DCI Guide - Confidence

[@herochandlee]

These are really great tips that can also transfer over to winter line auditions, too! I shared it on my Facebook for all my indoor friends.

[@ianramos327]

I’m marching my first year with Guardians this summer, and as an 8th grader it’s scary but the vets have been a lot of help and even some of the other rookies have been too!

[@floppythesnareplayer488]

When I got to the first City Sound camp, I knew nobody there. But I quickly made a few friends, and spent the rest of the camp with them.

[@ajrienjay]

thanks david!

[@WolfLind58]

I just turned 15 and I'm a sophomore in high school and I know I want to do drum core. I think what really sparked my interest was when a Junior at my high school made tenors at Jersey Surf. My dream core is Spirit and I'm going to do whatever it takes to be in Spirit as many times as possible. Hopefully I'll be able to go to the experience camp to learn all I can this year.

[@kevinhambrick2035]

+WolfLind58 There are some Open Class corps that accept 15 year olds, but the minimum age for most corps is 16. I believe that Madison Scouts had an acception a few years back, and Brandon Olander was also an acception for Blue Devils. If you're near the Nashville Area, Music City accepts 15-year-olds.

[@K0S0s]

+WolfLind58 First tip: Drum Crops Second tip: If you work hard, you can make any corps.

[@liamscommentarychann]

+K0S0s Drum crops.... Ah yes drum crops. I love the freshly ripened snares during harvest season. Also what the other guy said was supposed to be drum corps.

[@talonwhite694]

I am seriously excited for my Crossmen experience camp in a few weeks! this video, as well as the audition guidelines have been extremely helpful in preparation. Thanks man!

[@tristananthony9648]

i'm auditioning for Xmen too! What camp you going to? I'll be at San Antonio

[@jordancampos6864]

I'm auditioning for a contra spot for the Crossmen, as well! I'm going to the San Antonio camp, too. Hope to see you there...!

[@talonwhite694]

did u end up getting a spot? I went to the houston camp, and then the second san antonio camp, where i got cut. However, I am marching the guardians contra line this summer!

[@jordancampos6864]

No. I got cut even before the 2nd camp ended. SO disappointed. NEVER trying out again. Stayed home from school the whole first week after the break. Threw up once or twice.

[@talonwhite694]

That isn't good. There are always other corps that would love to help you and maybe even let you march there. I good thing for you to remember is that there are always more opportunities, and that if you show them that you are willing to work hard, take instruction, and improve yourself, you will always have a chance.

[@SpicyChicken560]

I am hoping to make the contra line for either Bluecoats or Boston this year. I’m both really excited and really nervous at the same time.

[@nightshade7885]

Thanks for the advice. I'm hoping to audition for southwind down here in alabama. If all goes well that is.

[@Adrian-fb5uk]

Random fact. You're show with the giant poker chips inspired my sister to do drumcore. She marched 2 years in Legends out of Kalamazoo, MI and 2 years in Cascades out of Seattle, WA. She might fill a hole in Cascades this year although the season is about half over, this is her age out year.

[@Jdfuncorps]

That's awesome to hear!! Such a fun show to be a part of, I'm so happy she was inspired by it :)

[@gingahninja7956]

I wish I found this video before my first camp!

[@marilynweldin6506]

Jdfuncorps, you are a real, genuine blessing.

[@15antny]

well im not a vet but i did try out for bluecoats last year and it was a lot of fun after you just let your walls down if you know what i mean. that really dont care if you mess up it how you recover or how you respond to that mess up.

[@joshuaschanie4025]

Exactly! Which one did you go to? I also auditioned for the Bluecoats last year! I went to the Ohio one :)

[@15antny]

Same i tryed out for bar.

[@abartz96]

Are either of you guys auditioning this fall for bluecoats? I'm auditioning at the canton location

[@15antny]

No i dont feel like im that good. :( they did get secound this year. Im trying out for blue stars.

[@OhRubikk]

I'm auditioning for the bluecoats this next season. Trumpets anyone? :D

[@PaulScript]

I marched with the Carolina Crown Colorguard this past summer and I know what it's like to be so scared of auditioning. Don't be afraid to mess up, and if you do, practice it, some harder skills do take time. Always listen to every single detail of information given by the staff and learn everything you can. Perform all the time, because this is a performance activity. Don't be afraid to ask a vet for advice. Take care of your body, especially if you are auditioning for guard. Stretch every day before the auditions and go running, just so your body isn't easily tired-out throughout the audition camp weekend. GOOD LUCK!

[@phillipmccandlessbp]

The biggest thing you need to audition: Confidence. The biggest thing you will learn while marching: Confidence. The biggest way drum corps will follow you after you march: Confidence. Confidence is the key to this activity, and you'll learn that the only way to be confident, is to choose to. It's all a choice, how you do everything.

[@MythicalCretures]

can you do a video showing us how a typical bus ride would be like. and worst/best case scenario.

[@sagemoore551]

I always talked about how I was the worst in the guard. I don't know if I really was or not but I always put myself down because I felt like I was. And after I realized having that attitude was going to get me no where I improved so so so much. Confidence brings you a long ways! -2014 Cascades Guard Member

[@evaveneciaespanamusic]

Im going to The Academy camp next weekend and I am both nervous and excited! Your videos not only help by calming my nerves but you were one of my huge inspirations to audition in the first place. Thank you so much for all that you do on this Chanel :D

[@banziman12]

first year auditioning for Genesis. Its a close open class drum core so I thought its a great way to get my feet wet and really get the feel for DCI.

[@jfjrghuhhgdhfh9754]

Me too What instrument?

[@nicolelarge9252]

Hey! Me too! I'm trying out for drum major :D yay Genesis haha

[@ThyMAB]

The Bluecoats have a Georgia audition at my future high school's rival because their band director marched... In other words it's like 10 minutes away and I can have the luxury of trying out in 8th grade for experience...

[@hermandhillon98]

I was really nervous for my first audition but all the vets and other auditionees made me feel really welcome and invited me to come over and talk with them before the camp started. They told stories and asked for why I had chosen to march drum corps. The corps I auditioned for not only looked at my skill level but also how I fit into the organization and from day one I became a part of a family that I am so blessed to be a part of. Remember, be willing to open up and meet some of the most amazing people you have ever met and who knows, you might just get to spend the summer of your life with them :) -Mandarins '13 & '14

[@rjhollinger]

Thanks for the advice, I am going to my first DCI audition this november and I was kind of getting nervous about it and this helped a lot THANK YOU!!!!!

[@Mr_Showtime]

It's more about how you interact with the staff, take criticism, and how quickly you can implement tech comments. Marching for three months you'll get good, they need to know they can work with you. --Phantom Regiment Mello

[@baileykincaid1260]

Hey, I'm a first year vet that was super nervous when I first auditioned. I thought the other people would be ruthless. So, I slept with my mallets in my sleeping bag thinking that someone would break them while i was sleeping. But, after the first day, I started talking to more rookies and got to know some really awesome people. It didn't really feel like an audition but just a group of people with common interests hanging out and sharing their talents. Also, try to find people that live near you. For some reason, its a good way to become friends with other people auditioning. Its how I found my best friend and seat partner. Hope this was useful and not too long. GOOD LUCK GUYS!

[@TheMarcus409]

Thanks for this! I'm auditioning for Genesis trumpet line this November

[@gavinvaughn2255]

Me too :D

[@banziman12]

ME TOO! :D in austin?

[@legoflwrs]

I'm going to the Austin camp!

[@ronronat6946]

Thank you so much for making this helpful video

[@Realistnels1]

Don't just audition for "The Top Twelve" Drum Corps. there are plenty of other corps out there that you might have a better shot at... And who knows you might have a better DCI experience there than at a finalist corps.

[@joeysalinas8056]

Ya know, I was actually thinking about doing genesis but it was way too far, so I decided to go for crossmen because 1, it's like 100 miles away and also I know 2 vets from crossmen and I'm going with 2 rookie friends

[@CNT12696]

Thanks so much for this video, David! It helped a lot. I'm going to my first ever audition in November for Boston Crusaders. Also, Jace, 2013 Trumpet player says hi.

[@landonwooldridge123]

Could you make a snare line audition tips video? Thanks

[@jacobschreck3405]

Just breath and be calm. Know your material and don't be afraid to interact with the teachers and the vets. I audition for genesis and didn't make it and couple of months later I audition for Guardians and made it!!!! Its ok to have a back up plan just in case your original plan didn't work out for you. Jdfuncorps, thank you for all of your videos!!!!!!!! It really helped me to get contracted and there quite entertaining to watch. Keep it up!!!!!! :)

[@spamaccount1513]

What helped me was knowing that nobody knows anyone. I just found someone at lunch walking around and said "I dont know anyone so ill sit by ypu"

[@hannah_micaela]

Thank you so much David, this helps a lot!

[@poconofriend777]

This is what my caption head told me about how to get into the Blue Devils. Be so prepared, they can't cut you. You have to go there knowing that you're going to make it. Go in there and make them give you a contract.

[@nicoles2800]

r u going for bd 15?

[@poconofriend777]

Haha. No I finished my marching career at phantom, but trust me, everything applies. In fact, that's more of a life philosophy, not just for music auditions

[@AtiNXx]

If you get cut, AUDITION SOMEWHERE ELSE. March a corps, get the experience, comeback the next year strong. Don't sit out.

[@chair547]

the biggest advice is that most people dont get rejected, they drop out on their own because its too much for them. so if you can avoid doing that youre probably good

[@JosePerez-yx8in]

Thanks man this helps a lot, I plan to start drum corps this year and i can't wait.

[@myelin-sheath]

Thanks so much! I'm auditioning for Genesis but not planning on marching this season. Just wanna see my chances :)

[@legoflwrs]

Are you going t the Austin camp because I'm doing the exact same thing!

[@OrangeCountyRider]

I'm not a vet, but I this past Saturday I went to the Southern California Mandarins auditions and auditioned for cymbals. This is my second year and I've never had a cymbal techso I did the best I could, and they basically just ended up learning every bit of technique and basics that day. They ended up inviting me to the January camp in Sacremento, CA to see where I've gotten and work with me again because of the confidence and willingness to learn. All of this really does help :)

[@Pande222222]

Thank you so much! I was stressing out so much over november camp

[@TheTubaCow]

Don't be afraid to mess up, especially when it comes to auditions. The caption heads understand that your nervous, and sometimes the audition camps are past marching season so you probably haven't spent too much time marching and playing. Contra players, being one myself, its a new instrument with a new feel but don't act like that. watch the vets and you'll pick up little tips and tricks in no time. - 2014 Contraline Member (dog)

[@SupriseGaming13]

Can you please make a video on what the audition process is really like? Like what you have to play and do?

[@_metroGnome]

I marched mellophone with the Crossmen in 2015 for my rookie season and I'm contracted for this year. What helped me the most with nerves, especially at my first camp, was not thinking about it as an audition. Think of it as a weekend-long master class from some of the best teachers in the world. If I go into the audition room and play well, then I play well. If I don't, I know they're gonna tell me what to work on so I play well in the future. Either way, I come out on top.

[@atomikfzr1]

Prepare and dont be afraid to get cut

[@bobbyromo69]

I'm honestly stuck with what corps I want to audition for. I wanted to do bk but I honestly do have a way out there from California, and vanguard cadets have yet to put up information. And the same goes for blue devils b

[@justavarage6190]

I'm young but could I March with flat feet?

[@cardnyl7171]

Yes you can. My brother has flat feet and he marches perfectly fine.

[@hbarton1426]

What stuff should I know if I'm gonna be auditioning for snare in drum corps, this is gonna be my first time auditioning, and nobody in my high school drum line has done drum corps.

[@Jesus.saved.me2000]

So last year I went to an audition camp for the Mandarins for experience, and it was a really cool experience, it felt good to go even though I got sick five times from nerves, but hey that won't happen to me next season's camps!! ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ im excited to go again and my parents this time will be letting me go to the call back camps since I'm 16 now :)

[@vdubboy67]

good luck

[@Jesus.saved.me2000]

thank you! :) CreeperFeature

[@talonwhite694]

how did you end up doing?

[@Jesus.saved.me2000]

Talon White It was amazing, honestly going to the auditions as much as I can even though I'm young definitely helped me be aware of certain things that I should fix as a player that I would have never known if I didn't take the chances to go. Even though I couldn't go to all camps like the first one, I ended up going to the last one where most of the basses got contracted (best of skills to them this summer!) but I learned SO much and met the most chillest people ever, and I was able to drum with them! No matter what instrument, all I know is that no matter what age, if you practice, you can get there at one point. And hey! My nerves also went away after another audition experience for the '17 Mandarins, I didn't get sick at all since I knew exactly what would be thrown at as :) Now I'll be fully ready for the '18 auditions from practicing what I was told to do. Just remember to have fun while of course being as familiar as you can with the audition packet! Hope this helped :)

[@Jesus.saved.me2000]

+Talon White By the way, at first I had trouble getting to know new people, but the more you open yourself up to new people and introducing yourself anytime you can is good, especially if your in a specific section you want to audition in, getting confortable with just them and everyone as well does not hurt at all and lifts stress of the shoulders :) bring a friend from your school band if you like too!

[@chocolatechip2293]

if you play a wrong note play it confidently thats all have to say

[@time4adventurs]

I am mad at my self how this would have been sooo helpful but seeing as I found this video after I got contracted with the mandrians. But nice video dude!

[@VannaBananaSaur]

Could you make an "All About" video for dm/conductor?

[@LindsayHemmer]

It is my dream to be a phantomette. I'm in love with their guard. I originally fell in love when our this year had used the same music as their 2011 show Juliet. I wanted to practice outside to music... So I found their show and I watched it and immediately knew phantom regiment was the corp for me. I'm currently a sophomore in high school and 2015 was my 1st season in color guard. Is their any advise on how to be ready for auditions in a couple years? Certain skills I should know?

[@vdubboy67]

don't just say go after it!!!

[@vitalmincie]

Anyone auditioning for Bluecoats '15 snare line?

[@liamscott6777]

I'm planning on it for '16!

[@ethanheikens5705]

Hey guys, I really want to march corps, but I don't know how much my health issues will affect my ability to do so. First, there's asthma. It's worse than what a lot of people have, and makes it hard for me to do cardio activities (such as marching all day long). I also have sleep apnea, making it hard for me to get a good night's rest (I sleep with a breathing machine). In addition to this, I need more sleep per night than most people my age (18). Because of the crazy bus rides on tour, would it be possible for me to sleep enough, or could this alone knock me out of marching? Thanks for any help you can provide!

[@TheRabbitHasLanded]

Luckily I have like 3 back up corps in case I

[@Gingerbread456]

This Saturday, I'm going to an SCVC camp that's at my school. Even when I was practicing, I feel like i'm not going to have a good impression to the staff during the audition process. I need help to boost my confidence. I'm feel scared. Can any alum or people who have tried out for a corps give me any advice on how to feel less scared?

[@andreagodinez6701]

I'm going to the same camp and trust me I feel the same way you do, my friend told me to believe in myself and just do the best I could do and try not to compare myself to others. I wish you the best and it's very comforting knowing I'm not the only one who feels this way. I thought I was going insane. Good luck

[@WaltWilson]

Joshua Shetland well not anymore but how’d it go 😂 I wanna auditon for SCVC or SCV soon

[@stevenholland7943]

Thank you so much for these helpful videos. I'm going to audition for crown this year. It's my first time and I march contra tuba. Is there anyway you could make a video about low brass(CARRYING HEAVY ASS INSTRUMENTS)

[@kylemosley651]

Wait are you on drumline or what?

[@banziman12]

Trumpet!

[@dee6o672]

what does he play because he has alot of instruments

[@pianoguy2224]

+Optimus Gambit He marched Mello Spirit Of Atlanta 2011 to 2014, cymbals for Atlanta quest, and in 2015 he was on the media team for Boston Crusaders

[@dee6o672]

+Pianoguy222 thanks

[@joeysalinas8056]

+Optimus Gambit he's actually a woodwind though, I believe saxophone

[@dee6o672]

there is no saxophone in marchingband unless you are just messing with me or i dont know my stuff

[@liamscommentarychann]

He played sax before he started drum corps; he had to learn mello to get into a corps. Also, saxophones are part of marching band, but not drum corps.

[@Sky-jl5xz]

Did you March crossmen??

[@Gh0stR1d3r666]

Nope, David marched Spirit, Crossmen's sister corps

[@WaltWilson]

1:32 I started singing it before it came up lmao

[@loganmoreira4322]

Loose Yourself reference recognized and appreciated

[@kylegast5787]

Didn't make Columbians this season :/

[@Optomystyc]

Hey, David! You should do a Cymbal Guide to Auditions :)

[@haleybeth9834]

Hey, my name is Haley and I'm trying out for BAC this year. This is my first time auditioning for drum core and I'm really nervous. Are there any more tips like during the audition process not just before? Like its a 3 day camp and I think I may just hurl. Thanks!

[@finallysoundasleep386]

I auditioned for them last year. Just stay calm. Try to make as many friends as possible, having friends makes it so much more relaxing. Also, the more calm and collected you are, the more likely you are to do well in your audition. Best of luck!

[@haleybeth9834]

+Alexis Macy thanks so much! I'll let you know what happens 😊

[@haleybeth9834]

+Alexis Macy so just to keep you updated ( I have no idea if you care) I got a call back 😄 yea it's not a contract but it's more than I could ever hope for

[@finallysoundasleep386]

***** of course I care!! Congratulations! Im so happy for you! I auditioned for the Phantom Regiment this weekend and was offered a contract somehow haha. Hopefully you get a contract this season and I can see you over tour! Keep working hard and best of luck!! 😀

[@finallysoundasleep386]

***** what did you audition on? I play euphonium.

[@cphuntington97]

But my name's not Blank!

[@LegitPandaArt]

This was me.

[@ariannawelch2115]

Oh no this is going to be me. Dear god help my 15 year old soul😂

[@benkindberg5992]

Dude I got nervous just watching this video.

[@aliciapham7483]

"Good minority of people" lol did you mean majority? (Beginning of the video)