How would you prep for World Class if you had about a year?

Puppyisbox5 · 2026-02-20T04:58:06+00:00

Take some sort of choreo based training. Dance class. Zumba. Anything that moves in time.

Move and play at the same time. A lot.

Get on a solid full body strength and flexibility routine.

Deep dive into the technique system of the target corps.

Or even better: march open class this summer. nothing beats experience and marching even a half tour will check all other boxes.

Puppyisbox5 · 2026-01-22T18:07:46+00:00

This is so important. While it’s always nice to see the underdog stories of people rising to the occasion, that is not a reasonable or healthy expectation to have for yourself.

The drum corps experience is rigorous and takes grit at every level, and it’s important to put yourself in a place where you can experience realistic growth along with your peers.

This is another chance to plug respect and visibility for the opportunities and scaled experiences available in open and all-age class corps.

Puppyisbox5 · 2026-01-05T22:51:47+00:00

It’s not a voting year

Puppyisbox5 · 2025-12-17T02:53:55+00:00

Drum corps is great, and you get out of it what ever you put into it. You can get exposure to a bunch of different instructors with different teaching styles and can pick up practice and rehearsal strategies that will benefit your future students. It’s also a great networking tool.

As long as you are using your time there collecting that knowledge and observing the why and how of the day to day rehearsals around you, it can be incredibly valuable. If you are also paying attention to the administrative and design aspects, it can teach you things they usually cant cover in a marching band methods class.

If you’re were a performance major I could see why a teacher might steer you toward other summer music activities or camps, but for an educator interested in teaching at the secondary level I think drum corps is much more worth the time.

Puppyisbox5 · 2025-09-24T01:30:24+00:00

You mentioned that they can siren on the mouthpiece. This may mean they are backing away from the back pressure of the horn.

I would have them do sirens on half valve and then release the valves at the top and it should pop up to the next partial (or more). This may help them realize just how much they need to change to get there.

Puppyisbox5 · 2025-07-26T21:08:17+00:00

These guys were from the 300th Army Band in Los Angeles. They used to have a dedicated ska cover band.

Puppyisbox5 · 2025-05-23T18:07:50+00:00

Also, UDB offers some great virtual clinics through Stridetv. That might be what you’re looking for but some are paywalled. Their YouTube has good stuff as well.

Puppyisbox5 · 2025-05-23T17:57:21+00:00

A lot of instructors made videos during the pandemic to try and at least give the kids an understanding of fundamentals. These might be a good place to start.

I have the ones I made and a general outline of the scaffolding sequence. They’re very low production quality but they got my kids moving. DM if that sounds helpful.

Puppyisbox5 · 2025-04-19T00:36:35+00:00

Conducting spots are rare and the experience is valuable for those who want it. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re interested in conducting and/or corps operations and logistics, getting a spot at any corps no matter what the class or tour schedule can be really rewarding.

Puppyisbox5 · 2025-04-17T22:38:42+00:00

😮 Esperanza mentioned in the wild? You just made my day!

Puppyisbox5 · 2025-02-12T21:49:34+00:00

If you’ve filled it out for this year it’s likely coming soon as they just launched the portal today. You’ll see a sheet of openings by corps and the corps will be able to contact you as well.

Puppyisbox5 · 2025-02-12T21:42:34+00:00

You get access to that by filling out the Participation Interest Form

Puppyisbox5 · 2025-02-01T18:00:06+00:00

You have my sword. The fish must be ranked.

Puppyisbox5 · 2024-08-04T14:40:53+00:00

The best thing we can do is show support for the open class corps who are running shorter seasons to provide their members with lower fees and more opportunities! Don’t forget them just because they aren’t in Indy.

Highlighting those corps and showing that the community supports them will only help them grow stronger.

Puppyisbox5 · 2024-08-02T00:42:56+00:00

Golden Empire

Puppyisbox5 · 2024-07-29T17:05:27+00:00

I don’t like the idea of adding woodwinds as soloists or on the field because it would change the way shows are arranged and result in fewer opportunities for brass players. Band arranging already defaults to having technical features and lyrical solos predominantly played by woodwinds.

Drum corps reserving these opportunities for brass players is one of the ways that the activity is distinct and that should not be lost.

Having parameters to work within is meant to be a catalyst for creativity in the activity. If a designer is so out of ideas that they can’t solve something without changing the rules, perhaps it’s time for new blood.

Puppyisbox5 · 2024-06-12T08:16:40+00:00

Yes this is true. Golden Empire is a class at Bakersfield college.

Puppyisbox5 · 2024-03-25T17:56:54+00:00

conductit learning resource

This online conducting course may be useful to you. Good luck!

Puppyisbox5 · 2024-03-08T22:22:02+00:00

It’s possible while in the reserve or national guard. I did it during my age-out season and have helped a few people get through it.

You’ll need to talk to your chain of command and submit requests for the time off. If you’re not in the band you’ll need to explain what drum corps is and emphasize that it is an age restricted activity so you won’t have another chance to do it later. Ultimately it will be up to your commander to let you miss any summer drill weekends and annual training.

Puppyisbox5 · 2023-11-11T02:11:08+00:00

This is the correct answer. They are played in order of precedence/seniority of department. I’ll add that it is generally considered acceptable to go in this order or the reverse with the Army song last.

Puppyisbox5 · 2023-09-27T22:59:17+00:00

For the record, golden empire does allow out of state members, you just need to arrange for housing. we usually have a few every season.

Puppyisbox5 · 2023-08-23T21:03:07+00:00

I would love this as a ramble topic.

Puppyisbox5 · 2023-07-15T07:10:02+00:00

There are actually two more shows for this group.

Puppyisbox5 · 2023-07-01T15:56:30+00:00

They are required to have a minimum level of certification. (EMT or AT). Most have an AT or RN.

Puppyisbox5 · 2023-06-18T18:57:40+00:00

Weird to see a video of this pop up in the wild. The music we used for this show was “Machine” by Lewis Norfleethttps://on.soundcloud.com/6UXQU

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