korsakovisjesus3 Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 Hi, I really want to try out for one of the top 10 drum corps, and I wanted to know what anyone thought of my chances for making it. The only marching experience I have is four years of high school marching band. I am a music performance major (possible music ed double major), and I feel I have the playing aspect down solidly (not trying to be arrogant, just realistic, so please don't take it that way). However, my marching experience is that of a high school bando's. I only have 3 years left to march before I age out, and I really want to perform with a top 10 drum corps. Does anyone have any suggestions on who I should audition for? I know Carolina Crown used to be a little more open to who they accept because they'd get holes around spring training. However, I've heard that now that they're with the big dogs, any openings are very skimpy. What about Boston Crusaders or Glassmen or even Bluecoats <<they have a niiiice low brass sound, so I'm definitely partial towards them. Would trying to audition for the top 5 corps be a waste of my time? Also, to trombone players out there, do you recommend marching Baritone or Euphonium. I'm open to either, though I'm skeptical as to whether or not my arms can handle a Euph. Thank you in advance for your help and advice!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilme861 Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 (edited) Just go to ANY corps auditions!!! Biggest mistake you will make is not going to any auditions and not learning anything first hand. PS. And I would stick with the Baritone... Edited August 7, 2009 by wilme861 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cron Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 Baritone will hurt you less, but Euph is cool, I would also agree and say to audition wherever you'd like to be most, you never know what might happen or what the needs of any given section in any given drum corps may be. Just go and experience it first hand, and if you do get turned down at one place, fire up communication with another. Best of luck to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartyount Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 I really want to try out for one of the top 10 drum corps, and I wanted to know what anyone thought of my chances for making it. Go for it! If you've got the playing chops, you can probably make it in anywhere you want. The lack of DCI level marching experience is probably no a big deal. You've got 4 years of high school marching and as long as you're not a complete timing incompetent clutz, they'll beat the marching into you anyway. Actually the biggest factor is going to be dedication and work ethic. Assuming you've got the playing chops aspect covered (which you sound fairly confident that you do), if you make it to all the camps and show up prepared, knowing what they've told you to know, and practiced what they've told you to practice, you're pretty much as good as in. I'm skeptical as to whether or not my arms can handle a Euph. No one's arms can handle the Euph in the beginning. Like I said - they'll beat that into you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qwerty543 Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 Hi,I really want to try out for one of the top 10 drum corps, and I wanted to know what anyone thought of my chances for making it. The only marching experience I have is four years of high school marching band. I am a music performance major (possible music ed double major), and I feel I have the playing aspect down solidly (not trying to be arrogant, just realistic, so please don't take it that way). However, my marching experience is that of a high school bando's. I only have 3 years left to march before I age out, and I really want to perform with a top 10 drum corps. Does anyone have any suggestions on who I should audition for? I know Carolina Crown used to be a little more open to who they accept because they'd get holes around spring training. However, I've heard that now that they're with the big dogs, any openings are very skimpy. What about Boston Crusaders or Glassmen or even Bluecoats <<they have a niiiice low brass sound, so I'm definitely partial towards them. Would trying to audition for the top 5 corps be a waste of my time? Also, to trombone players out there, do you recommend marching Baritone or Euphonium. I'm open to either, though I'm skeptical as to whether or not my arms can handle a Euph. Thank you in advance for your help and advice!! I will tell you right now, it's not as difficult to make a corps as people make it out to be. It also helps that you are a music major so I wouldn't worry about the playing. My philosophy is that you can always get better at marching... and they will work on that with you. Go to a camp, learn the technique, and then refine it from there marching wise. If you really want to audition at crown... go for it. Don't let the top 5 corps be a deterrent... more like something to motivate you to work harder. A lot of people cut themselves before they actually audition which is a shame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetman1287 Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 What high school did you go to? It's MUCH easier than people make it out to be, unless of course you're trying out for snare. If your school was marginally competitive you will have a decent shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HPUEuph Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 I'm not the bulkiest guy out there but I loved marching Euph. No ones arms are up to it from the get go you just learn to deal with it over time not to mention it's more apparent when not on the move i.e. horn arc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourouttheforty Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 If you hold your horn up while watching TV between camps w/ ankle weights or shoes around the bell, you'll be fine. If you're already playing enough, you should also hit the gym. The best marcher in a hornline is never out of shape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baristeve Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 (edited) If you can play all articulations, scales/scales studies at the audition with good tone it will automatically put you in the top 80% of auditioning rookies at even the top drum corps auditions. ...i'm just sayin.... it ain't that hard if you stick around and actually have the time a dough to do it and prepare for the audition... you'll probably make it wherever. Edited August 7, 2009 by baristeve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kansasDC Posted August 7, 2009 Share Posted August 7, 2009 Get in shape, practice audition music, get in better shape, practice more, get in the best shape of your life, then go try out. If you want any info on Blue Stars, you can PM me. Most of all, have fun!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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