Extended Drum Corps Family

After experiencing amazing acts of kindness from strangers, a drum corps drum major realizes the activity’s biggest benefits.

- Caitlin Hall

As a music education major at the University of North Texas in Denton, I sought a variety of experiences to become a better teacher. Whether teaching free private lessons or “tech”-ing for marching bands at local high schools, I was determined to learn as much as possible.

I had always dreamed of marching drum corps, but as a flute player, I never imagined getting the opportunity. During my freshman year at UNT, I discovered that Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, based in San Antonio, allowed open tryouts. I auditioned for drum major and saw the experience as an ideal opportunity to learn more about brass pedagogy, rehearsal etiquette, and visual fundamentals at an accelerated pace and quality level.

When I received the contract to be drum major for Crossmen, I didn’t stop smiling for a week. My dream had arrived, and I was prepared for all of the challenges it held. Or so I thought. One part of my rookie summer that was complicated was the fact that I was a leader, but I was still figuring out the mundane basics of drum corps life, like how to pack a suitcase or how to avoid the shower and food lines. I juggled my responsibilities awkwardly.

RUSHING HOME

The week before Drum Corps International (DCI) finals in 2013, I became ill with a relentless cough and nausea. Because rehearsal time was precious, and we were so close to reaping the results of all our efforts, I was determined to push through regardless.

I was physically and emotionally drained by the end of my first summer. I needed a hot shower, my bed, my dogs, and I even missed my younger brother.