“Excellence is not a skill, it is an attitude.” Ralph Martson
A brass member of the Phantom Regiment stands at attention.
Photo taken by Jolesch Photography
The Cadets Drum line perform their 2008 show entitled “…And The Pursuit Of Happiness.” Photo taken by Alonzo Adams Photography
The first time I saw a drum corps show, I was hooked for life. Seeing drum lines performing their hearts out fueled my passion, and is what led me to excel in marching percussion.
What is Drum Corps?
Drum and bugle corps is a marching group consisting of brass instruments, percussion, and color guard. These groups are run by independent non-profit organizations, drum corps perform in competitions, parades, and festivals. The majority of ages are between 14-22.
Competitive Drum corps compete in summer touring, like Drum Corps International (DCI) and Drum Corps Associates (DCA). Corps release a new show each year, around 8–12 minutes in length, and over the summer perfect their shows. Shows are performed on football fields and are judged in various musical and visual categories, or “captions”. Musical selections vary among corps and include symphonic, jazz, big band, contemporary, rock, wind band, vocal, Broadway, and Latin music.
The percussion section contains two subsections: the front ensemble and the drum line. Front ensemble members perform on keyboard percussion and electronic instruments. Because of the size of these instruments, the front ensemble remains directly in front of the field and centered on the 50 yard line. A full-size front ensemble features 10–15 members.
Members of the drum line perform on marching percussion instruments, including snare drums, tenor drums, bass drums tuned to different pitches, and cymbals. A full-size battery features 7–10 snare drummers, 4–5 tenor drummers, 5 bass drummers, and sometimes 4 cymbal players. My favorite drum corps that have influenced me are: The Bluecoats, The Cadets, and Phantom Regiment.
Drum corps has played a big influence in my drumming career; it has made me strive to excellency.
The Bluecoats performing their 2012 show “UnMasqued.” at the DCI 2012 Finals
Photo taken by Skipp Photography
I have more of my favorite drum corps videos in the “Video” section located in the top bar.
Woodensticks 