The BEST Drum Corps Tips and Hacks for Your DCI Season

[@MiraDaWulf]

Another great tip is taking your shoes off during meal breaks and putting slides on. Keeps the dawgs cool

[@colelmore]

A great alternative to gold bond is body glide. You apply it like a deodorant stick so less mess. Used it all my second summer. Also dry fit is super beneficial for all clothing as the moisture wicking will help keep it smelling better and not having still sweaty/wet clothes having to go into your suitcase. I marched a couple of seasons and definitely learned a lot during my first one regarding tips and tricks to make your experience better. If any of y’all have any questions I’d be happy to help any current or perspective members. Their recommendations are a great place to start, you could write a whole book on how to make your life better in drum corps.

[@MarchingHealth]

Awesome feedback! Where did you March?

[@colelmore]

@@MarchingHealth Troopers 2019 then Blue Stars 2020/2021

[@whydoialmosthave500subs4]

It’s my rookie year of drum corps, what’s typically gonna be the bus etiquette… I don’t want ppl like my bus buddy to hate me the whole summer.

[@colelmore]

@@whydoialmosthave500subs4 A lot of it will likely depend on the corps. Some corps have rules or a points system on where you will sit on the bus others it’s more of a free for all. Most of it I would say is just trying to be courteous with everyone else’s (very limited) space on the bus. Don’t crowd someone else or recline your seat without asking. If you want to sleep on the floor that is cool (I did it both seasons being 6’5 is uncomfortable sleeping in the seats) just try and position yourself so you aren’t taking up others foot room. My best way was to sleep in the shape of an L with my legs in the aisle and my torso where me and my seat parters feet would be (talked to him and he liked that so he could take up both seats). Some other bus tips would be to have a hoodie and or sweatpants there (easier in my opinion then bringing a blanket) for when the driver blasts the A/C. Having a couple bungee cords to hang stuff from the ceiling can be very useful and some use those suction cup shower baskets to hold stuff off the window. Some corps may have rules about those kinds of things though. Also an inflatable camping pillow that I could keep in my bus box made sleeping on the floor so much better! Also one other general tip I liked was as far as shoes go I tried to have two very different pairs of shoes with me so I wasn’t wearing out the same foot/ankle/leg muscles in wearing two similar or same pairs of shoes. You can get through a season with one good pair but your feet will thank you having two. I also recommend one of the pairs being more of a trail running type shoe as they will have good stability as well as extra traction on bad/ potentially muddy or slick fields. I’ve recently really liked the brand Altra for running and trail running shoes so I might give those a try. Feel free to ask if you have any more specific bus or drum corps related questions. Best of luck on your rookie season!

[@whydoialmosthave500subs4]

@@colelmore never would’ve thought of that bungee chord tip.. that’s a really good idea!! Thank you so much these are all really helpful

[@idfk9578]

Tyler stoneman that is some name

[@masonthomas8216]

Any recommendations for those who are taller than an air mattress?

[@MarchingHealth]

Two air mattresses stacked horizontally?😅

[@patrickshea5596]

I’m 6’ 4” and as a tall person, respectability we have to deal with it 😂

[@reece9400]

Ive heard that air mattresses are really bad for getting holes in them. Im a rookie, so can anyone who's marched confirm?

[@radioriot2154]

Haven't marched- but I've had my fair share of camps and shows and air mattresses will get holes. I suggest a camping pad of some sort, they're built to withstand outdoor conditions, and a sleeping bag. May not be the most comfortable, but it'll get you through it

[@MiraDaWulf]

Theyre not as bad as you'd think, i was blessed by getting a hole in my mattress the last day of tour and after that been just fine.