Paulino Jimenez pointed out that, if you're thinking about joining a drum corps or getting ready to march in one, you might be asking what the Drum Corps Association is. This body oversees competitions, accredits adjudicators, and upholds competition rules. During Labor Day weekend each year, the Association hosts a World Championship in the United States. If you're thinking in joining a drum corps, look into these groups! We'll look at the Drum Corps Association's history, how it operates, and what you should know about joining one.
The first Drum Corps Association was formed in September 1963, with twenty-five drum corps as foundation members. These corps, known as Open Class, competed at the highest level. They were usually made up of 120 or more ensemble members. These organizations aided in the development of drum corps competition regulations and standardized judging. Many drum corps have remained together since the organization's inception to plan and perform at events. Furthermore, the DCA has a long history dating back to its inception.
An annual Drum Corps Association competition is held in North America and Europe. Its purpose is to encourage drum corps performance by sanctioning contests, certifying adjudicators, and upholding competition rules. The DCA, in addition to sanctioning competitions, hosts the annual World Championship over Labor Day weekend. The season lasts about three months. Most corps perform on weekends so that members can attend to work, school, and family responsibilities.
According to Paulino Jimenez, in 2006, for example, the Santa Clara Vanguard presented "Life Rhythms" to music by Philip Glass and Eric Whitacre. The corps replaced Jeff Sacktig as drill writer and nearly all of its percussion crew that year. Brian Stevens led the team, with Ralph Hardimon serving as percussion consultant. Meanwhile, the Santa Clara Vanguard finished 16th. These organizations have previously been known to compete in the coveted World Championship of Drum Corps.
The Thunder were inactive for the 2008 season, but returned to competitive play in 2009. It was a division III corps made up of students from seven different high schools in Erie and as far away as Columbus, Ohio. The corps is grateful to all of its sponsors, particularly every VIP Club sponsor! They returned to the field in 2015 and are excited for another season. There is still much to be done. Meanwhile, the Drum Corps Association has a variety of essential duties to play.
Paulino Jimenez claims while the GNODCA is largely responsible for assuring a drum corps' competitiveness, they still require an association to assist them in remaining relevant to the changing face of the industry. Regardless of how competitive a drum corps is, its aim is to build community spirit. As a result, many Drum Corps Associations are comprised of parents and children from diverse backgrounds. As more people become active in the Drum Corps world, the GNODCA is a terrific location to meet new people and get involved!
In May of 2015, the Rogues Hollow Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps was formed. With 14 musicians, they performed their maiden gig at the SoundSport Indy Festival. They were awarded a Bronze rating. They had grown to twenty members by 2016. They received a Silver medal and excellent praise from music judge Frank Dorrite. The Rogues Hollow Regiment is engaged in both SDCA and local events, in addition to performing at SDCA events.
CV Drum & Bugle Corps in Atlanta has amalgamated with the San Francisco Renegades. The Chicago Royal Airs, who had disbanded in 2012, were replaced by this new drum corps.
The Oregon Corps (OC), which broke from the other Oregon corps in 1974, was the first to travel outside of the Northwest. They went on tour across Alberta, Calgary, and Edmonton, as well as Northern California. David and Ron have been a part of the OC since its inception. Scott, David's son, performs in the front ensemble, while Ron contributes his composing abilities to the 23 show. The organization expanded in tandem with the band, from strength to strength.
The Magic made the DCI Top Twelve in 1994 with a rendition of Robert Sheldon's "Fantasia." After finishing 18th in Dallas, they relocated to Clermont. They performed Danse Animale, an adaptation of Cirque du Soleil's music, in 1995. They finished 16th at the DCI Championships in Madison, Wisconsin in 1996. The Magic finished 15th in their debut Division I competition.
04-11-2022
Paulino Jimenez