Drum Corps Tickets

Drum corps, also known as drum and bugle corps, can be traced back to military drum and bugle teams. The modern drum corps activity began in the 1950s with the formation of the first competitive drum corps, the VFW National Championship, which later became known as Drum Corps International (DCI).

Drum corps are judged on a variety of criteria, including music performance, visual performance, general effect, and color guard performance. Judges evaluate the corps based on their ability to perform their music and movement in sync, their use of dynamics and expression, and their overall impact on the audience.

Some famous drum corps include the Blue Devils, the Cadets, the Cavaliers, and the Phantom Regiment. These corps have been highly successful in DCI competitions and are known for their innovative performances and high levels of skill and discipline.

While both involve large groups of musicians and performers moving in sync, there are several differences between drum corps and marching bands. Drum corps typically have more uniformity in their movements and choreography, as well as a greater emphasis on individual skill and technique. Marching bands often have more varied instrumentation and perform a wider range of music styles.

Drum corps recruit new members through a variety of channels, including online applications, auditions, and word-of-mouth referrals. Many corps also host recruitment events and summer camps to introduce prospective members to the activity and assess their skills.

Drum corps typically use brass instruments (such as trumpets, trombones, and tubas), percussion instruments (such as snare drums, tenor drums, and bass drums), and color guard equipment (such as flags, rifles, and sabres).

The color guard is a group of performers who use flags, rifles, and other equipment to enhance the visual aspects of the performance. They often incorporate dance and theatrics into their routines, adding another layer of complexity and creativity to the overall performance.

Drum corps typically spend months practicing and refining their music and choreography before competing. They often participate in multiple regional competitions leading up to the DCI World Championships in August. During this time, members may rehearse for up to 12 hours per day.

Drum corps has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1950s. The activity has become more complex and polished, with corps incorporating more advanced music and choreography. The use of electronics and amplification has also become more common, allowing corps to create more intricate soundscapes and visual effects.

There are many ways to support the drum corps community, including attending performances and competitions, volunteering as a staff member or chaperone, and donating to corps and related organizations. You can also share your love of drum corps on social media and help spread the word about this unique and exciting activity.