IS DRUM CORPS FUN?
Plain
and simple... YES!!! Nt only is the drum corps activity fun... it
is very rewarding, teaches discipline, is centered around teamwork,
and brings out the passion in every performer. By the end of a season,
you will develop relationships with your fellow members and experience
performances that you will never forget. Many of the country's greatest
musicians and music teachers were members of drum and bugle corps
as young adults... and many of them are still involved... keeping
the activity alive and bringing it to a new level.
WHERE
DO THE MEMBERS OF THE BRIGADIERS COME FROM?
Members
of The Brigadiers come from all over the state and country including
these locations and schools: New Hartford H.S., East Syracuse-Minoa
H.S., Mohonasen H.S., West Genesee H.S., Victor H.S., Cicero-North
Syracuse H.S., Medina H.S., Liverpool H.S., Phoenix H.S., Oswego
H.S., Eastridge H.S., Norwich H.S., Baldwinsville H.S., Henniger
H.S., JOrdan-Elbridge H.S., Union-Endicott H.S., Marcus-Whitman
H.S., Johnson CIty H.S., Homer H.S., Clinton H.S., Mexico H.S.,
Huntington H.S., Copiague H.S., Central Square H.S., Arlington H.S.,
Auburn H.S., West Seneca West H.S., Syracuse University, Ithaca
College, Crane School of Music, SUNY Fredonia, Nazareth College,
SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Buffalo, Buffalo State, Mansfield University,
Eastman School of Music, Onondaga Community College, LeMoyne College,
New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Montreal, Pennsylvania,
Maryland, Florida, Texas, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois, Georgia, and
New Hampshire. Along with international members from Canada, we
have at times had members travel from Germany, United Kingdom and
Japan to march with the corps.
HOW
OLD IS THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BRIGADIERS?
61%
of the 2008 Brigadiers were either college or high school students.
Of the members in 2008, 16 was the average age at which they began
marching in a drum and bugle corps. Since the corps is an all-age
drum corps, we have members of various ages from 16 to 64.
WHERE
DOES THE DRUM CORPS RECRUIT THEIR TEACHING STAFF FROM?
83%
of the teaching staff of The Brigadiers are currently certified
teachers or work in an educational setting. The Staff is centered
around an educational philosophy and firmly believes in quality
instruction. It is why we strive to be the most educational drum
corps in DCA.
WHAT
IF I HAVE A CONFLICT WITH MY SCHOOL BAND/PERFORMING GROUP?
The
Brigadiers are strong supporters of the school arts and require
their members to participate in their school programs first. ANY
school performance will take precedence over a Brigadiers function.
DO
I NEED TO BRING MY OWN EQUIPMENT OR IS SOMETHING PROVIDED?
The
Brigadiers provide most everything that you will need in order to
be a participating member. Brass players are asked to bring a mouthpiece
when possible. Generally, members of the weapon line that spin rifle
will use their own rifle.
DOES
THE CORPS SUPPLY MEALS FOR THE MEMBERSHIP?
Yes,
The Brigadiers supply meals every weekend at a cost of $8 per weekend.
This fee covers all meals that need to be provided during the timeframe
of rehearsals. Any food desired outside of the general rehearsal
time frames is the responsibility of the member.
WHERE
DO MEMBERS SLEEP DURING THE COURSE OF A REHEARSAL WEEKEND?
The
Brigadiers provide housing FREE of charge to all members that attend
camps. many members and volunteers sleep at the corps housing locations
on Friday and Saturday nights. be sure to bring proper sleeping
equipment with you (sleeping bag, pillow, blankets, air mattress)
as those items are not provided. There will be items like a TV and
DVD player available for anyone staying at the housing locations
so that members can provide their own entertainment.
CAN
MY PARENTS/SIGNIFICANT OTHER STAY WITH THE CORPS DURING THE WEEKEND?
YES!!!
There is always a need for an extra hand around the drum corps activity
whether it be helping to serve a meal, taking pictures, uniform
fittings... you name it and it needs to be done. Any and all families
are welcomed and encouraged to also be a part of our Brigadier Family.
HOW
MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED AS A MEMBER OF THE BRIGADIERS?
The
Brigadiers generally rehearse 1 weekend a month during December,
January, and February, 2 weekends in March, 3 weekends in April,
May, June and August and 4 weekends in July. The corps traditionally
has off weekends on Easter, Mothers' Day, Graduation, Fathers' Day
and DCI Championships at the beginning of August. During the winter
and spring the corps rehearses on Saturday and Sunday. During the
competitive season, the corps rehearses and performs strictly on
Saturday, with an occasional Sunday rehearsal if the performance
the night prior is local and if necessary. There are NO scheduled
Friday night rehearsals.
HOW
MUCH MONEY DOES IT COST TO BE A MEMBER OF THE BRIGADIERS?
the
2009 Tuition for the Brigadiers is $250. The corps will provide
all members with multiple methods of fundraising so you can reach
any financial obligations. If for any reason you are concerned about
financial aspects of the corps, you should speak with a caption
supervisor or member of the administrative team before deciding
not to participate.
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