Jump to content

Need to Train to Be in All Age Corps


Recommended Posts

All right! I am not able to this year, but I am going to join an all age corps next season (2016) thankfully with my two youngest kids (trumpet and colorguard). We ahve talked about this for years, but now they have some marching band under their belts and really would like to do a full season with their old man.

It has been 7 years since I marched and then it was over 10 years before that.

What would recomommed I do to get in playing shape? Are there particular drills, warmups, exercises that you do that always help you?

Plus, where would I get the music?

I will be 42 at that point. I just got a new tuba this week, but I think that I will march bari instead because I have some back issues.

Let me know! I await your words of wisdom!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

All right! I am not able to this year, but I am going to join an all age corps next season (2016) thankfully with my two youngest kids (trumpet and colorguard). We ahve talked about this for years, but now they have some marching band under their belts and really would like to do a full season with their old man.

It has been 7 years since I marched and then it was over 10 years before that.

What would recomommed I do to get in playing shape? Are there particular drills, warmups, exercises that you do that always help you?

Plus, where would I get the music?

I will be 42 at that point. I just got a new tuba this week, but I think that I will march bari instead because I have some back issues.

Let me know! I await your words of wisdom!

I have a brass technique book that is useful if you would like a copy, I'd be more than happy to email it to you. Just shoot me a message.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I marched New York Skyliners the summer of 2000 when I was 50 years old, four years after having knee surgery for a torn meniscus. The last time that I had marched with a competitive field corps was in the early 1990's. My only suggestion is to make sure that you are in decent overall shape, and be prepared to have some sore days after the first few field rehearsals. My weight in 2000 (and now) is actually less than what I weighed right after I got out of college, so that helped. I found that I had no trouble keeping up physically with the demands of the show. You may find the mental part tougher - being able to sustain a high level of effort and concentration for the entire season. I will say that I was ready for some extended rest that fall after the final weekend at DCA championships.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cardio, cardio and more cardio! Today's drills are much more demanding than they used to be. The older members that we have come back all say that this is the biggest challenge to them. Most can hang in the brass arc, but really have to pick it up when it comes to movement. The days of park and bark are long gone!

Dan

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cardio, cardio and more cardio! Today's drills are much more demanding than they used to be. The older members that we have come back all say that this is the biggest challenge to them. Most can hang in the brass arc, but really have to pick it up when it comes to movement. The days of park and bark are long gone!

Dan

In short, this dude should stay inactive....................

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/53/5a/70/535a707eda8de7e36d1c27acf8919843.jpg

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

physically, cardio. be able to jog at least a 5K by the time show season comes along. for carrying a bari, its going to be finding one, and being able to stand tall and hold it correctly for 11 minutes at a time. that is stamina, your muscles are not going to be happy. make sure you support your upper body with a strong center. ab work. don't let the weight sink into your back. it will hurt and cause you issues.

and then stretching. the more flexibility you have, the better your body will handle the activity. legs, back, and hamstrings especially.

as far as playing, tone and flexibility are key. so lots of long tones and slurs. and then scales and arpeggios.

make sure you can articulate consistently however the corps of your choice suggests you to. you'll want your sound to fit into theirs. I will say for baritone look for an arban book.

hope this helps. good luck.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don't be so quick to switch to a baritone. For me carrying a contra (tuba) was much easier on my back than a bari. Holding a baritone out in front of you will put a lot of stress on your upper back. I agree, cardio cardio cardio!! T25 is an excellent workout to build endurance.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Are there any all age corps that limit their workout program to 12oz arm curls? :laugh:

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...