Jump to content

So many corps, so little time


Recommended Posts

I believe I'm going to march in Teal Sound for the 2013 season since it's close by and I have feeling that the corps will grow a lot more. Sooner or later, join either Spirit of Atlanta or The Boston Crusaders, and eventually (hopefully) join Phantom Regiment.

Ethan, you have a plan. Good for you. I wish you much success. Execute it and remember, you can't play too much unless you get lip damage, then rest. I don't think it hurts to continue runnings scale, playing etudes, etc.

What have you done about contacting TB Thunder and getting a DC level teacher?

Kevin

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ethan, you have a plan. Good for you. I wish you much success. Execute it and remember, you can't play too much unless you get lip damage, then rest. I don't think it hurts to continue runnings scale, playing etudes, etc.

What have you done about contacting TB Thunder and getting a DC level teacher?

Kevin

I couldn't find any mellophone players from Suncoast Sound in my area, and I don't know if I would have the time to march in TB Thunder since I'll be taking online classes over the summer, and be busy with band camp. I am still looking for a mellophone player with drum corps experience, but I'm not sure where to look

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry I can't help with the mellophone player... but I may be able to help with some other stuff.

It's good you have a plan - because a goal without a plan is only a dream. Now that you have a good plan for it, it's definitely a goal.

First - Get in shape. Look up "First Running" (Google it) follow that training program (or another if you wish) to prepare for a 5K (run.) This will get you in shape. After that, do similar work outs (most long runs) just to stay in good cardio shape. This helps a lot in playing your horn. It helps your breathing (lung capacity) playing (support) and your overall physical wellness. Along with this, add other physical training. Such as sit ups and pushups. Nothing helps support like a 6-pack (dead serious) and nothing helps you keep your horn to the box at the end of your show in August (or November for marching band) like some push ups before then. That physical training will help you prepare both for drum corps and for your marching band.

Second - playing ability. The big things are: Tone, technical ability, sight reading, musicianship, practice ability. If you have these, you'll be able to whip any piece of music in no time. I'll send you my daily practice in a PM or an email sometime. But basically, do tone training, scale and articulation studies, sight reading, etudes and solos on a daily basis. Also, practice your in band class. Be sure to make it 'musical' read around the music. Figure, dynamics, articulations, etc. Get picky with it. Make every little bit perfect. In a corps, you'll practice your music that well, might as well get used to doing it now.

Third - never give up. You've gotta begin with the end in mind. Remember your goals, your plan, and everything you want to end up to be. This is the best motivation to keep on pushing.

Fourth - (probably should have been 3rd) Marching. You should strive to be the best marcher in your high school band. Learn how to teach others to march, because you learn a lot about your own bad habits when you teach somebody else how to. Learn how to separate your upper and lower half (so as not to 'hear' your steps in your sounds.) Learn horn carriage, marching style, etc. Everything involved in marching. Being a good marcher is as important as being a great player.

Speak with as many former corps members as you can. Of course speaking to vets of your dream corps would be the best - however, it'll be beneficial to talk to any vet at all. One great way to do this - dci.org. Somewhere on there - is an audition tip section. Read through some of those (made by vets) to get an idea of how to audition.

Seek private lessons. Both for playing and for marching. My trombone lessons range from $15 for a half hour (from a college student) to$ 40 and hour (the professor.) It may seem expensive - but they're worth every penny.

I'd say good luck, but luck is only the meeting of opportunity and preparation. Your opportunity will come, so come prepared. :)

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gamekid,

Good advice for Ethan, but actual experience is hard to beat. I would still recommend starting with Thunder ASAP. Then again, if Ethan takes as many recommndations from me as my teenager - oh well.

Kevin

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...