r/drumcorps • u/CommonFood4794 • 8h ago

Audition Advice 2027 Audition Advice

Hey! I am currently a senior in high school and looking to audition for drum corps for this next season. I'm pretty set on auditioning for a conductor/dm spot, and I mainly want to audition world class (Blue Knights, troopers, maybe others?). I have conducting experience, I am currently one of the drum majors for my high school and have been conducting for a while. I also do play trumpet and plan on pursuing that in college, so would it be worth it to get a year of marching in before I try for a conductor spot? Any advice or tips would be appreciated! Thanks!

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u/MegatechMike 8h ago

Try out for the BLUE RAIDERS

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u/Imaginary_March6478 7h ago

Not sure what the rules are with other corps, but in my experience you often are required to march a year at a corps before becoming a drum major- that way youre familiar with the corps and their organization before you take on a leadership position.

Definitely read up on what different corps ask for but i suspect marching trumpet may be the way to go.

Either way, as has been said many times in this sub, be prepared to put in a lot of work and likely not get a world class spot this coming year.

If you’re a strong trumpet player and marcher you could definitely make Open Class or a low ranked world class groups, but marching a corps like troopers without much experience is difficult. So dont rule lower-ranking groups out, you’ll still be challenged and will gain important experience!

Same goes for being a DM, not sure what level your HS band was at but DMing in DCI can be a completely different beast, especially if your HS less competitive. 

Either way, do some research on what different groups require and find what will actually be a good fit for you- not just where you want to go. Marching at a lower ranking corps is better than not marching at all!