January 2016 – Patriots Drum Corps

By Nick on International Finals tagged Casper WY, Field music, International Finals, tradtion, Troopers Drum & Bugle, volunteeers

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.

By Nick on History tagged Civil WAr, Drum & Bugle, Field music, Fife & Drum, Revolutionary War, taps

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.

By Nick on Drum Corps, Uncategorized tagged Akron Armory, auditions, Eagle's Nest Drum Corp, international competion, Ohio Buckeye Drum & Bugle, People's Drum Corp

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.