Hey!
So you just signed to join the elite ranks of Drum Corps International, huh? Be it Open Class, World Class, SoundSport, or something in between, go you!
Now's the easy part: life at home with an occasional weekend trip to meet your friends, learn your show music, and prepare for the summer. Even though it's a long way off, it doesn't hurt to start getting into the routine now so you're ready to go once Memorial Day comes around! (Or mid-June, for our West coast friends)
Life on the road can be hard, especially as a rookie. There are certain things your high school or college band program just don't do that are common, everyday occurrences in DCI. You may have taken your first locker room shower during auditions or may have even experienced the unpleasantness that is sleeping in a high school gym without a blanket. Either way, you know one thing for sure: DCI is a whole different world.
So with that being said, I can tell you from my own experience that this list is all-inclusive, covering things you should do to prep for life on the road! The wisdom here is compiled from a group of World Class horn line members with a combined 25 years of DCI experience. These experiences range from a single summer under the lights to a full eight years of involvement in Marching Music's Major League.
Exercise and Nutrition
Drum corps is without a doubt one of the most physically difficult things you will ever encounter. Between my two summers in DCI, I tore my right meniscus and lost a total of 75 pounds! This is truly a physical activity.
So start preparing now!
Your winter work out plan should be solid. You may think your staff members know what they're talking about, what with the years of experience and "college education." But I can tell you the best workout plan is as follows:
- Do you have a work out plan at your
- Who needs to stretch? Jump straight into rehearsal. If you cramp up, just use Absorbeen. A good drum corps member will always replace stretching with equal doses of Excedrin and Ibuprofen before every block.
- Does your corps march straight leg? Hyper extend your knee so you can dislocate it!
- The couch is your friend. Remember that.
And it doesn't stop there! Nutrition is a major part of getting physically prepared for the summer. So, think about this:
- Make a Taco Bell run at least 4 times a day. More is better.
- Soda is your best friend, especially where caffeine is involved. All that sugar and other natural stimulants like xanthines are sure to keep your heart rate up for all your activities!
- Some corps will tell you water is your life blood. What they don't know is there's something even better: chocolate milk. So always make sure you drink at least half a gallon of chocolate milk an hour during the off season and during rehearsals!
- The more granola bars the better! This is a personal recommendation. After eating a granola bar 3 days into training, I contracted listeria and lost 15 pounds! Great way to get in shape!
Gym Etiquette
Gym is home. Gym is life. The gym is the only place you call home while you're on the road. It's also a place to interact with your new family and really get to learn the history and tradition of your organization. By following these tips, you're sure to make new friendships which will last a lifetime:
- If you need time to yourself to improve your ability to play at extreme dynamics, the member gym after lights out provides a great opportunity for you to really hear yourself and develop tone quality at extreme volume.
- Does your suitcase have wheels? Make sure to roll it, then! Even if it tears up the hardwood, the school will thank you because they've been meaning to replace the gym floor for a few years now.
- See a girl you're getting along with? Make sure your beds are right next to each other so you can gossip about her friends all night!
- Sleep wherever you want! Lights too bright in the gym? Find a classroom and break in. Everyone will understand you just needed to ensure you'd sleep well.
- Friends and family visiting your rehearsal site? Show them around the member gym! Everyone will enjoy the spectators while they go about their day, changing, getting ready for rehearsal, and eating.
- Food in the member gym is always encouraged. There is a double standard, though: If you ever see another rookie eating in there, remind them you don't want to attract roaches. That's especially important in Texas.
- 3 am? Can't quite figure out that diddle you added today? Best get out your pad and sticks and practice it!
Rules of the Road (Life on the Bus)
Life on the road can be a little weird. I know the transition was difficult for me. You go from being in a comfy bed at home or in college to a sleeping bag in a gym or a pillow on a bus seat! On top of that, you now have 50+ roommates! So, to make sure everyone gets along and you're really getting the drum corps experience, make sure to follow these simple rules.
- On long bus rides, every member is REQUIRED to sleep in the isle. There's room somewhere, make it work.
- Personal hygiene? Nope! Showers are optional on the road!
- Packing light? No! Make sure to pack your suitcase as full as possible, you'll want to be as prepared as you can be. If you must, put a literal ton of bricks in all of your bags to ensure you'll be strong enough to carry your horn. The bus loaders will appreciate the workout, too!
- If you ever get homesick, make sure to call your parents. Especially at 2 am while sobbing. Your loved ones will appreciate it and everyone on the bus is sure to lend a hand in making sure you're ok.
- Everything that happens on the bus must be shared with everyone in the organization, as the *insert drum corps' name here*encourages inclusion of every member.
- Twitter is a thing. Blow every incident out of proportion and make sure the entire band world knows about the
- Remember, everyone's time is
Rehearsal Standards
As I've said before, this isn't high school marching band anymore! The days of BOA are far behind you and the glory of a DCI show are only a few short rehearsal weeks away. But before you get there, you have to learn how to take instruction and criticism. These are some key points to help you:
- Staff members have been in your shoes and know what you're going through, so trust me when I say this: they're ok with you relaxing for a rep or two.
- Talk. Talk all the time. Who needs to hear the instructions coming from the box anyways?
- Is your section leader not marching the technique perfectly? Does he have 7 years of DCI experience, but just can't seem to get this horn move right? You best let him know RIGHT. NOW.
- Who needs sunscreen? Work your tan, that's what you're really here for! Want to expedite the process? Just apply a liberal amount of aloe before each outdoor block!
- When you get down to it, the staff doesn't know what they're doing. Just question everything they say and, on occasion, begrudgingly agree to "do it their way." Odds are they'll be teaching at the Cadets this time next year anyways!
- If your drum major tells the field to be quiet, question it. Who are they to tell you what to do?
- Second years are the real leaders. They were in your shoes only a year ago, so they've really got this whole DCI thing down pat.
- Block starts at 8:00? Then be to the fields no later than 8:05! Remember, a good night's rest is worth it, even if that means sleeping in.
- Give your section tech a nickname. Always make it demeaning, though. You want them to know who's paying their salary!
- Conserve your energy! 14 hour rehearsal days can be draining, so walking back on resets will help you spend your energy over a greater period of time.
- If you feel tired or out of breath at any point during a playing rep, feel free to drop out at your own discretion.
- We all have bad days. When you hit your wall, make sure to keep to yourself and sit out that day. Everyone will be very understanding.
- Bagging out on a section is understandable, especially if you have really hard drill. You know what I'm talking about! Those 8-to-5's forward are just down right impossible.
- Are you the poor soul on met duty? Make sure everyone is awake and paying attention by setting the ballad at the wrong tempo! It's a lot of fun and sure to get some laughs.
- Do you have a special horn that's just a tad heavier than everyone else's? Then it’s ok to put it down for a rep
. The horn manufacturer will send you an apology note at the end of the season.- Is it hot out? Make sure everyone knows.
Show Time!(Professionalism in Uniform)
We all remember the first time we saw a DCI corps take the field. For me, it was 2007 Phantom Regiment. The way they glided across the 50 during the Firebird Suite is unforgettable. The power. The poise. The all but suave look of the men and women in their all whites. THAT was what you wanted to be. That, dear rookie, is what you should strive for! And you can do it by following these steps:
- On horn snaps, always dislocate your wrists for maximum effect. (Huge GE points right there!)
- If you want to look super macho, make sure to curse in uniform! Really let people know how you felt about your run.
- Brim-to-nose standard? Never heard of it! Just wear your shako, helmet, or whatever it is Crown wears just the way you want!
- Throwing your horn to express emotion is great for GE. (This is also great for the horn as it softens up the metal and creates better tone quality.)
- If you're on the horn line, make sure you can play a dub G regardless of instrument. Every movement in a DCI show always ends with a FFFF unison dub G. (Tension in your upper body and airway are key!)
- With this in mind, breathing counts really don't matter. Breathe whenever you want, especially in the middle of long notes and phrases.
- When polishing your horn for a night under the lights, you may think that silver polish is the way to go. However, a tried and true method is Brasso. Just ask the vets!
- Remember those changes you made during rehearsal today? Those were just suggestions! Do that choreography how you did it in the show last night.
- Spill something on your uniform? It'll be washed eventually, so don't sweat it! Eat and drink in uniform. If you have to get somewhere quick, running there is always the best option. Move with a purpose!
- First year member? Doesn't matter! You marched with a BOA Grand Nationals finalist! So obviously you're the only one who's right. Everyone else just happened to miss their dot by 8 steps.
- Improv.
TESTIMONIALS
If you don't believe this is what it takes to really make it in the Drum Corps International community, just see what the experts are saying!
"This is starting to sound like a list of things NOT to do in a drum corps setting..."
- Matt B. (Colts)
"If I ever caught a rookie doing this, I'd personally try and kick them out of the corps."
- Anonymous (Phantom Regiment)
"My only issue with this guide is that you took the time to type it out."
- Executive Director of the
"Please don't publish this, Gabe!"
- Anonymous (Pioneer)
"Why are you doing this?"
- Myself (ColtsandMusic City)
"This absolutely f---ing beautiful!"
- Trace W. (Age Out Class of 2016 and Colts )
So remember, young and inexperienced one, always listen to the vets! They're the smartest people you'll ever meet and are sure to help you on your way to DCI fame!
(This is a satirical outlook on life in a DCI drum corps. For your best experience, please do the polar opposite of anything listed above.)
