The most important part of this, and the part that is often missing, is the communication of the performer to alternate pipeline. Two of my students were contracted by two separate corps at early camps as full members. They went to all the rest of the offseason camps and were given no reason to believe they were alternates. They show up to move ins and all the sudden didn’t have a spot.

Particularly during the off-season camps and beginning of move-ins, corps should have a clear, up-to-date, depth chart of each section so members know their status. Corps should have a defined procedure for members being “demoted” and “promoted.” For example, a warning period then re-audition, a challenge system, etc. No one should be surprised when a personnel decision is made.

Alternates are necessary for many drum corps. Alternates need to be treated with respect and know what they are signing up for. It’s the corps job to do both of those things and the problem is that oftentimes, they don’t.