RussG

I am excited to see this conversation in a public place! In addition to being the Corps Director of the Blue Stars, I am also Professor of Instrumental Music Education at Baylor University in Waco, TX. In my position at Baylor I started/teach a class called "Special Learners in the Music Classroom" and I serve as the Southwestern Chair of the NAfME Children with Exceptionalities Special Research Interest Group. Given that I am passionate and invested in both drum corps and teaching special learners, I am always excited when the two conversations converge. To address the OP’s question, I am very proud to say that at the Blue Stars we work very hard to appreciate the special needs circumstances of all of our auditionees/members. We have had instances in which an individual informs us of their unique learning condition, at which time I have been able to guide the staff in providing the most appropriate instruction possible. Some of those individuals have made the roster, some have not, but it is my hope that all have enjoyed their time with our organization. I am optimistic that most (hopefully all!) of the corps in DCI are similarly sensitive to students with special learning conditions. I encourage you to aim for the group that inspires you, practice hard, rock the audition, and see what happens! Good luck! Russ Gavin