2008 Drum Corps Thread

[orlandomom]

OK, its on there schedule that they are doing a parade @ Disney on Sunday the 13th. Which park?

I've done a bit more research to locate other corps housing so I can "stalk" and get a little fix, but sure would love to see Cadets at the park.

This is going to be my first summer not seeing the California Corps live in... well since the early '70's

Looking forward to the 12th

 

[OrlandoMike]

Just got an Email, Magic Kingdom.

 

[zulemara]

The thought of a 150 member drum corps blowing the roof off mainstreet with drums and horns gives me chills. Gosh, the narration of "Disney's magic music days proudly presents.." will fit so well with the cadets

seriously though best of luck to them. I don't get to see my bluestars all summer! I'm a sad panda

 

[OrlandoMike]

Oh you know I will get the whole thing on video for ya!

 

[orlandomom]

Just got an Email, Magic Kingdom.


I am SO there

 

[SFBayDon]

Oh you know I will get the whole thing on video for ya!

This I would love to see also!
Don

 

[OrlandoMike]

Hey guys, just want to let you know, I met OrlandoMom tonight...

And she and her daughter are......


2 Cool VK!

Great people to talk corps and Disney with! Mom has crazy west coast stories!

 

[OrlandoMike]

Fans can join three top drum corps for a change of venue and a whole lot of fun on Sunday, July 13, when the Cadets, Glassmen and Teal Sound take to the streets of Disney World's Magic Kingdom for a very special day of performances! Drum corps fans will find an abundance of spectacle and excitement as these corps march through the "Happiest Place on Earth," the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.
The Magic Kingdom corps performances will take place following the DCI Orlando Premier Event scheduled for Saturday, July 12 at 7 p.m. The Orlando Citrus Bowl, four-time home to the DCI World Championships, will play host that night to the performances of 10 top corps.

Disney has a long tradition of recognizing the great performances of drum corps, bringing corps members' talents to the thousands who walk through the Walt Disney World Resort each day. The Cadets, Glassmen and Teal Sound will celebrate the joy of marching music and show their stuff when they march in front of Cinderella Castle at 2:30 p.m., prior to the park's "Dreams Come True Parade."

Make this unique showcase of Marching Music's Major League in Disney World the perfect finish to a weekend, with the DCI Orlando event on Saturday the 12th, and Disney's special drum corps feature on the 13th! Fans can get tickets to Walt Disney World parks, including the Magic Kingdom, at DisneyWorld.com.

 

[orlandomom]

You are so sweet Mike, was fun meeting you and swapping crazy corps/tour stories and the fireworks were fun too!

can't wait till the 12th and 13th will be fun to go "stalking" and catch up on east coast stories

 

[momsgoofy]

Hi all!

Need some info...DS is very interested in joining a drum corp next year...he's 16, going to be a junior. DH & I are both good with this, but just looking for some more info. We live in southern Illinois so 2 he is considering is the Caveliers...Rosemont, IL (about 6 hours away) or the Memphis (4 hours away) something or others, but they are a division lower than the Cavs.

Anyone have kids in or are in one of these corps?

What can you tell me about them? This would be DS's first time in DCI so I'm a bit clueless. I know that he will have to try out and there is no promise he'll make it for any corp. He does regular marching band at school and performs in their field shows, but how exactly is drum corp different. (It's been too many years since I had a friend in the Black Knights to remember. lol)

Any information ya'll can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much! Have a great 4th!

 

[MonorailMan]

Hi all!

Need some info...DS is very interested in joining a drum corp next year...he's 16, going to be a junior. DH & I are both good with this, but just looking for some more info. We live in southern Illinois so 2 he is considering is the Caveliers...Rosemont, IL (about 6 hours away) or the Memphis (4 hours away) something or others, but they are a division lower than the Cavs.

Anyone have kids in or are in one of these corps?

What can you tell me about them? This would be DS's first time in DCI so I'm a bit clueless. I know that he will have to try out and there is no promise he'll make it for any corp. He does regular marching band at school and performs in their field shows, but how exactly is drum corp different. (It's been too many years since I had a friend in the Black Knights to remember. lol)

Any information ya'll can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much! Have a great 4th!

The most important thing is that he never doubts himself. I never had experience marching drum corps either, but still managed to make it into a Division I corps. I used to rehearse marching technique and playing music with my high school band teacher, who used to march corps as well, about 2-3 days a week to help me train. My class had quite a few corps members, and I fell in love with the activity. Plus my friend who marched Phantom Regiment dared me to go try out for one, so I did.

Drum corps is very different from high school marching band for several reasons, the biggest one being that the members live with each other for a few months and sleep on the tour busses and gym floors during that time. The arrangements are far from luxurious, but after having marched outdoors for 10 hours in the sun, where one sleeps isn't really an issue any more. I know I felt a huge sense of accomplishment after the season was over because everyone in the corps was working very hard for the same goal, and it feels wonderful.

Given your location, I'd suggest Phantom Regiment and Cavaliers. Since he still has a few years to go before aging out, he may want to try a Division II corps so he can "test out the waters" a little bit before joining a Division I corps. Trust me, there are some great, competetive Div. II corps out there as well.

 

[zulemara]

The most important thing is that he never doubts himself. I never had experience marching drum corps either, but still managed to make it into a Division I corps. I used to rehearse marching technique and playing music with my high school band teacher, who used to march corps as well, about 2-3 days a week to help me train. My class had quite a few corps members, and I fell in love with the activity. Plus my friend who marched Phantom Regiment dared me to go try out for one, so I did.

Drum corps is very different from high school marching band for several reasons, the biggest one being that the members live with each other for a few months and sleep on the tour busses and gym floors during that time. The arrangements are far from luxurious, but after having marched outdoors for 10 hours in the sun, where one sleeps isn't really an issue any more. I know I felt a huge sense of accomplishment after the season was over because everyone in the corps was working very hard for the same goal, and it feels wonderful.

Given your location, I'd suggest Phantom Regiment and Cavaliers. Since he still has a few years to go before aging out, he may want to try a Division II corps so he can "test out the waters" a little bit before joining a Division I corps. Trust me, there are some great, competetive Div. II corps out there as well.

I pretty much echo everything you said. At 16, the chances of getting into a top 12 corps, especially the two in your area, could be fairly low. It might be benneficial to try out for one of those corps for the experience, then go to a div II or III corps and try to get in.

The other thing is a Div I corp is not for everyone. I marched BLue Stars when they were Div II, took a year off, and came back for their first year of Div I. I ended up not being able to march for health reasons, but after watching what my bf went through, I'm kinda glad I didn't march. It is an entirely different world in Div I in a number of different ways. Some kids will march a div II or III corps and stay with them until age out.

I hope that helps. Drum corps is an awesome experience and no matter the corps, he will come back a changed person!

 

[Disneysoloist]

Momsgoofy,
I fully agree with the other posters. Encourage him to march a Division 2 or 3 corps first to gain experience. It will be a fulfilling experience. The chances of a 16 or 17 year old making the Cavaliers or Phantom on first audition are pretty slim. Encourage him to watch dvd's of the top corps to get an idea of technique. A good Div. 2 or 3 corps will definitely help him on his way. You need to be exceptionally talented to make it in Division One top 6 or 7 corps.
Best of luck to your son!

 

[orlandomom]

As to not get MOMSGOOFY confused, there is no suce thing as Div I, II, or III any longer.
DCI changed this year to World class (formerly Div I) and Open class (formerly Div II and III).

You can check out info at the DCI.org site which can link you to different corps sites.

Open class is definitely the way to go. Get in, get feet wet, see if it is something he truly enjoys. (he will) Drum Corps is an amazing activity and well worth the expereince!!

IMHO

 

[OrlandoMike]

So if you just type in Youtube today, look what is at the top of the list of videos!

Not the best performance, but at least we're represented on the 4th!



http://youtube.com/watch?v=csxinWplAcU

 

[OrlandoMike]

But this on the other hand.....grab a kleenex!


http://www.dci.org/news/view.cfm?news_id=c59711c9-c4c5-43bf-a7cd-c8372727ee9b

 

[zulemara]

woo hoo! Blue Stars take colts for the first time in 27 years! hurray!

 

[MonorailMan]

I pretty much echo everything you said. At 16, the chances of getting into a top 12 corps, especially the two in your area, could be fairly low. It might be benneficial to try out for one of those corps for the experience, then go to a div II or III corps and try to get in.

The other thing is a Div I corp is not for everyone. I marched BLue Stars when they were Div II, took a year off, and came back for their first year of Div I. I ended up not being able to march for health reasons, but after watching what my bf went through, I'm kinda glad I didn't march. It is an entirely different world in Div I in a number of different ways. Some kids will march a div II or III corps and stay with them until age out.

I hope that helps. Drum corps is an awesome experience and no matter the corps, he will come back a changed person!

I was 16 when I marched a Division I corps, so it's not impossible. I wish I could've marched another year or two, but I also had health issues that apparently bothered the staff and was asked to "reconsider" my auditioning for my second season, so I didn't go back. While it was painful that I wasn't "allowed" to join again, the previous year was definitely life-changing and was an amazing experience. I recommend the experience to anyone who is interested.

 

[OrlandoMike]

woo hoo! Blue Stars take colts for the first time in 27 years! hurray!

Congrats!

 

[invisible_children07]

i joined the bluecoats when i was 17. i got a spot again when i was 18. its not impossible. you just have to have really high expectations when you go in. Make a name for yourself. Make sure the instructors notice you in a positive way. They need to remember your name, your face, for you to get through audition rounds.

The best advice I can give is don't be scared and meet lots of people at audition camps. The best friends I have are those who I met in November. Some of them made it, some of them went to other groups...etc.

If you get rejected at a World Class corps, not only will they suggest where you should go next, but they will give you tons of advice for improvment so that you can join the ranks next year. Their goal is always to get kids in the group or to get kids in DCI. You son will walk away from an audition hopefully feeling like he is wanted and welcome!

p.s. big news for me
I'm going back to the Troop next year potentialy for pit.
*crosses fingers*