The Marching ArtsInformation on the world of Drum and Bugle Corps

Ariana Santiago

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What are we talking about?

Drum and Bugle Corps, most commonly just called “drum corps,” (pronounced “core”) can easily be compared to a marching band.

However, there are some key differences that make drum corps a truly unique activity.

Let’s explore some more of these unique characteristics.

What makes Drum Corps Unique?

Marching Band Usually school-

affiliated Includes woodwinds,

brass, percussion, and color guard

Takes place in the fall during football season

Primary purpose is to perform and entertain, often during halftime

Drum Corps Independent

organizations Does not includes

woodwind instruments Takes place in the

summertime This is still true, but

there is a stronger emphasis on competitions

World ClassA drum corps is categorized as either Open Class or World Class. World Class corps combine the highest caliber talent and education to produce an impeccable musical and visual program.

Youth activity Ages 14-22 Up to 150 members Intensive tour

schedule

The Blue Devils in a 2010 performance

The drum corps season starts in November with an audition camp

Accepted members go to monthly “camps,” weekend long rehearsals, until move-ins

Move-ins, also known as “spring training” or “all-days,” are when the entire corps moves in to the rehearsal site

They rehearse all day, every day, until the start of the summer tour. This can be from 2 to 6 weeks long.

Getting StartedIt’s not easy. It takes dedication from everyone right from the start. The goal is that the long and hot rehearsals will all pay off at the World Championships.

Life on the Road Members sleep on the gym floor,

rehearse on an available field, then clean up and leave for the show

At the end of the day, after all corps have performed, it’s time to pack up and leave for the next city to do it all over again

All members and staff travel and live together on tour buses for two months

Operations for each day take place at the housing site, usually a high school near the show site

The summer tour of a drum corps is unlike anything else

Can you picture it yet?

The End GoalCome season’s end in mid-August, World Class corps vie to be part of the elite Top 12 at the DCI World Championships. All the months of hard work boil down to the performances at Finals.

Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals

Thousands of fans travel nationwide for the events

The 2011 Championships will be at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN

A view of the Top 12 lined up on the field at Finals 2010

Teamwork Maturity and

responsibility Friendships and

networking Time management Work ethic Patience Physical fitness Education

Lasting BenefitsLife lessons and lasting friendships accompany this experience, making it more than just a marching activity.

World Class Corps in the U.S.The AcademyTempe, AZ

Blue DevilsConcord, CA

Blue KnightsDenver, CO

Blue StarsLa Crosse, WI

Blue CoatsCanton, OH

Boston CrusadersBoston, MA

The CadetsAllentown, PA

Carolina CrownFt. Mill, SC

CascadesWoodinville, WA

The CavaliersRosemont, IL

ColtsDubuque, IA

CrossmenSan Antonio, TX

GlassmenToledo, OH

Jersey SurfMt. Holly, NJ

Madison ScoutsMadison, WI

MandarinsSacramento, CA

Pacific CrestDiamond Bar, CA

Phantom RegimentRockford, IL

PioneerMilwaukee, WI

Santa Clara VanguardSanta Clara, CA

SpiritAtlanta, GA

Teal SoundJacksonville, FL

TroopersCasper, WY

Bibliography

Slide 4: Image used from Blue Devils Mediabox

http://bluedevils.org/mediabox/index. php?module =albums&filter=year&year=2010

Slide 10: Images used from DCI.org

http://www.dci.org/corps/list.cfm?class_id=1

All other photos used from personal collections

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