raravis Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 (edited) Hi, so I'm not sure if this is the right place for this (or if it's a duplicate of any sort) so please delete/move if necessary. Am I too old to start marching DCI? I just turned 19 and I marched all 4 years of high school (alto sax) and I'm currently a college sophomore. My college doesn't have a marching band and I'm really missing the activity. I was thinking of trying out for the Raiders, but I don't know if it's common to start DCI so close to the maximum age. Should I just do DCA instead? I'm also thinking about Jersey Surf, but I'm not sure if World Class would be out of reach for me since I've never marched (or really played) brass before. Thoughts on what I should do? I'd appreciate any and all advice. Edited November 5, 2011 by raravis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kamarag Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 Am I too old to start marching DCI? I just turned 19 and I marched all 4 years of high school (alto sax) and I'm currently a college sophomore. You've got several years left. Both Raiders and Surf would be fantastic experiences. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raravis Posted November 5, 2011 Author Share Posted November 5, 2011 You've got several years left. Both Raiders and Surf would be fantastic experiences. Thanks for responding :) Can you tell me a little about the differences between them? I mean obviously they're two different corps. I guess I mean, because Raiders is Open Class and Surf is World Class does the intensity of the experience/practices differ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dir_en_X Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 I started marching corps when I was 20, granted I had the extra year being born in June, but still, it isn't too late. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skajerk Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 I started when I was 18. And then started again when I was 38! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
84BDsop Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 (edited) You're absolutely NOT too old. MANY people are rook-outs (marching their final year of eligibility). I was a rook out in Blue Devils (and BOY, was that a steep learning curve, going from old-school marching band squads of 4 and always facing the direction of march o drum corps style with slides and back steps!). If I could do it, you can....so long as you don't turn 22 until after the first day of the season, you're good. Like John said, you've got a few years left. It doesn't matter where you march....just MARCH! (but try to end up at BD....not that I'm biased or anything.... ) Edited November 5, 2011 by 84BDsop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
84BDsop Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 the intensity of the experience/practices differ? Not. A. Bit. The only real difference between an Open and a World class corps is the size...you'll still put in the same looooooong days in Raiders as you would in Surf. In fact, you're more likely to work a little harder in a smaller corps simply due to the smaller amount of people to pull off the show...you can't hide amongst the herd like you can in a big line. EVERYone has to pull their weight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raravis Posted November 5, 2011 Author Share Posted November 5, 2011 All of your responses are really encouraging. I think I'm going to do it. I really want to be prepared on all accounts so what kind of cardio prep should I do? How many laps/miles(?) do we run at practice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrumpetVinny Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 Go for it. I know a few rook-outs. You're not old at all. The PT varies depending on corps, but as you condition for it yourself, just see how long you can run. Something you can do is run a few laps than jump on your horn while you're out of breath. Simulates what you'll feel like in a show. Push ups are always good too since they seem to be the universal punishment (along with running). Not sure how long Surf or Raiders tour but it's likely to be shorter with Raiders for financial reasons. Most OC corps don't travel as much or as far. I see no reason for you not to try on both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrassClef Posted November 7, 2011 Share Posted November 7, 2011 As a rook-out I have a few suggestions: 1) Do it. It will literally be the best decision you will ever make - no matter where you go. 2) You get out what you put in. If you push yourself you will surprise yourself on what you can do. 3) Start conditioning now - getting yourself to the gym and start getting your cardiovascular health better. This saved my body, before going to outside rehearsals I had lost 25 pounds.. 4) Get a group of friends to go with you. Save on gas and have a fun time traveling. Some of my best memories were from the road trips to camps and rehearsals. Best of luck - and keep us updated :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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