How to View a Drum Corps Show

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:ViewDrumCorpsShow
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How to View a Drum Corps Show

Introduction

Drum corps shows are highly entertaining and lots of fun to watch. In addition, the atmosphere at a drum corps show is unlike anything else. Comprised of battery percussion, front ensemble percussion (the pit), brass instruments and a color guard, drum corps are an exciting blend of music, drill, precision and excellence. There are some things you can do to maximize your enjoyment of viewing a drum corps show.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need

  • Tickets to a drum corps show

Steps

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Step One

Buy your tickets ahead of time. Decide what show(s) you'd like to attend and purchase the tickets online at Drum Corps International's (DCI) website, or by calling (630) 628-7888.
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Step Two

Arrive early. This will give you time to check out the corps warming up in the parking lot, walk to the stadium and take a peek at the souvenir stands before the show starts.
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Step Three

Find your seat about 10 minutes before the show is schedule to start, so that you can get yourself comfortable and situated before the music begins.
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Step Four

Keep your eyes and ears moving as you view the various drum corps perform their shows. Most people have a favorite section, and they tend to focus on just that area. Try to look occasionally glance at areas you wouldn't normally look at. If you are a drummer, watch the guard for a bit. If you love the brass line, take a second to check out the pit.
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Step Five

Cheer loudly when you see or hear something you like. If you see an exciting drill move or a great rifle toss, let the kids know it. Cheer for them after anything that strikes you, and always clap and stand up for each of the drum corps when they have finished their performance.
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Step Six

Stick around after the last drum corps performs. Scores will be announced soon, and you will be able to find out who won each of the captions, and who won the show overall, as well as how the rest of the corps ranked. In addition, at the larger shows where there is a full retreat, you will get to hear an amazing arrangement of America the Beautiful/O Canada. The winning corps will also get to do an encore concert (music only).
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Step Seven

Buy some souvenirs on the way out of the stadium. Now that you have seen all the drum corps perform, make sure you stop by your favorite ones to purchase a t-shirt or DVD. These souvenir sales directly help fund the tours for the corps.

Tips & Warnings

  • Turn your cell phone off before the first corps begins.
  • Do not enter or leave the seating area in the middle of a corps' performance. This is rude and disruptive to those around you. If you need to get up, do so in between corps or during intermission.
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