With the recent closing of both Drum Corps International and Drum Corps Associates, I wanted to bring some new life to the marching community by putting out a few things that I wish I knew before auditioning for a drum corps.
Just Go For It
The biggest mistake I made before going into my first audition was procrastinating if I should do it or not. Of course you want to do your research before going into the audition, but as with many good things in life you just have to jump into it! You won’t know whether you will like it or not if you never show up for a camp!
My first experience with a drum corps was a one day Experience camp with The Jersey Surf in November of 2018. Now this was very different from an actual audition camp but it showed me that I truly wanted to be apart of this activity and I learned a lot about The Jersey Surf that day!
I highly recommend a one day camp like this!
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Just go for it: in every sense of the saying, go experience drum corps. Without attending a camp or two, at different corps, you won’t know what it’s like there. I attended two different November camps during my rookie year, and among a few other factors, I thoroughly felt like I “clicked” with the vibe at Jersey Surf more, and I found my home. Without going to both of those camps, I wouldn’t have valued the home I found as much.”
Claire Auth, Jersey Surf Mellophone ’18-’21 (Center)
Get Connected
This is a big one because many of us follow our favourite drum corps on instagram or twitter; but are you connected with them on Facebook?
Every Drum Corps that I know of uses Facebook as there primary mode of communication and this falls in a couple of ways:
- Audition/Interest Group chats
- Groups with the Techs of the Organization
- Discussing Carpools and transportation
- And tons of other uses!
All I can say is download Facebook get connected and don’t be afraid to reach out to current/past marchers.
With that said don’t be afraid to email me personally with any questions @ afnotesblog@gmail.com
Do Your Research On The Corps
Once you have found out what corps you want to audition for, make sure you do your research on the corps history and watch some of their older shows! Look up there corps song, find out where they rehearse, and look to see if they have won any awards or if they have any famous members!
Be Prepared!
Practice is a big part of being prepared, but you need to make sure that your body is prepared. You’re going to be doing a lot of physical activity, more than you probably would be on a normal basis.
You do not need to walk into your audition with a six pack and able to run a mile in 5 minutes, but you should be able to hold up your horn during block, and do any physical training that the corps does during camps.
“Always use your time efficeiently. What I have found with doing Drum Corps is even spending five minutes on something you’re struggling with goes a long way. This could be five minutes during a meal break or thirty minutes of free time at home. Improving and becoming more consistent will benefit you a lot when auditioning for a drum corps.” -Olivia Schultz, Seattle Cascades ’19 Color Guard member (Pictured)
Mental preparedness is also a huge part of drum corps, long rehersal days can take a toll on you. Most days and rehearsal blocks will fly by but on Sunday morning P.T. after two days of rehearsing you have to be able to remind yourself why you are doing this and what your goals are.
Have fun!
Take as many photos as possible, meet as many people as possible and remember to have fun! You wouldn’t be doing this activity if it wasn’t fun.
See you in the next Few Notes!
A Few Notes 