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Should I have done Drum Corps?

Posted by Middle School teacher on 5/1/2025, 7:18 am

I'm an assistant MS Director with almost 10 years of experience, I'm starting to look around at other jobs and Im thinking about moving to the HS ranks. But man! Even small schools want Drum Corps people. Guess I need to go back in time and re-audition haha.

Re: Should I have done Drum Corps?

Posted by Chris Cooper on 5/19/2025, 2:34 pm, in reply to "Should I have done Drum Corps?"

Head HS director here. Depends on the region, and maybe the class to an extent. Just put yourself out there! If your MS bands are good, consider including a link to a recording or video with from a performance or rehearsal. Ultimately people just want the best educators and people to work with their program. DCI can do wonders for a teacher’s ear and pedagogy, but it can also backfire in some ways. I suspect if you have 10 years experience, if that comes with a good UIL record, you’ll be a strong candidate.

Re: Should I have done Drum Corps?

Posted by not necessarily on 5/1/2025, 4:06 pm, in reply to "Should I have done Drum Corps?"

Just go for HS positions. It's not an automatic that you will get passed up if you haven't done DCI. I've gotten 2 positions and I know people with no DCI that have gotten into great programs as well.

Re: Should I have done Drum Corps?

Posted by Concur... on 5/2/2025, 12:30 pm, in reply to "Re: Should I have done Drum Corps?"

Agreed. I'm a HD. I marched DCI...have the championship ring. The first time I had to hire an assistant, I posted that DCI experience would be nice...but *not* required. I got 6 resumes, and eventually brought in 2 people for interviews. One had DCI experience, the other didn't. I hired the person with NO DCI experience.

During the interview, the candidate with DCI exp. demonstrated they didn't know how to work with beginners, or prep a concert band during rehearsal. This isn't because they were "green" and didn't have any experience outside of their student teaching, I can understand that because a lot of that you learn by doing. No, it was this person was CLUELESS...they couldn't tell me what the fingering for second line G on a clarinet is! The person was a dud...and all they could point to was their DCI stuff.

Well, that candidate managed to get a position elsewhere that year...long story short, they strung together about 6 or 7 "one and done" situations. The candidate I did hire has gone on to be a very successful director making a struggling band a Sweepstakes band within two years.

When DCI experience is the *lead* requirement for a posted position...meaning that's what the HD is primarily looking for...granted this is a "you do you" thing, but I always wonder if the school is looking for a director...or just a glorified marching tech.

Re: Should I have done Drum Corps?

Posted by Me on 5/1/2025, 3:03 pm, in reply to "Should I have done Drum Corps?"

We see drum corps experience where I'm at as a drawback. I know there are schools that have the same mindset. BUT you may have to look at the smaller schools.

Re: Should I have done Drum Corps?

Posted by MEDBD on 5/1/2025, 10:09 am, in reply to "Should I have done Drum Corps?"

The current Marching Band model is not sustainable for long term. While we are pushing for this level of competition, the cost of fall Marching band is already catching up with even moderately wealthy school districts. I enjoy the level of production that goes into these shows, great teaching moments for the students, good exposure for schools that can afford it.
I believe Texas will always have great execution in marching, but in ten years there will be less Texas schools will be seen at BOA.
A shift to less elaborate shows will happen, but great muscianship will be on display.
"The Money Game wins."

Re: Should I have done Drum Corps?

Posted by Inner-City BD II on 5/1/2025, 12:58 pm, in reply to "Re: Should I have done Drum Corps?"

People have been making this exact same claim now for 40 years, and yet here we are.

The "haves" will spend the money.

All that will happen is the "also-rans" will get squeezed out.

Re: Should I have done Drum Corps?

Posted by Respectfully on 5/1/2025, 9:11 am, in reply to "Should I have done Drum Corps?"

Success is more important than experience, unless you have both.

Re: Should I have done Drum Corps?

Posted by HS director on 5/1/2025, 9:04 am, in reply to "Should I have done Drum Corps?"

Yes, I'm looking for drum corps experience, preferably recent drum corps experience. The expectations at the Area and State levels (not to mention BOA) are skewed heavily in that direction, and I don't have enough experience in it. There's only so much I can learn from watching YouTube videos.

I interviewed a guy recently who never marched, but now teaches for a small drum corps. He's moving on to the 2nd round. Maybe look for an opportunity to tech for a drum corps?

Re: Should I have done Drum Corps?

Posted by Just a Thought on 5/1/2025, 8:19 am, in reply to "Should I have done Drum Corps?"

Have you tried being a tech for a drum corps over the summer? You may not be able to get DCI MARCHING experience, but you can get DCI TEACHING experience?

Re: Should I have done Drum Corps?

Posted by Not OP on 5/1/2025, 2:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Should I have done Drum Corps?"

I am in the same boat. I worked multiple years for a drum corps without having marched. I feel like I was good enough to where they brought me back multiple seasons and that should say something. It's frustrating. Just jumping on the venting wagon.

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