College Program Questions Thread Pt 2

[apecharge]

My major in college is Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism management, and for that degree I am required to work in the industry for credit. I have wanted to do the CP for years now and I finally have the chance to do it next fall. However I am having a hard time making a decision about something. Last summer I toured the country with a drum and bugle corps, and I am debating doing it again this upcoming summer. The world championships for drum corps are in August.
Last summer I spent 4 days with my family before moving to college and am trying to figure some things out. If I applied for the Fall advantage program (and decided not to march this summer) I figure I would get about 3-4 weeks at home before leaving. If I march this summer and do the program in Fall, I would get a total of maybe 1 and half weeks at home. Or I could opt to not march and wait until august to do the CP and get about 2 months home.
Are there any perks to doing the Fall advantage program over the regular fall program other than more time to network?
I haven't really asked many questions here, I am just looking for opinions, what you guys think about my predicament. Thank you in advance!

 

[zulemara]

My major in college is Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism management, and for that degree I am required to work in the industry for credit. I have wanted to do the CP for years now and I finally have the chance to do it next fall. However I am having a hard time making a decision about something. Last summer I toured the country with a drum and bugle corps, and I am debating doing it again this upcoming summer. The world championships for drum corps are in August.
Last summer I spent 4 days with my family before moving to college and am trying to figure some things out. If I applied for the Fall advantage program (and decided not to march this summer) I figure I would get about 3-4 weeks at home before leaving. If I march this summer and do the program in Fall, I would get a total of maybe 1 and half weeks at home. Or I could opt to not march and wait until august to do the CP and get about 2 months home.
Are there any perks to doing the Fall advantage program over the regular fall program other than more time to network?
I haven't really asked many questions here, I am just looking for opinions, what you guys think about my predicament. Thank you in advance!

OMG OMG OMG! What Corps??? I marched Blue Stars in 2004 and my bf marched in 2006!

To answer your question, I did exactly what you're talking about. I went off to my first year of college and auditioned in Nov for the Blue Stars. In February after break, I decided I wanted to do the college program. I was home for two weeks from college, went off to drum corps, came home for 2 weeks, and went to Disney. What a crazy year! I wouldn't have done it any other way!

You have a chance to do both, so by all means, DO!!! I'm a campus rep(as my thingy below my name indicates) and in all honesty, you'll just be there during the hot months. If you're looking to network, you can do so during the regular fall program and if you want to spend more time, you can always extend your program. I went down Aug 24th and left May 14th. I even made arrangements to be able to march when I got back, but was unable to due to injury.

You only have so many years to march corps and you have to be in college to be a CP. I know what you mean with family, but they'll be there when you get back. Extend yourself and do both. You WON'T regret it. My only regret is that 2004 was the only year I was able to march. Now I'm stuck drinking beer with the alumni

 

[apecharge]

I marched this past summer with Carolina Crown. It is such a small world! Everywhere I go I find another drum corps person! I like where you are coming from with setting up a year where everything would fit in. Other things I have to consider though are job offers I have recieved from various high schools to come tech their marching bands. I have a lot to think about....I think I might write down all the pros and cons of doing different things next year and compare lists.

 

[zulemara]

I marched this past summer with Carolina Crown. It is such a small world! Everywhere I go I find another drum corps person! I like where you are coming from with setting up a year where everything would fit in. Other things I have to consider though are job offers I have recieved from various high schools to come tech their marching bands. I have a lot to think about....I think I might write down all the pros and cons of doing different things next year and compare lists.

I was on the cast bus riding back from MK to the parking lot and a guy had on a Boston Crusader jacket. It turned out to be the center snare! Small world indeed!

I still say march and do the college program. Doors will open up for you. I know what it's like to tech a marching band, but it's not your major.

 

[apecharge]

I was on the cast bus riding back from MK to the parking lot and a guy had on a Boston Crusader jacket. It turned out to be the center snare! Small world indeed!

I still say march and do the college program. Doors will open up for you. I know what it's like to tech a marching band, but it's not your major.

It was my major. I was a Music Ed major but just recently switched. It is fun to see the different people in corps jackets. Everytime I see one I go say hi to the person and chat with them a bit. It takes a special kind of person to do drum corps....a crazy special kind of person.

We'll see what happens and I will be sure to let you know.

 

[Nyxastra]

I marched this past summer with Carolina Crown. It is such a small world! Everywhere I go I find another drum corps person! I like where you are coming from with setting up a year where everything would fit in. Other things I have to consider though are job offers I have recieved from various high schools to come tech their marching bands. I have a lot to think about....I think I might write down all the pros and cons of doing different things next year and compare lists.

You marched Crown? I loved the show this year and totally lost count how many times I saw/listened to it. I marched on guard with Spirit way back in the day when I was 15/16 (it was back in 2000/2001). I currently teach Color Guard for different high schools around in my area. Being a teacher/tech for high school bands is not only fun but a great learning experience because each high school does things differently. I would definatly say try and do the college program and either march again or teach. I'm a Fashion Major but I still enjoy guard so much that I still love to teach it.

 

[zulemara]

You marched Crown? I loved the show this year and totally lost count how many times I saw/listened to it. I marched on guard with Spirit way back in the day when I was 15/16 (it was back in 2000/2001). I currently teach Color Guard for different high schools around in my area. Being a teacher/tech for high school bands is not only fun but a great learning experience because each high school does things differently. I would definatly say try and do the college program and either march again or teach. I'm a Fashion Major but I still enjoy guard so much that I still love to teach it.

It's certainly nice to get a third opinion. If it's possible you'll have the option to tech in two years rather than next year, then your choice should be more clear. I think you had a good idea in putting down the pros and cons of each.

coincidentally, it also takes a very strange person to be a mobile DJ. You have to be a little off your rocker to stand up in front of crowds in silver metallic pants(which I bought while at Disney) or a full MJ costume and perform the Thriller dance.

Between drum corps and the college program, I changed A TON from who I was before I left. It's a good character building experience and can open doors in the future. Ultimately it's up to you to decide what you'll be most happy with. Good luck!

 

[Berlioz70]

Hey Everyone!

Not to change the topic of the drum corps (several of my friends were in corps), but I have a couple of questions about the fall advantage versus fall program.

Background: I was offered a Character Performer role for Spring 2008, but had to turn it down because of a class conflict. I've been told they won't hold it against me when I reaudition in the Spring, but I'm worried that I will not get entertainment again.

1) So the question is - can I indicate that I would prefer fall advantage, but that the Entertainment role is more important to me, so if there are only entertainment openings for the fall, then I would rather do that?

2) Also, if someone passes the entertainment audition once, do they usually pass it again?

3) If I did fall advantage, would I have some spring advantage roommates over the summer and then get falls in August? Or do they try to pair up the fall advantages from the beginning?

Thanks

PS - does anyone currently in the program have insider knowledge on when the auditions will be in the Spring - they're not going to be posted on the website for two months and I'm beginning to get very anxious!

 

[Joanna71985]

Hey Everyone!

Not to change the topic of the drum corps (several of my friends were in corps), but I have a couple of questions about the fall advantage versus fall program.

Background: I was offered a Character Performer role for Spring 2008, but had to turn it down because of a class conflict. I've been told they won't hold it against me when I reaudition in the Spring, but I'm worried that I will not get entertainment again.

1) So the question is - can I indicate that I would prefer fall advantage, but that the Entertainment role is more important to me, so if there are only entertainment openings for the fall, then I would rather do that?

2) Also, if someone passes the entertainment audition once, do they usually pass it again?

3) If I did fall advantage, would I have some spring advantage roommates over the summer and then get falls in August? Or do they try to pair up the fall advantages from the beginning?

Thanks

PS - does anyone currently in the program have insider knowledge on when the auditions will be in the Spring - they're not going to be posted on the website for two months and I'm beginning to get very anxious!

1) Yes you can tell them that.

2) That depends on what the entertainment people are looking for.

3) No. You would be checking in with other fall advantage people.

4) No one knows about the dates/places til they are announced.

 

[Ben769394]

Hi, you guys are really helpful by answering all these qusetions. I do have some questions in mind.

1. Does all the chatham apts have only one bathroom per apt (4-6 ppl) or one bathroom per room (2 ppl)?

2. I will be taking plane to Orlando and using Mears to get to Vista Way. Do I have to drag my luggages everywhere during the registration process or they have places for luggages?

3. After I am done with registration, where do I take buses to Chatham apts?

4. My flight arrives at Orlando around 10. Do you think I have time to go to Walmart after I finish all the registration stuff and what happens after the registrations process?

5. What is the frequency for the mall and walmart buses? and where do I take them in Chatham?

6. I was casted as a lifeguard. Does anyone know where and when I will be taking the swimming test and what is it about? And if I wasn't able to fax pre-test form to Disney, will I be transfer to other department?

thank you for reading my questions!!! I can't wait for the program to start. The weather is really bad in Buffalo (15 inches of snow from yesterday to today and may be a lil bit more tomorrow too!) and I have to take a final early tomorrow morning... :X

 

[Sehsun]

Hi Ben,
I will try to answer your questions as best as I can.

1. Does all the chatham apts have only one bathroom per apt (4-6 ppl) or one bathroom per room (2 ppl)? There should be one bathroom per bedroom at Chatham.

2. I will be taking plane to Orlando and using Mears to get to Vista Way. Do I have to drag my luggages everywhere during the registration process or they have places for luggages? They should have a place where you can set your luggage aside during registration because when I saw people in line, I didn't see anyone carrying their luggage around.

3. After I am done with registration, where do I take buses to Chatham apts? There is a central bus stop location at Vista Way, and I'm sure the people at check-in will direct you towards there.

4. My flight arrives at Orlando around 10. Do you think I have time to go to Walmart after I finish all the registration stuff and what happens after the registrations process? Yes, you should have time to go to Wal-Mart after registration. In fact, there should be a bus taking people to Wal-Mart that day, if I remember. A few hours after check-in, there will be a 2-hour housing meeting at The Commons, and you can take a bus there.

5. What is the frequency for the mall and walmart buses? and where do I take them in Chatham? There are certain days where the buses take you to Wal-Mart and the mall, and it does not run as frequently as the ones to work do. Definitely pick up a transportation guide (or two) at check-in!

6. I was casted as a lifeguard. Does anyone know where and when I will be taking the swimming test and what is it about? And if I wasn't able to fax pre-test form to Disney, will I be transfer to other department? You will take your swimming test on day 2 of check-in, and the people at check-in will let you know when and where it is. I don't know about the pre-test form, though.

Good luck on your final and stay warm!!

 

[Joanna71985]

Hi, you guys are really helpful by answering all these qusetions. I do have some questions in mind.

1. Does all the chatham apts have only one bathroom per apt (4-6 ppl) or one bathroom per room (2 ppl)?

2. I will be taking plane to Orlando and using Mears to get to Vista Way. Do I have to drag my luggages everywhere during the registration process or they have places for luggages?

3. After I am done with registration, where do I take buses to Chatham apts?

4. My flight arrives at Orlando around 10. Do you think I have time to go to Walmart after I finish all the registration stuff and what happens after the registrations process?

5. What is the frequency for the mall and walmart buses? and where do I take them in Chatham?

6. I was casted as a lifeguard. Does anyone know where and when I will be taking the swimming test and what is it about? And if I wasn't able to fax pre-test form to Disney, will I be transfer to other department?

thank you for reading my questions!!! I can't wait for the program to start. The weather is really bad in Buffalo (15 inches of snow from yesterday to today and may be a lil bit more tomorrow too!) and I have to take a final early tomorrow morning... :X

Hi there.

1) It depends on complex. I stayed in a 3-BR at Chatham and there were 3 baths (one per bedroom). However, at Vista there are 2 baths for 3 bedrooms. And I am pretty sure 4-BR have only 2 baths either way.

2) They will have a place for lugguage when you check in.

3) There is a main bus area at Vista. You can't miss it.

4) Oh yeah. You will have time to get to Walmart after check-in and the housing meeting.

5) I believe the Walmart bus only runs 6 days a week. And certain times for certain days. Some run only morning to afternoon, and others run afternoon to evening.

6) You take the lifeguard test at Mickey's Retreat (which is across from Chatham). I believe you take it day #2.

 

[Nyxastra]

Hi, you guys are really helpful by answering all these qusetions. I do have some questions in mind.

1. Does all the chatham apts have only one bathroom per apt (4-6 ppl) or one bathroom per room (2 ppl)?

2. I will be taking plane to Orlando and using Mears to get to Vista Way. Do I have to drag my luggages everywhere during the registration process or they have places for luggages?

3. After I am done with registration, where do I take buses to Chatham apts?

4. My flight arrives at Orlando around 10. Do you think I have time to go to Walmart after I finish all the registration stuff and what happens after the registrations process?

5. What is the frequency for the mall and walmart buses? and where do I take them in Chatham?

6. I was casted as a lifeguard. Does anyone know where and when I will be taking the swimming test and what is it about? And if I wasn't able to fax pre-test form to Disney, will I be transfer to other department?

thank you for reading my questions!!! I can't wait for the program to start. The weather is really bad in Buffalo (15 inches of snow from yesterday to today and may be a lil bit more tomorrow too!) and I have to take a final early tomorrow morning... :X

1) I can only speak for a 4 bedroom at Chatham because that is where I lived but there we had 2 full baths (one bathroom was shared with 2 rooms) and then in the hallway near the kitchen we had a half bath.

2) They will have a place for it.

3)The main bus station is located at the front of Vista by the main pool. You will see it when you check in.

4) You will have time to run errands after you finish the check-in process. There is at least 2 hours between the end of the check in process and the first housing meeting which will be in the Commons area (you will take a bus there)

 

[theatre817]

I know many things are similar between the CP and PI, however I know I will be living in Northbridge and was just wondering, if anyone knows, how this effects my check-in process. I'm unsure as to if I will have to attend the housing meeting, since I am technically not living on property, etc. Can anyone help me out?

 

[khancock]

I know many things are similar between the CP and PI, however I know I will be living in Northbridge and was just wondering, if anyone knows, how this effects my check-in process. I'm unsure as to if I will have to attend the housing meeting, since I am technically not living on property, etc. Can anyone help me out?

You will be told what you need to do when you arrive. There isn't a "blanket" process for Professional Internships because people are in different situations. Some are first time cast members. Some are alumni who did their CP recently and dont have to go through traditions or other training again. Others are alumni who did their CP earlier and have to do that stuff again.

My guess is that there isnt a housing meeting since the meeting that CPs go to deal with the specific complexes (who to call for maintenance, how to use the busses, how to check people in). But I'm sure you will have to do some sort of paperwork and stuff related to housing.

 

[Ben769394]

thank you all for answering my questions!!! I just took my last final in my college career, now I can relax and enjoy the holidays!!! I can't wait to go to Orlando!!! Wish everyone happy holidays!!!

 

[Haveamagicalday!]

Has anyone ever done the fall advantage program? I am considering doing this because I don't know if I can wait till spring '09! haha

How early can you apply? And what are some advantages to doing fall vs. spring? Thanks!

Hope

 

[Sehsun]

Hi Hope,
I am in the fall program right now. I think you can start applying next month (January)! I applied back in January of this year and had my phone interview then too.

One advantage of doing fall is that you get to be at Disney during some major holidays - Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. There are nice decorations up and special events going on during those times, like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. The weather is starting to cool down as well (but I prefer warmer weather).

In the spring program, you would experience more of FL's cooler weather, and you would be here for one major holiday, Easter (I hear it gets busy then). If you did fall advantage, you would be in FL for some hot months (July and August). I prefer that over January-March FL weather though.

It was/is a bit difficult to get through the holidays without my family, but I am making the most of it and keeping busy. This is something you may want to consider if you are thinking of doing the fall/fall advantage program.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Joanna71985]

thank you all for answering my questions!!! I just took my last final in my college career, now I can relax and enjoy the holidays!!! I can't wait to go to Orlando!!! Wish everyone happy holidays!!!

You are welcome. And that's great you are all done with finals. I still have 2 more to go.

Has anyone ever done the fall advantage program? I am considering doing this because I don't know if I can wait till spring '09! haha

How early can you apply? And what are some advantages to doing fall vs. spring? Thanks!

Hope

Hey Hope. I have done both Spring and Fall (Spring 2005, and Fall Advantage 2006). They should start applying for Fall 2008 late Jan/early Feb. As for advantages, having done both I would definitely do Fall over Spring (even though my next full CP will be Spring 2009 hopefully). I loved being down in FL for the holidays, and getting to work the holiday parties (mnsshp and mvmcp). It is such an awsome and festive time. Plus you get an awsome holiday discount.

 

[Sehsun]

Plus you get an awesome holiday discount.

Oh yeah!! That is a BIG plus for doing the fall program. Every winter, cast members enjoy the Family Holiday Celebration which includes several discounts for many things. I have been taking advantage of it a lot!