Band Shoppe Asks... Part 1 - 7th Regiment

7th Regiment Shares Their Thoughts on Spring Training

In our three-part blog series; Band Shoppe Asks...

we are asking questions to our Drum Corps partners during the three stages of DCI's current season.

Part #1 kicks off with our friends at 7th Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps, who are currently rehearsing and preparing for their 2018 DCI Open-Class Season. 

Thanks to Katelynn Hyde, a 4th year Guard Sergeant and Victor You, a 2nd year Drum Sergeant for answering all of our questions about their preparation for the season ahead!

So, Katelynn and Victor...

What does a typical day look like during Spring Training?

K: A typical day starts with PT, stretch, and full corps dance block, where we move right into visual. We will usually have visual until lunch, then next block is sectionals, followed by dinner, and then finally we have ensemble after a quick rewarm with our sections.

V: A day usually consists of waking up to a random song picked by our drum major Leslie. Then it’s off to breakfast, then PT and dance, visual, sometimes the battery goes into sectionals, and then lunch. Then the battery will continue sectionals and sometimes we split up into subs. After that, the corps has dinner. Following dinner, is a quick rewarm and then we’ll run right into ensemble. After finishing the run, the corps goes back inside and continue sectionals. We’ll have snack afterwards and then it’s lights out. Rinse and repeat…

Do you stay at one location during Spring Training?
V: Yeah

When does Spring Training end?

K: Mini tour training ends June 29th

How much down time do you get a day, and what do you like to fill it with? 
K: I typically have some down time during meals and i like to spend it talking with my friends, or relaxing

V: Usually meal times and lights out are my down times. I would spend the time catching up with other sections in the corps. Also I can’t lose my snapchat streaks too…

What are the 5 things that you HAVE to have during Spring Training? 
K: WATER!!, sunscreen, good sneakers, good attitude, and bungee cords 

V: Any tools for the drums, lots of pencils, water is kinda important, high, but controlled energy, and a smile

What is the thing you are most excited about for the season? 
K: 7th is going in a great direction with our show and I can’t wait to see how it turns out! 

V: The whole vibe of the corps is certainly different, but it is definitely amazing. From the musical selections, drill, and energy that the corps offers, I know that we will do great things.

What food does everyone look forward to the most during Spring Training?

K: Chicken patties

V: Pasta night is tight

How many times do you get to do laundry? 

K: Once every two weeks

What luxuries do you miss from home? 

K: Driving my own car

V: Coffee

Do you have any pre-performance ritual? 

K: I go through any handshakes I have with people, and then we all come to together as a corps for a pep talk and to sing our corps song

Thank you, Katelynn and Victor for answering our questions and giving us insights into your spring training!
We wish you all the best as the DCI Open Class season gets underway NEXT WEEK!

Stay tuned in July to hear from one of our other Corps about

What Goes into a Show Day!

DCI 2017 Year in Review by Guest Music & Marching

It's our great privilege to have Zach Ashcraft, founder of Music & Marching, share his perspective of the 2017 DCI Season with us in this guest blog post!  Music & Marching is a blog that exists to tell the unique stories of those watching, facilitating and performing in the Marching Arts activity, in hopes to garner a deeper respect and appreciation for what goes into each performance.

From the dynamic photography to his unique perspective, we are so thankful to have this opportunity to share Zach's "DCI 2017 Year in Review" with our readers and followers! When you have finished reading, be sure to go to MusicAndMarching.com for other stories and interviews that took place during the season. Also, you can follow Music & Marching on Facebook and Instagram (@MusicAndMarching)

*All images in this blog courtesy of  Zach Ashcraft, Music & Marching*

 

DCI 2017 Year in Review

2017 marked another incredible year for Drum Corps International. Along with setting new attendance records, this season brought with it some of the most innovative shows and concepts the activity has seen in years.

This summer marked my 10th season of involvement within DCI. From my first 4 years as a performer with The Blue Stars, to a few years on staff with the Crossmen, and now as a freelance photographer, I’ve witnessed an incredible amount of change over the last decade, both on and off the field.

Visual Identity Shakeup

The most notable change of this era, in my opinion, has been the visual identity of each corps from year to year. In generations past, many corps wore the same uniform over the course of multiple decades, with slight updates or adjustments coming every few years or so. More recently, Corps have increased both the frequency and scope of uniform changes, with many groups presenting audiences with drastically new looks on a now yearly basis.

While some critics believe this has diminished the visual identity of each corps, many within the activity agree that it allows designers to create a more cohesive program that more clearly communicates the concept of a show. Several designers are taking advantage of this new found creative freedom. Something as simple as The Bluecoats decision to forgo helmets in 2016 has already had an impact on the activity just a year later.

Several corps opted to perform without headgear this year, and its had a huge impact on the way that both audience members and the performers experience the performance. Having a clear view of each performers face not only allows the audience to better feel and experience the emotional content of each show, it allows brass members to explore new avenues of expression and performance not available to them.

Not all corps have taken this route, however. Many have chosen to keep their shakos, aussies, and helmets, and have found creative ways to adapt them with their new uniforms. The Phantom Regiment, for example, had two helmets to convey different emotions throughout their show. The Boston Crusaders had an entirely new look, and the shakos and uniforms themselves perfectly personified the story their show was trying to tell.

From new uniforms, to innovations in electronics and prop staging, the last several seasons have indeed been wrought with change. One thing that has remained constant since my first day in the activity though, is far more important than what the corps are wearing.

Final Goodbyes

Standing in the Lucas Oil Stadium parking lot following each corps final performance of the season, I was reminded that the true importance of this activity goes far beyond what happens on the field. Watching as the performers walked out of the tunnel with tears streaming down their faces, embracing their fellow corps members one last time was a powerful reminder that design trends may come and go. But the one constant in Drum Corps is the life-changing affect each tour has on the individuals who participate in it.

Everything comes to a screaming halt at the end of DCI Finals Night. With the design process for most corps 2018 programs already well underway, the 2017 season will soon be left in the history books. But the one thing that will always remain are the friendships and families formed during those 85 days.

- Zach Ashcraft, Music & Marching