Wilkommen, to today's edition of my effort to bring new people into the drum corps fold by using the movie The 40 Year Old Virgin to explain interesting details and tidbits from the world of drum corps.
Today's Quote:
Is it true that if you don't USE it you LOSE it? -Andy Stitzer
What does this have to with drum corps?:
Drum and bugle corps were turned into competition and performance groups in America in the 20th century with the goal of giving young boys and activity to keep them physically fit, involved in the community, and away from the temptations of delinquency. These corps were often the offshoots of other organizations like scout troops, police brigades, or military units to give the youth of the area a way to be involved in the sponsor group. Drum corps have always been first and foremost about providing a structured activity for young people. Though the corps have evolved and become mostly independent, they remain centered on teenagers. The modern corps are organized around a few principles and one of the most important is that drum corps should be an activity for the young. This is why there are age limits on who can participate in a drum corps from 14 to 22 years old. Though many may want to march with a corps for as long as they can it's only a short lived experience. If you don't make use of a year of eligibility to march in drum corps it is gone. This is why for those who turn 22 or "age out" their last year marching is always a bittersweet experience. Most corps try and do something special for those corps members who will take the field for the last time. I don't want to get into the rites and rituals each drum corps honors here, but I do want to emphasize that when you see a drum corps you are seeing a special slice of the members' lives. This is a special time for them and the fact that they spend it trying to entertain the audience is a very special thing. As an audience member knowing this has always made drum corps seem more powerful and poignant knowing that I'm watching someone's fond memories happen right in front of me and I hope you can experience that feeling the next time you see a corps perform.
SPECIAL UPDATE:
I will be attending the DCI Classic Countdown tonight. So watch this blog for special content directly related to the show. For everyone planning to go, I hope we all have a great time tonight. For those who aren't planning, what's wrong with you? Go and get your tickets already! it's in theaters everywhere. More info here.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment