Frequently Asked Questions
Text Box: Is Drum Corps fun? - Plain and simple, YES!!! Not 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 countries great 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: 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. 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 begin marching in a drum corps. Since the corps is an All-Age drum corps we have members of various ages from 16 all the way 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. 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 must be purchased by the member on their own. Where do the 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 Weekend, Graduation weekend in June, and DCI Championships weekend in August. During the winter and spring the corps rehearses on Saturday and Sunday. During the competitive season, generally the corps will only rehearse on Saturday’s with the occasional addition of a Sunday rehearsal if the show is local. 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 $550. 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.