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How to Get Into a Drum Corps

Drum corps is a more athletic and intense version of marching band consisting of a percussion section, brass section and colorguard. Drum corps rehearse anywhere from eight to 12 hours a day from Memorial Day weekend until mid-August and perform for audiences all across the United States. However, most drum corps performers started out watching a show in the stands or as members of their high school or college marching bands. The progression from marching band performer to dynamic drum corps performer starts with the audition process.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the drum corps you would like to audition for from the DCI.org (Drum Corps International) or DCACorps.org (Drum Corp Associates) websites, which have lists of drum corps from across the United States. All drum corps will be members of one of these two organizations and will have their websites linked to the organization to which they belong. Find the drum corps that most interests you and follow the links to their website.

    • 2

      Register for auditions following the drum corps' instructions on their website. Look on the corps' website to find audition dates, audition guidelines and an online registration packet. Some drum corps won't have online registration available. In this case, contact them and ask them to mail you their audition registration packet. It's important to register so the corps can have enough equipment, staff and food for you when you arrive.

    • 3

      Find transportation. If you aren't auditioning for a local corps you may need to fly into auditions. Check the corps' website for the airport you should fly into and the time you need to arrive. The corps often will send someone to retrieve you from the airport. If you're driving or need a ride, look on the corps' website for driving directions or for help in arranging carpools with other performers registered to audition.

    • 4

      Train for the audition. Be proficient in the audition guidelines and start an exercise program. Drum corps is physically demanding so it is important to be in shape.

    • 5

      Attend any auditions you have registered for, but RSVP before leaving for auditions. This is especially important if you're flying to the auditions so the corps can send someone to pick you up from the airport.

    • 6

      Focus and work hard during the auditions. A lot of corps aren't just looking at your talent but at your work ethic and your ability to learn and adapt in different situations.

Marching Bands

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