to find out if you made it or not? what was the weather like? How Much did you practice? What do i need to stress, music wise? Where do you find the gloves? and Where would you get that polish stuff?!?!?!?
Depending on the corps they might also recommend you to a different corps to get experience before marching with them. Those are usually the corps that has sister corps such as Blue Devils, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Colts. I know in my experience the Colts have recommended some of their first year woodwinds of that age to march with the Colt Cadets for a year before moving to the Colts.
Thanks for your insight. It's taking a lot of time and effort for me to learn the mellophone to audition for Corp having played woodwinds all of my life. I will be auditioning for Phantom Regiment next year for the 2016 year. Pretty much a year away and it makes me nervous just thinking about it!
and [cut] means that they believe that you may not be right for the corps currently. However, getting cut from somewhere doesn't mean that your summer is over. There are always other corps (World Class, Open Class, or DCA) that need members. You can always see if the staff can give a good word for you to those corps, that also helps a lot.
Hey David, I just watched this video after my experience and audition camps, and I can't describe how accurate this video is. Luckily I got a contract(Pacific Crest, euphonium) and I'm looking forward to this summer. Hope I can meet you somewhere on tour, have fun with SOA!
I play baritone and let me tell you it took me 3 years to get use to it. My freshmen year last year I had a bd who played contra and did BlueCoats I think 2 or 3 years. He helped me out a lot I holding it up. By telling our section if we drop it he make us hold it up for ten minutes which back then was horrible like are you killing us. I was the youngest and only girl so I was very lonely but my section leader was super nice. I admit sometimes I was a jerk. Not so much this year. But I'm very independent and it's hard for me to be bossed around. So I'm working on that. Plus I have had some mean leaders before. Anyways why am I taking so long to get my feet in time and being able to hold my instrument up. What weight lifting should I do? Should I get a trainer?
Hey Mike, even if you're trolling youre still giving my/our corps a bad image. This is a kind message to leave my best friend David alone and take pride representing yourself as a Bluecoat like I do.
I have a guide about choosing corps right here: v=6K2r20uiBJg As for costs, it depends on the corps. Open class and DCA are typically less expensive than World class, which can have tuition fees from $2,500 - $3,000 (may or may not include transportation costs).
Hey Charlie! My rookie year was 2011 and I found out I made the hornline I think a couple after the first camp via a phone call. The weather depends on where your camps are, but most likely it's gonna be pretty cold. I tried to practice an hour each day on my audition materials once they came out. Focus on tone, steady tempo, dynamics, and releases. The gloves can be purchased online (ie bandshoppe[dot]com), and I get my silver polish at Ace Hardware.
Well I march Oregon crusaders and I am going to be 16 when the season starts and well it's possible you just have to try really hard and be willing to working the stuff
It really depends on how well prepared you are and even more so on the quality of your audition. I can vouch, I'm a 15 year old (16 in May) rookie mello this year for Bluecoats. Just practice your butt off and after that I'd definitely say that you have a fighting chance.
Im hoping to try out on hornline for spirit hopefully next year,i live in florida and i am going to be 16 when i try out and i was wondering how many horns does spirit have, and what are the auditions like?
When I first auditioned I was SO intimidated. Dear lord, that was so scary, I felt extremely inferior, and I made callbacks surprisingly enough and then logistically it didn't work for call backs, so I marched a local open class (GOLD), now I'm prepared and know what to expect, I miss drum corps...
hey david, i was wondering i am wanting to audition for a drum cor next year but am unsure of what one i should audition for or which one i could make it in to. is their anything i may be able to do to help me deside what core to try out for.also how much does it cost avergely to do drum cor
hey david how often are minors in drum corps? I mean have you guys ever had any younger kids like maybe 15 or 16 that made it? Also with most corps what's the probability of getting a contract the first time you audition? How many times did it take you?
If you are auditioning for a corps via video, do you have to use the corps specific marching technique? I've seen some videos where they do and some where they don't and I'm confused.
Hey David, I'm auditioning for my first drum corp in about 3 weeks. (Great tips by the way) One thing I have no clue about is learning drill. I know what it's like in high school, but how much different is dci? One more question... You're a mellophone player? That's pretty awesome, I am too. :D
Imma try out for cavaliers this year 2015 season. I am first chair horn player at my school Mellophone that is. Also I am a good marcher and come from a bent leg marching band school.
Im auditioning for a brand new Jr drum corps in 2018 its called the "Rivermen" and I have no idea what to expect, im auditioning for mellophone and I can only play up to an A over the staff ( I have been playing mellophone for 3 months ) and I know their are going to be lots of people better than me, their are no vets and we are all rookies im scared AF.
definitely really late, but i really want to audition for bluecoats my senior year, but i play the flute and my band director won’t let me march trumpet whatsoever. will corps let you in if you have 0 years experience marching a brass instrument?
I'm going to audition for spirit next season .Ive marched sousaphone for about three years but I've never played a contra in my life . I know it's going to be difficult but I would really appreciate advice as to how to prepare for that . Also , I've never seen a female contra player for spirit , why is that ?
The transition from sousaphone to contra is very difficult at first but the more you hold it, the easier it gets. pushups and planks.... lots of planks are some of the best things to do to condition for this horn. BTW, spirit has 2 girl contras this year
Could you make a video giving tips on how to deal with the tuition and all the prices? I really want to try out but those prices kill me looking at them
Well this year it will be harder because we have a new corps director (the old soa corps director) and we want to really make a difference this year and work our way up more. But try. Always try.
I am a freshman in highschool, but I have a huge interest in drum corps and want to audition for Music City, but I don't know if I'll be good enough. Any thoughts or opinions? Should I go for it?
Braden Chittick they allow any ages as long as you can endure the activity. I auditioned and I got a call-back, and the next camp is in a week, so after that I'll find out if I get a contract.
Not necessarily. Some people get their contracts after their first or second camps. However when it gets down to the final spots per section, then it may take a little longer for staff to make the final cuts (sometimes it becomes a difficult decision choosing that person).
I play trombone and have been playing for about 6 years now. I have a baritone, but the problem is, I can transpose quick enough to from trombone slide positions to fingerings fast enough in my head. Do u have any suggestions for how I could possibly get used to playing baritone on an easy fashion?
I know this is almost two years old, but no not at all. At the initial camps they instruct you to just use the technique you were taught so they can gauge where you are skill wise. As the camps progress and the membership becomes more finalized you start learning the specific corps style.
I'm thirteen and I'm trying the audition camps this December for southwind and really want to do good.What is the best thing to watch. P.S. This is also my first year marching. 😔
Idk about that one. After my first year marching in my band, I tried out to do Fusion Drum "Core" (a DCA) and decided against it after going to the open house weekend. Its not because I wasn't ready, but rather because I was so young that I wouldn't have a fun experience being surronded by older people.
Auditioning for Pacific Crest for this next season on baritone. I am just starting to play baritone, and ive been playing trombone for 7 years. trying to find out about if you can audition with trombone for a baritone position.
Mark Mangrich Hey id really appreciate your experience if you could tell me since I'm a bone player auditioning for pacific crest this year. I have experience with baritone but I don't own one
I'm auditioning for the Blue Knights this upcoming season on mellophone. Do you have any tips on what I should be practicing besides scales? Also I'm marching mello for my hs band so I can get a feel for field marching :)
I just finished my audition camp with them in Texas and I am moving onto the next one in January :) I'm auditioning for contra, hope I see you at the January camp too!
Yeah, at the end of the Texas audition they actually said to all 23 or so people auditioning for hornline that we are all moving onto the next camp solely based on them liking the way we played
Holding up a baritone/euphonium while watching a DCI Show really helps.
I started marching DCI at 13years old with the Marion Glory Cadets back then when DCI was was Division 1,2, and 3 We was a Division 3 corps, we placed 3rd in D-3 that year! You have to be at least 14yrs old to be apart of the "World Class" Division 1 Corps but can start out in the younger corps at 12.
To add to this video, know that just about everyone will be nervous trying out rather if its rookies or vets. NO ONE is guarented a spot, unless your the drum major( for some corps), horn sergants, or center snare. All the staff ask of you is to give it your best and leave nothing behind. Keep an open mind and willing to learn, dont be cocky! Staff will take a member who tries really hard, is willing to learn, and ask questions then a stuck up person that thinks his or her's stuff dont stink!!
I'm auditioning for bluecoats on Mello.
Drum Corps. only march valved bell-front brass. I think it's because it looks more uniform, every section looks pretty much the same but they vary in size.
THANK YOU, DAVID! Your vids helped me in my 2013 season for drum corps. Thanks to you I made it through everything (auditions, pre-season, etc.) and I owe it to you for having the greatest time of my life! I am now a proud phoenix vet!
Thank you so much, I just got a callback for SCV in my rookie year, and your videos helped me out a lot! Thanks for all your content!
We had a couple kids in my corps march when they were 14, Andrew Odello Started marching when he was 3 and made BDB when he was 13 on Bass Drum. So yeah, he could've
Spirit of Atlanta!!!!!!!!!!
Ok thank you
Cool thanks
I'm trying out for DCI Crossmen on baritone:)
Most corps like to post the audition music 1-1.5 months before the first camp.
This video is honestly just as funny as it is informative. Great stuff haha!
Sure! So most corps will give you 3 possibilities, contract, callback, or cut. Depending on how many people auditioned, you could get these results within the next week, a day or two, or sometimes immediately. When you get a contract, congrats! You're in. But keep in mind they can take it away as quickly as they gave it to you, it doesn't mean you can slack off. Callbacks mean that the staff liked you and they want to see more, they might give you some things to work on for the next camp....
Nope, not necessarily. Having prior experience with the corps means a lot, but you still have to prepare your best for your audition. You're not guaranteed a spot completely; if there's a rookie who is more prepared for his/her audition than you, then they can take your spot.
Green machine!
I marched nine years of DCI, I started out as a member of the hornline of various corps. And also a drum major various years including my age-out year in 2010!
omg david we have the same shampoo bottles did you steal those from a hotel too? I know I sure did.
Usually so you don't leave finger prints on the instrument I guess
I've marched with a few 15/16 year olds so it's more common than you think. However, that number usually goes down with the top corps. Your chance of getting a contract really depends on the corps you audition for and how many people are auditioning. For me, it took me one time.
@Nick Craig okay, gotcha.
Trumpet @Duskfree
Hi, my name is charlie smith. Trumpet. when you tried out for spirit, how long did it take to find out if you made it or not? what was the weather like? How Much did you practice? What do i need to stress, music wise? Where do you find the gloves? and Where would you get that polish stuff?!?!?!?
I started maching in DCI when I was 13 years old in division 3 with the Marion Glory Cadets thank you very much ;-) We placed 3rd in D-3 that year!
Depending on the corps they might also recommend you to a different corps to get experience before marching with them. Those are usually the corps that has sister corps such as Blue Devils, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Colts. I know in my experience the Colts have recommended some of their first year woodwinds of that age to march with the Colt Cadets for a year before moving to the Colts.
Mellophone FTW! (;
If you march 1 year are your chances of making it back next year almost 100%
Thanks man this really helps me with all the stuff I didn’t understand about the actual process
Thanks for your insight. It's taking a lot of time and effort for me to learn the mellophone to audition for Corp having played woodwinds all of my life. I will be auditioning for Phantom Regiment next year for the 2016 year. Pretty much a year away and it makes me nervous just thinking about it!
and [cut] means that they believe that you may not be right for the corps currently. However, getting cut from somewhere doesn't mean that your summer is over. There are always other corps (World Class, Open Class, or DCA) that need members. You can always see if the staff can give a good word for you to those corps, that also helps a lot.
Hey David, I just watched this video after my experience and audition camps, and I can't describe how accurate this video is. Luckily I got a contract(Pacific Crest, euphonium) and I'm looking forward to this summer. Hope I can meet you somewhere on tour, have fun with SOA!
I play baritone and let me tell you it took me 3 years to get use to it. My freshmen year last year I had a bd who played contra and did BlueCoats I think 2 or 3 years. He helped me out a lot I holding it up. By telling our section if we drop it he make us hold it up for ten minutes which back then was horrible like are you killing us. I was the youngest and only girl so I was very lonely but my section leader was super nice. I admit sometimes I was a jerk. Not so much this year. But I'm very independent and it's hard for me to be bossed around. So I'm working on that. Plus I have had some mean leaders before. Anyways why am I taking so long to get my feet in time and being able to hold my instrument up. What weight lifting should I do? Should I get a trainer?
Just hold 35 to 45 pounds in front of you like its a contra.
Hey Mike, even if you're trolling youre still giving my/our corps a bad image. This is a kind message to leave my best friend David alone and take pride representing yourself as a Bluecoat like I do.
I have a guide about choosing corps right here: v=6K2r20uiBJg
As for costs, it depends on the corps. Open class and DCA are typically less expensive than World class, which can have tuition fees from $2,500 - $3,000 (may or may not include transportation costs).
Oh and David thanks for all your vids I found them really use full for auditioning for Oregon crusaders thanks man!!!!!!!!
2018 Crossmen Mellophone Auditioner!
Stefan R hey I auditioned for them on euph!
I can also say that you hit everything dead on. And i took everything you said and got contracted for Music City less than a week later.
Thanks for this video, the info really helps. Auditioning for Madison sop this fall.
Hey Charlie! My rookie year was 2011 and I found out I made the hornline I think a couple after the first camp via a phone call. The weather depends on where your camps are, but most likely it's gonna be pretty cold. I tried to practice an hour each day on my audition materials once they came out. Focus on tone, steady tempo, dynamics, and releases. The gloves can be purchased online (ie bandshoppe[dot]com), and I get my silver polish at Ace Hardware.
Well I march Oregon crusaders and I am going to be 16 when the season starts and well it's possible you just have to try really hard and be willing to working the stuff
It really depends on how well prepared you are and even more so on the quality of your audition. I can vouch, I'm a 15 year old (16 in May) rookie mello this year for Bluecoats. Just practice your butt off and after that I'd definitely say that you have a fighting chance.
Were* you in Spirit this year? (Sorry, I am a bit OCD about those type of things)
I am auditioning for Spirit of Atlanta this year and I am so excited! You are so adorable! (:
Thanks for the pointers man! I'm eager for next weekend, going out for the Cavaliers!
Im hoping to try out on hornline for spirit hopefully next year,i live in florida and i am going to be 16 when i try out and i was wondering how many horns does spirit have, and what are the auditions like?
Can you clarify on contracts and call backs?
Trying out for Music City this next weekend!
Jacob Gilmore lmao I’m trying out for music city this December
Trying out for the San Antonio Crossmen this up coming season, auditions are November 28-30
When I first auditioned I was SO intimidated. Dear lord, that was so scary, I felt extremely inferior, and I made callbacks surprisingly enough and then logistically it didn't work for call backs, so I marched a local open class (GOLD), now I'm prepared and know what to expect, I miss drum corps...
Congratulations man, hope I get to see you sometime!
What should I eat?
When does crossmen release their audition misic
hey david, i was wondering i am wanting to audition for a drum cor next year but am unsure of what one i should audition for or which one i could make it in to. is their anything i may be able to do to help me deside what core to try out for.also how much does it cost avergely to do drum cor
you mentioned trombone, why do drum cores not march them?
hey david how often are minors in drum corps? I mean have you guys ever had any younger kids like maybe 15 or 16 that made it? Also with most corps what's the probability of getting a contract the first time you audition? How many times did it take you?
dolan pls.
Do you think i'd have a fighting chance with the bluecoats?
If you are auditioning for a corps via video, do you have to use the corps specific marching technique? I've seen some videos where they do and some where they don't and I'm confused.
Yup, I remember that! You guys were great! :D
well im not saying i believe him but lets take Blue Devils C into mind they are a corps with 8-14 year olds
What made you choose Spirit of Atlanta?
And I made it
Auditioning for Boston this fall! Marching Spartans contra line this summer!
Is a drum corps like the movie Drumline?
I tried out for the Crossmen, but they gave my video audition to the OC's and now I'm on callback with them- I find out in a week if I can make it
Did you make it
What would you suggest for workouts to prepare?
trying out for music city
Are you really trying to tell anyone you first marched DCI when you were 12/13??
Hey David, I'm auditioning for my first drum corp in about 3 weeks. (Great tips by the way) One thing I have no clue about is learning drill. I know what it's like in high school, but how much different is dci? One more question... You're a mellophone player? That's pretty awesome, I am too. :D
The link is not working for me?
Awesome, best of luck! :D
I plan on auditioning for spirit of Atlanta and are there any tips you have for dealing with school and drum core
What corps did you march
David Haven was one of the biggest jerks I ever marched with
Imma try out for cavaliers this year 2015 season. I am first chair horn player at my school Mellophone that is. Also I am a good marcher and come from a bent leg marching band school.
carnolod298 did you make it
I've known people of that age march with top 6 corps, so it's definitely possible! Just gotta practice :)
At what time of the year do corps usually put out their audition music
Im auditioning for a brand new Jr drum corps in 2018 its called the "Rivermen" and I have no idea what to expect, im auditioning for mellophone and I can only play up to an A over the staff ( I have been playing mellophone for 3 months ) and I know their are going to be lots of people better than me, their are no vets and we are all rookies im scared AF.
definitely really late, but i really want to audition for bluecoats my senior year, but i play the flute and my band director won’t let me march trumpet whatsoever. will corps let you in if you have 0 years experience marching a brass instrument?
I'm going to audition for spirit next season .Ive marched sousaphone for about three years but I've never played a contra in my life . I know it's going to be difficult but I would really appreciate advice as to how to prepare for that . Also , I've never seen a female contra player for spirit , why is that ?
The transition from sousaphone to contra is very difficult at first but the more you hold it, the easier it gets. pushups and planks.... lots of planks are some of the best things to do to condition for this horn. BTW, spirit has 2 girl contras this year
Drucilla Thomas a good exercise that you can do is to hold weights out in front of your torso for as long as you can and build up from that
Could you make a video giving tips on how to deal with the tuition and all the prices? I really want to try out but those prices kill me looking at them
Any quick tips for a first-time auditionee at for The Cadets?
know Michael Terry
Blue Stars 2018 Contra hopeful. Any tips for some Tuba?🤞
CJ Parker lip slurs ;)
How hard is the mandarins to audition.
Well this year it will be harder because we have a new corps director (the old soa corps director) and we want to really make a difference this year and work our way up more. But try. Always try.
I am a freshman in highschool, but I have a huge interest in drum corps and want to audition for Music City, but I don't know if I'll be good enough. Any thoughts or opinions? Should I go for it?
Jacob Trull yolo do iy
It *
You can't audition until 16 anyway.
Braden Chittick they allow any ages as long as you can endure the activity. I auditioned and I got a call-back, and the next camp is in a week, so after that I'll find out if I get a contract.
Jacob Trull
How did you do
How hard would it be to make the hornline at pioneer?
Is it true that spirit takes way longer to give you an answer (contract, callback, cut) than other corps?
Not necessarily. Some people get their contracts after their first or second camps. However when it gets down to the final spots per section, then it may take a little longer for staff to make the final cuts (sometimes it becomes a difficult decision choosing that person).
I play trombone and have been playing for about 6 years now. I have a baritone, but the problem is, I can transpose quick enough to from trombone slide positions to fingerings fast enough in my head. Do u have any suggestions for how I could possibly get used to playing baritone on an easy fashion?
Tate Withers lol I was about to respond in how I did it but then I saw it was 4 years old. I hope you have the fingerings down by now
Is this your age out year?
I play mello and really want to do drum corps but go to a school with no marching band. How should I learn/practice marching?
do dca
DO DCA, Id start out with a not so great drum corps that you know you can make, then pick were you want to go after that.
Does it matter if the marching technique that I use during the audition is different from the corps'?
I know this is almost two years old, but no not at all. At the initial camps they instruct you to just use the technique you were taught so they can gauge where you are skill wise. As the camps progress and the membership becomes more finalized you start learning the specific corps style.
I'm thirteen and I'm trying the audition camps this December for southwind and really want to do good.What is the best thing to watch. P.S. This is also my first year marching. 😔
Idk about that one. After my first year marching in my band, I tried out to do Fusion Drum "Core" (a DCA) and decided against it after going to the open house weekend. Its not because I wasn't ready, but rather because I was so young that I wouldn't have a fun experience being surronded by older people.
Auditioning for Pacific Crest for this next season on baritone. I am just starting to play baritone, and ive been playing trombone for 7 years. trying to find out about if you can audition with trombone for a baritone position.
Mark Mangrich Hey id really appreciate your experience if you could tell me since I'm a bone player auditioning for pacific crest this year. I have experience with baritone but I don't own one
Im auditioning for SCVC i was wondering how hard it is to make it (i made all county this year)
Lol.
+Alexis Macy shut up lol
I actually found them at a housing site haha.
I'm auditioning for the Blue Knights this upcoming season on mellophone. Do you have any tips on what I should be practicing besides scales? Also I'm marching mello for my hs band so I can get a feel for field marching :)
soo i play Sousaphone and was wondering something. how much harder is a contra?
At first it seems difficult because it different. Having to be stronger to hold the horn most difficult.
I found contra easier, but the only thing is its heavier.
How hard was the audition? like the music. Do you have to play in front of them?
Anyone trying out for Boston Crusaders 2015? I'll be at the Florida camp.
I just finished my audition camp with them in Texas and I am moving onto the next one in January :) I'm auditioning for contra, hope I see you at the January camp too!
Andrew Cory I auditioned on contra as well. Did you already get feedback? I'm still waiting on mine.
Yeah, at the end of the Texas audition they actually said to all 23 or so people auditioning for hornline that we are all moving onto the next camp solely based on them liking the way we played
Andrew Cory That's crazy, we had over 200 people auditioning for the hornline here in Florida.
***** Good luck!! Hope you make it on Contra :)