Well, I am in almost the EXACT same situation as the guy who started this thread.......My proffesor is also a performer of high quality, and he really does not support corps at all. I am a freshmen Music Ed major. I marched my junior and senior years of high school and have had the greatest experiences of my life. I teach at a local high school, which had football games, competitions, rehearsal, ect.....when ever I had to attend those activities, my proffesor seemed supportive, considering I was already teaching. What I dont think my proffesor understands, is that all the knowledge that I was teaching, was experience that I gained from Drum Corps. Because of my proffesor's stubborness, I try to just leave the subject of Corps alone. I go about my business doing what I need to do to succeed in both College and Drum Corps. One thing I find interesting, is that with-in our studio whenever we have a studio MasterClass, many of the issues that come up in ones playing are often solved by a drum corps student speaking up with technical advise gained from their experience. The whole time, the proffesor is nodding and agreeing with what the student is saying. I find that interesting.
I love my proffesor, and agree with and value all his teaching and advise, but I believe that he is mistaking when it comes to DCI.
I would reccomend that everyone give corps a shot. It may or may not be for that individual, but if it is what you want, GO FOR IT!!