Band parents- tell me about Drum Corps

[Anonymous]

DD wants to try out for drum corps. DD just turned 16. What kind of supervision is provided? What is the average day like? Was it worth it? Any insight into this would be helpful.

[Anonymous]

Do you mean a drum corps of adults? I know someone who did one after senior year of college. There was no supervision and it was mostly male drummers......she loved it but I wouldn’t let my DD do it.

The musical experience is great - it’s hours of practicing and the guys really care about their craft. But there is no supervision, so being a teenage girl in that scenario would be tough.

[Anonymous]

You mean the part of band? What kind f supervision are you wanting for band practice exactly?

[Anonymous]

OP here. Sorry I should have been more specific. I’m still learning about it. They travel during the summer performing in different states ages 16-21. Cadets are the closest and they are in PA.

[Anonymous]

Like DCI or Jersey Surf?

[Anonymous]

Yeah, there isn’t really supervision in DCI. If your DD is super dedicated, it may be worth it (long practices, lots of sleeping in gyms, churches, etc while traveling). However, most DCI members are college (& post college) adults. I’d be cautious of allowing teen DD in that kind of environment. Does DD have friend(s) that are interested in DCI as well?

[Anonymous]

There are junior versions with most organizations that are high school age kids. Talk to your band director/teacher. Also, talk to the marching band drum instructor(s). They have tryouts but are more relaxed for high school ages. They do take a ton of time though. My kid really loves snare and marching, and has friends in our local organizations but ultimately passed on trying out for their high school teams as he now also loves drum kit and playing shows with friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Like DCI or Jersey Surf?

Yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, there isn’t really supervision in DCI. If your DD is super dedicated, it may be worth it (long practices, lots of sleeping in gyms, churches, etc while traveling). However, most DCI members are college (& post college) adults. I’d be cautious of allowing teen DD in that kind of environment. Does DD have friend(s) that are interested in DCI as well?

Interesting, that most DCI members are adults. I assumed most would be working a paid job in the summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, there isn’t really supervision in DCI. If your DD is super dedicated, it may be worth it (long practices, lots of sleeping in gyms, churches, etc while traveling). However, most DCI members are college (& post college) adults. I’d be cautious of allowing teen DD in that kind of environment. Does DD have friend(s) that are interested in DCI as well?

Interesting, that most DCI members are adults. I assumed most would be working a paid job in the summer.

When I was in high school, one of our band personnel (who wrote/designed our half time show) played in the Santa Clara Vanguard. As a music teacher he worked during the school year and traveled with DCI in the summer.

I did not do DCI but I think it would be a great experience for the right kid. And better with a friend or two.