Welcome to Gaia! ::

What is Drum Corps?

A Drum and Bugle Corps is a musical marching group (similar to a marching band), which contains a brass section, percussion section, and color guard. The brass section is commonly referred to as the Hornline. The percussion section is broken up into two main sections: The Battery and The Front Ensemble (also called the Pit). Meanwhile the color guard contains a weapons line and flag line.

The Hornline
A Drum Corps hornline consists of all brass and was originally made up of bugles, however; these days are made up of multiple keyed brass instruments found in a contemporary marching band. The hornline is voiced like a choir would be: Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Bass. All were bugles, and soon bugles had valves added, and around the mid 90s, drum corps switched to conventional horns. Trumpets, Mellos, Baritones, Euphoniums, and finally the Contras (not a tuba, tuba is the INCORRECT terminology for a bass in Drum Corps). Drum and Bugle Corps Contras are 6/5 sized marching tubas.

*The terms Drum and Bugle Corps and Drum Corps are typically used interchangeably and I will most likely be referring to them as Drum Corps because I am a lazy person, and its a shorter phrase, then Drum and Bugle Corps.*

The Battery
The Battery is one of the more recognizable parts of any Drum Corps, and consists of the same instrumentation (roughly) for most corps. The Battery is made up of Snares, Tenors, Bass Drums, and a Cymbal Line. The snares, for the most part, are of the same pitch, the Tenors have 5-6 different pitched drums attached on to one large structure carried by a single marcher, and the Bass Drums are differently pitched, however; unlike the Tenor drums (also referred to as quads), one marcher is in charge of one pitch. A Bass Line typically has 5 different sized bass drums, each labelled Bass 1, Bass 2, etc. The Cymbal Line is similar to the Bass line due to the fact each marcher is in charge of one pitch, each cymbal being a different size, determing the pitch.

The Front Ensemble
The Front Ensemble is a non-marching percussion group that traditionally sits at the front of the marching field, right at the base of the main podium on top of which the drum major is situated. The Front Ensemble consists of a plethora of instruments, including, but not limited to: Marimbas, Vibraphones, Bells, Xylophones, Timpani, Drum Kits, Cymbals, Bongos, Congas, Claves, and other special or unique percussion instruments which add to the overall effect of the show, and which would not be easily marched on the field. The Front Ensemble may also consist of the electronics for voice overs in a Drum Corps show, and are controlled by the members of the Front Ensemble.

The Color Guard
The Color Guard is a very old part of traditional drum corps, starting off as a group which brought out the American Flag surrounded by cadets with rifles, it soon evolved into the flag twirling, rifle and saber spinning, dancing guards of today which embellish marching shows with elaborate performances and displays of talent. Color Guards typically consist of weapon and flag lines, which commonly use flags, sabers, and rifles. The Color Guard also acts as the actors and dancers of a Drum Corps show helping to add emotion and style to a show. They combine dance moves, colorful costumes, and interactions with the musicians on the field and the audience, to truely captivate the audience and make a Drum Corps show into a true performance.

Drum Corps rehearse extensively and year round, perfecting a single show, which can last between 9-12 minutes. They concentrate both the visual and audio aspects of a show, and spend all day cleaning, and when they aren't cleaning, are either traveling to another housing site or show, sleeping (regarded as sacred to most corps), or performing there show for a huge crowd. Drum Corps are physically and mentally demanding, but teach dedication, physical education, musical education, discipline and respect to all of its participating members.

Drum Corps International is the main organization for junior Drum and Bugle Corps which consist of two classes. World Class are the big boy Corps of DCI, while Open Class corps generally follow a less demanding schedule then the World Class Corps.

Drum Corps Associates is the original organization and is the organization which most senior, all-age and alumni corps belong too.

*Drum Corps International is commonly referred to as DCI while Drum Corps Associates is commonly referred to as DCA.*

World Class Corps:
The Academy
Blue Devils
Blue Knights
Blue Stars
Bluecoats
Boston Crusaders
The Cadets
Capital Regiment
Carolina Crown
Cascades
The Cavaliers
Colts
Crossmen
Glassmen
Jersey Surf
Madison Scouts
Mandarins
Pacific Crest
Phantom Regiment
Pioneer
Santa Clara Vanguard
Southwind
Spirit
Teal Sound
Troopers

Open Class Corps
7th Regiment
Blue Devils B
Blue Devils C
Blue Saints
Capital Sound
Citations
City Sound
Dutch Boy
East Coast Jazz
Fever
Forte
Genesis
Gold
H.Y.P.E.
Incognito
Jester
Lake Erie Regiment
Legends
Les Stentors
Music City
Mystikal
Northern Light
Oregon Crusaders
Pride of the Lions
Racine Scouts
Raiders
Revolution
Spartans
Spirit of Newark
Spokane Thunder
St. John's
Targets
Vanguard Cadets
Velvet Knights

Who are the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps?

The Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps are an Open Class Corps which compete mostly on the East Coast and in Drum Corps International Finals in and around Indianapolis. The corps is highly successful and was formed in order to provide everyone a chance to march in a drum corps. They are 13-time World Championship Finalists: 1996,1998,1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. They were the Silver Medalists in 2001 receiving Best Brass and Best General Effect. In 2005, The Raiders took gold and became the Divisional and World Champions also receiving Best Percussion and Best General Effect. In 2006, The Raiders Drum Corps received Bronze. In order to join Raiders the minimum age is 14 while age-out age for ALL DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS is 21. The Raiders' home base is in Wayne, NJ and they primarily tour around the Northeast. The first tour of the summer is approximately 3 weeks, and the second is also about 3 weeks towards the end of July and into finals week in August. When not touring, the corps tours locally and does competitions which are nearby.
For more info on Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps check out their website: Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps

Aspects of Conditioning

Drum Corps is more like a sport then a musical activity. Therefore in order to prepare for day of 12 hour rehearsals, constantly standing at attention, and real physical activity a lot of preparation is necessary. I got this post from a thread on TrumpetMaster.com, and its a good outline of what it takes to become ready to do a drum corps, and I like how it is worded:

There are lots of things to do to get ready for drum corps, and only about half of them have anything to do with playing the horn.

First and foremost, realize that performing with a drum corps is much more similar to an athletic event like a soccer match than it is to a concert. If you are unprepared for the physical demands, then no matter how good you are as a musician, you won't shine come the shows.

To do your best in a marching environment you need to be spending as much time working on your physical conditioning and marching fundamentals as you do your playing.

In short, you should be preparing in four areas:
1. Physical conditioning
2. Marching fundamentals
3. Playing fundamentals
4. Combining marching and playing CORRECTLY

I'll give you some examples in each, but know you need to develop a consistent routine for all of them.

1. Physical conditioning:

This consists of three areas: flexibility, strength, and endurance. You'll need all three to survive a summer in drum corps.

Full-body stretching should be a daily part of your routine. The more flexible you are, the easier it is to execute marching maneuvers, and the more relaxed you will be while doing it. That directly translates to an easier blow and improved playing and endurance. In particular, you want a rock solid core to support your movement and air production. Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, whatever. Just stretch every day. We used to stretch 20-30 minutes every morning in corps.

You need strength, especially in your core and legs, so that your body does not have to spend the energy you need to play trying to keep you upright. Arm strength is also important because you'll be holding your horn at attention several hours each day, and push-ups are the consequence of choice for screw-ups. Focus on low-weight, high-rep strength training because marching is about the lean muscle of the runner/soccer player rather than the bulk of the offensive lineman.

Finally, cardiovascular conditioning is the absolute ROCK SOLID CORE of marching and playing success. If you are sucking wind because you are tired, there is NO WAY you can play your horn well. You should build your entire physical training regimen around building up cardiovascular endurance. Your breathe control sets the stage for everything else, period. The exercise we used for developing breathe control was to breathe in and out according to steps. So, say you are walking down the hall at school. Inhale a deep, full breath for 8 steps, then let it out in a steady blow for 8 steps. At the end of the exhale the goal is to have NO air left in the lungs. Repeat that until you can maintain a constant air flow across the entire 8 counts of the exhale (without tensing or closing off the throat). Then, do the same, but only inhale for 4 steps. Then 2. Then, finally, take a deep breath in 1 step and exhale for 8 with a steady and strong flow. Once you've mastered the 8 step exhale, do the same progression of breathing exercises with a 12 step exhale, and finally a 16 step exhale. If you're really good, you can do that while jogging (we used to run a mile a day taking timed breaths). The progression of breathing exercises can also be done while sitting or laying in bed at night (its a great way to relax -I still use it when I have trouble going to sleep).

Marching fundamentals:

Quick test -find a big mirror and face it. Now, put your horn in playing position with mouthpiece to chops. March 8/5 towards the mirror and focus on looking at the reflection of the top of your head and end of the bell in the mirror. If either is bounding up and down at all you are not isolating your upper body while marching (thus putting excessive and unpredictable strain and pressure onto your chops with every bobble). If you're doing that, you'll have no endurance no matter how long you can play sitting or standing still.

Your goal should be to march towards the mirror and have no visible bounce in either your head or horn. When you can do that moving forward, then do the same marching backwards. Then work crab steps. Then march forward and backward parallel to the mirror, but with your upper body turned towards the mirror going in both directions. Then practice making direction changes without letting the horn bounce or move.

Now, some tips for how to get there:

1. Your hips are key. If you lower your hips even a little while moving it will allow your legs to absorb more of the shock of the steps. Stiff legs = bounce. You can still maintain an upright posture in your back and shoulders while doing so.

2. Stretch, stretch, stretch. The more flexible you are in your legs and lower body, the easier it is to move fluidly and twist into position. You'll be amazed how much easier it is to turn your shoulders perpendicular to your hips with a week or two of good stretching exercises.

3. Build your core. Strengthen the muscles of your core with solid exercises (plenty out there such as Yoga, Pilates, or if you don't want to do that good old-fashioned push-ups and sit-ups) and they will improve your stability and allow you to march longer with less fatigue. It will also improve your balance -a key factor in staying stable while playing and moving. Another trick to work the core and improve balance -stand at attention with the horn in playing position. Now, pick up one foot and put it next to your other knee with your toe pointed down. Stay there for 5-10 seconds, then alternate feet and do it again. The goal -as always- is to be able to move from foot to foot and have no movement in the horn or head.

4. Perfect your glide step. You want to move lightly ACROSS the field, not step ON the field. I don't know which type of marching step your corps teaches, so I can't give you specific advice, but a universal truth is that the goal is to tread lightly, rolling from the heel to the toe smoothly, with as consistent a step as possible. You should be able to close your eyes, put your horn to your face, and march 8/5 for 10-15 yards and land within an inch of the yardline every time. If you can march that far and accurately with your eyes closed, you'll know you've smoothed out your step and balance.

5. DON'T EVEN BOTHER PLAYING WHILE DOING ANY OF THIS UNTIL YOU HAVE ELIMINATED THE BOUNCE!!!!!! You want to build GOOD habits and only put the playing to the marching AFTER you have built a strong foundation of marching fundamentals. Even after you have gotten comfortable and stable you should practice marching alone every day to maintain the body and muscle memory.

Playing fundamentals:

This part is something that the guy left out on the site, so I will fill most of it out from my personal knowledge. One thing that many Drum Corps are known for, are for their musical ability. Now while they only play one show a year, and spend 11 months refining the music and movements till they are as best as they can be, a good deal of musical talent and knowledge is needed by the corps members in order for a corps to be successful. Essentially that means lots of practicing the fundamentals of the horn. For example, tonguing, tone, breathing exercises, etc. Range is not of up-most importance, but is a plus. In order to be in a corps you have to be a strong player, and practice is an absolute necessity in order to survive the audition process. Also endurance is needed in order for your chops to be able to take a full days rehearsal and then perform at full volume later that night. Gradually increasing your practice time will allow for your endurance to build up in a safe manner and allow you to slowly get used to the amount of playing required in a corps.

Combining marching and playing:

This is the trickiest step, and it is important not to rush it. You should really focus on isolating and getting comfortable with marching fundamentals before you put playing to it. Introduce playing the horn slowly. Start by doing straight marching while playing long tones. Listen for wobble in the pitch from your steps and focus on being as smooth as possible. Don't move on until you can play scales in whole notes with no wobble while marching. Then, do the same with half notes, then quarter notes, then eighth notes, and finally your marching music. Do the same marching forwards, backwards, while making turns, with crab steps, etc.

Plan to spend AT LEAST a few hours a week working marching fundamentals if you want to see any real improvement. Even then, it can take the entire off-season to really build the habits you want to develop. Also, that's what off-season camps are for with the corps. Those weekends will expose you to the marching techniques that corps uses, and should send you home with plenty of ideas for the specific areas you need to work on.

One last detail about drum corps that I think pertains here, and which I hope will put you a little more at ease. Drum corps (in the majority of cases) are not full of astounding technical musicians who can play circles around a flitting bumblebee. If you are a solid high school player with a strong embouchure you can handle the book in a drum corps (excepting most lead and solo parts). Only in the top 10 or so corps is the musical and playing skill at a high collegiate level. Most corps play at the level of a good high school band, but just spend more time polishing and refining the final product to make a better show by the end of the season. Don't psych yourself out that your playing or marching isn't the best. More important is being able to play well enough while marching to hit the part -and they'll spend a whole spring and summer getting you there.

This post/thread can be found here if you would like to read the entire thread : Drum Corps chop conditioning? - Trumpet Master.com

FAQ

Schedule for the year

March
19-20 Camp

April
15-17 Spring Training Camp 1

May
13-15 Spring Training Camp 2
27-30 Spring Training Camp 3

June
3-5 Spring Training Camp 4
10-12 Spring Training Camp 5
17-19 DCA Show Wildwood
24-26 Show Weekend/DCI Show

July
1-10 Mini Tour
15-17 Show Weekend
22-24 Show Weekend
28-30 Sunshine Camp
30-31 Tour

August
1-14 Tour Continued from the 30th of July
14th Return home

~reserved~