After experiencing amazing acts of kindness from strangers, a drum corps drum major realizes the activity’s biggest benefits.
As a music education major at the University of North Texas in Denton, I sought a variety of experiences to become a better teacher. Whether teaching free private lessons or “tech”-ing for marching bands at local high schools, I was determined to learn as much as possible.
I had always dreamed of marching drum corps, but as a flute player, I never imagined getting the opportunity. During my freshman year at UNT, I discovered that Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, based in San Antonio, allowed open tryouts. I auditioned for drum major and saw the experience as an ideal opportunity to learn more about brass pedagogy, rehearsal etiquette, and visual fundamentals at an accelerated pace and quality level.
When I received the contract to be drum major for Crossmen, I didn’t stop smiling for a week. My dream had arrived, and I was prepared for all of the challenges it held. Or so I thought. One part of my rookie summer that was complicated was the fact that I was a leader, but I was still figuring out the mundane basics of drum corps life, like how to pack a suitcase or how to avoid the shower and food lines. I juggled my responsibilities awkwardly.
RUSHING HOME
The week before Drum Corps International (DCI) finals in 2013, I became ill with a relentless cough and nausea. Because rehearsal time was precious, and we were so close to reaping the results of all our efforts, I was determined to push through regardless.
I was physically and emotionally drained by the end of my first summer. I needed a hot shower, my bed, my dogs, and I even missed my younger brother.
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Vandegrift High School
When Mozart composed “The Magic Flute,” he likely didn’t envision a 386-member marching band and dance company performing the famous opera.
Captain Of Her Own Destiny
During my first season of high school marching band as a freshman trumpet player at Clear Creek High School in League City, Texas, I hardly noticed the four girls twirling flags at the back of the field.
VARSITY SPIRIT
A major new player has entered into the marching arts activity. See how Varsity Spirit, known for cheerleading apparel, competitions, and camps, has already made an impact to elevate the student experience.
THE AMBULANCE ARENA
Know how and why to activate the Emergency Medical Service for your event.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Group management tools help band directors communicate information, share photos, videos, and files, and even manage finances at their fingertips.
TARPS ON THE FIELD
Used in various shapes, sizes, and colors, tarps help marching groups transform the football field into their own stage.
THE DRUM MAJOR LIFECYCLE
From aspiring hopeful to drum major, from student to teacher, and from motivated to motivator, a drum major grows by leaps and bounds during her time on the podium with the University of Delaware and with the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy.
SPIRIT & SYNERGY
With formations of giant stick figures doing the “floss,”
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The University of Southern California ( U S C )Trojan Marching Band (TMB) has many nicknames:
REVIEWING GAME DAY SECURITY
Safety first! Both host and visiting bands must join forces with administrators and security personnel to create a positive event experience.
