How to March in a Drum Corps

If you enjoy your high school or college marching band program, you might be thinking about taking the next step. Drum Corps International (DCI) bills itself as "Marching Music's Major League" for good reason. Marching in a drum corps is an incredible experience. You get to travel all over the United States, playing to big crowds almost nightly, while developing friendships.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to your band director, color guard instructor, drum instructor or horn instructor. Ask them what drum corps would be good for you. These people are the ones who work with you everyday and will be able to give you an honest assessment regarding the various drum corps that will be a good match for your talent, current abilities, geography and personality.

    • 2

      Research the drum corps you are considering. Go to DCI's website and follow the links to visit the corps' own websites. Post questions on Drum Corps Planet's (DCP) forums. Many current and former members and staff are members of the DCP community and post regularly in the forums.

    • 3

      Get in shape. You need to be in top physical condition to march drum corps. Exercise regularly, including cardio, strength training and flexibility. Make sure you are eating well (lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean protein) and getting enough sleep, as well.

    • 4

      Clear your calendar for Thanksgiving weekend. Almost all of DCI's drum corps hold their first camp of the season on Friday through Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend every year. Many corps require that you RSVP ahead of time. Check the website of the corps where you plan to audition; you can usually RSVP over the phone or by filling out an online form.

    • 5

      Practice, practice, practice. You need to practice daily.

    • 6

      Attend that first audition camp at the corps of your choice. If you do well enough, you will get a call back letter to come to the second camp. If you don't make the first cut, you can decide to try out for another corps or try again next year.

    • 7

      Sign your membership contract, get a copies of your birth certificate (required by DCI) and insurance cards, fill out medical forms, pay fees, order uniform parts and take care of any other administrative work. Once the staff has decided you made the final cut, you will be extended a membership contract and given a corps handbook and a lot of paperwork.

    • 8

      Continue attending winter camps, practicing in between camps, and taking care of yourself physically. Pack for drum corps tour. Ask a friend in your section for some tips on how to pack for drum corps tour. Also, check out your corps handbook, DCI's website and DCP's forums for tips.

    • 9

      Move in for everyday rehearsals in mid to late May. This is the first part of tour, which usually lasts 3 to 4 weeks. After that, you will travel the country performing your show, returning home in mid-August a changed person.