I am currently fighting with myself on this exact topic. I marched 3 seasons in what was considered a lower tier div 1 corps...that whole time i enjoyed myself, built great friendships and learned all of drum corps great lessons. I decided at the end of the 2nd season that my abilities did not match the challenge being presented to me by that corps and that lack of challenge combined with my passion and drive to switch from playing the trumpet to becoming a conductor convinced me it was time to move on.
I went out for my "dream corps" and didn't make it. I had the luxury of being able to return to my original corps and continuing to march. I enjoyed myself but knew it was really time to move on. I pursued my dream corps for what would have been my 4th season but again didn't make it and while i was away, the original corps folded.
The second cut from my "dream corps" was handled in such a way that i was turned off from auditioning again.
Since then I've found a new love and with the help of all the wonderful resources on the internet i am more confident that it is a perfect fit for me. The only problem is that it is late in the pre-season and there are no posted openings.
i check the website for this corps about 4 times a day. i keep myself in shape and keep my chops up so that if an opening comes up, i won't miss my chance to jump in and dedicate myself to the corps.
my point here being that, after marching a few years and getting experience...the most important thing to me is not a score or a staff member. It's not a matter of location or time commitment...for me it comes down to finding the place i most long to call home for my final 3 years in drum corps. what song will i sing before my last show? what traditions will i come to cherish?
the struggle i am having with myself is what to do if an opening with this corps doesn't come before the point of no return?
also, it's horrible living with yourself knowing that the one thing you want most means a potential heartache or injury for someone else.