By Nick on Uniforms tagged , , , , ,

Putting Our Best Foot Forward

Best Foot Forward

With anything you take pride in doing, ya gotta have the right stuff to do it well. Naturally in any performing drum and brass corp, good equipment is essential. The willingness to work hard, the time spent practicing, great coordinators and volunteers all adds up to nothing if your corp doesn’t have an impressive look. I’m speaking about clothing and the right outfitting. “To look good is to feel good.” Whether you’re corp is physically active or performs on stage, the first impression you give is very important.

Are you polished and put together? Is your look as authentic as your love of the music? Lots to be considered. At Patriots Drum Corp, we have used Dinkles for years. Dinkles has been around for over 6 decades and they have become the go-to place for equipment. Entrepreneur, Sam Savoca sets a standard and won’t settle for anything less than making the best craftsman marching shoes ever produced.

From shoes they’ve branched out to include all things corp. A family owned company from the beginning, Dinkles is the place most Drum and Brass groups know they can get what they want. If Dinkles doesn’t have something a band needs, they employ modern technology and use a 3-D Printer to prototype a piece. From there with approval, it can be custom produced.

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By Nick on International Finals tagged , , , , ,

Good Natured Competition

DCI World Drum & Bugle

There is a brotherhood shared among corpsmen and women. To be politically correct, I should say there is a sisterhood as well. One way or the other a common bond exists between corps from all over the country and the world. We share the love of the Corps. As do many groups the Patriots Drum Corp has one particular, friendly rivalry with the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corp of Casper,Wyoming.

The Patriots are in an Eastern Division for preliminary competitions, but as we move through the events and take our place at the top of the roster, so do the groups in the Western Division. We know we are the best and start to gear up early for the playoffs, held in Indianapolis against 12 other groups on August 12th.

The International Finals are the next night, and we’ve been preparing for these performances months ahead of time. We all think of ourselves as superstars and we have to tow a ton of gear wherever we go. We arrive in motor-coaches along with massive caravans knowing we can’t win with anything less than an outstanding performance and the right equipment. Even when there are obstacles our way, like the time our tour bus broke down and we had to call a tow service Fayetteville NC to the rescue, we still seem to keep our spirits high.

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By Nick on History tagged , , , , ,

A Glimpse At The History of Drum Corps

Civil War Fife and Drum

There have been volumes written on the history of the musical ensembles formed as drum and bugle corps. My article will touch on just a few of the highlights which brought this beloved practice to us throughout the centuries and is still actively prominent today.

If you have had the pleasure of participating as a member of a corp, it’s no secret where the attraction lies. If you have even been in an audience of spectators you have felt the primal rhythm that calls out our innate patriotism. It’s impossible not to be moved by the steady call of the drums and brass, and that’s exactly how the corps came into existence in the first place.

When men needed to be rallied for combat, the bugle was heard from a long piece away. The drum supported the call to action and together they helped to unite in a cause. War has never been approached from the cushy seats of luxurious waterloo limousine services and getting men and their families to rally for a campaign meant stirring up their primal instincts.

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By Nick on Drum Corps, Uncategorized tagged , , , , ,

Keep These 5 Things In Mind When Auditioning

Drum

The Akron Armory was filled with people and the air of anticipation. Family and friends as well as fans from the tri-state area filled every seat. The excitement of the final play-offs was top of mind and the three drum and bugle corps represented were tuning up in the wings. The Eagle’s Nest Drum Corp from Pennsylvanian, The People’s Drum Corp from Illinois and the Ohio Buckeye Drum and Bugles Corp were prepared and ready for the evening. What does it take to get to this point, and farther in a competition?

With the 2015 season behind us, corps are actively recruiting new members. Since there are thousands of entries nationwide and only a handful of elite corps, a marketing and web design company is hired to attract the most talented and dedicated men and women. It takes hours of practice and commitment to get to the level of participation that is required to be in a top notch corp. Sure, the music, the individuals and the teamwork all combine to support the thrill that makes up the base of any group, but pride is at its core. Personal pride and pride of home and country.

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