Introduction C - Monterastellimonterastelli.com/drumcorps/DMBook.pdf · Introduction...

The Bluecoat Handbook for Drum Majors

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Introduction

Congratulations! You are now the newest Drum Major of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, and as a former Drum Major of the Bluecoats, I know you are about to embark upon an adventure of a lifetime. Throughout the course of this season you will learn a multitude of life skills and experiences and adapt to many new situations that will help you grow both on a personal level and on a professional level. During my first year as Drum Major, I had a lot to learn and, like you, I had hundreds of questions that needed to be answered, but I wasn’t quite sure where to start. That’s why I created this handbook for Drum Majors. Although this handbook is for you, the primary focus is not on conducting technique, because that kind of information is readily available at your nearest public library. This handbook focuses on the leadership and organizational aspects of your position, much of which is only applicable to the Bluecoats. This handbook is not designed as a “be-all” and “end-all” approach to leadership and organization; better yet, it serves as a historical reference or guide for you to consult throughout the season. Even though many of the ideas found in these pages have proved to be successful in the past, with other Drum Majors, I suggest finding and using only those techniques that suit “your” Bluecoats and your unique personality. As you read this handbook feel free to make any corrections or add any additional information of your own to these pages, because you too can enable those Drum Majors that supersede us to further benefit from your knowledge. - Charles S. Stewart (1994, 1995)


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Disciplining Others

- Never act out of anger. - Never lose control. - Be fair and consistent. - HAVE RULES ESTABLISHED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR –These rules should be set and agreed upon during the leadership move-in prior to full corps move-in. The entire leadership team must follow them closely and enforce them immediately. - Design penalties for breaking the rules – make the punishment fit the crime. - OK the rules and penalties with the CORPS DIRECTOR

Explain and Discuss the rules with the members.


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Leadership

YOU set the example ON and OFF the field.

- Support your staff. - Support your corps. - Support your members. - Never tear down others – BUILD THEM UP! - Leaders motivate themselves. Their firm example motivates others. - There is a thin line between motivation and badgering, watch that you respect the separation between them - Leaders unite; they do not divide. - Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm! - Speak and stand with authority when necessary. - Use words like “we,” “us,” and “together.” We are Bluecoats.

Control what you can control. Do not worry about what you cannot control. You do not have time to.


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AVOID COMPLAINING: It can be contagious!

- Praise and compassion are highly respectable acts. - Set personal short-term objectives and long-term goals. - Give inspirational or motivational speeches. These can be pre-planned or spur of the moment. Be careful not to say too much, too often. A few well-timed, well thought out speeches are more effective than frequent, redundant speeches. By the end of the first full week of tour, you will be able to gage when and when not to give speeches. You know at the end of rehearsal staff is going to talk and give speeches so it is best to not talk then and only give logistics. - Give closure to the day and inspiration for the next day. - Smile ☺ - Look Good – Develop your own style. If there are two Drum Majors, develop similar styles. For Drum Majors, image can be everything. Presenting a strong image can gain respect from the members, the staff, fans, and other corps. Rule of thumb: always look your absolute best. You are the corps liaison, the representative. - Learn to delegate responsibility – people enjoy responsibility! But, remember to delegate wisely. The members already have tons of jobs and preparation before the show, so do your best to finish all you can before you ask help from others. - Make everyone feel good about his or her self. Having a great consistent vibe within the membership will create a winning


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attitude and a fantastic corps family. Build strong fraternal bonds and non-sectional friendships. - You do not have to work alone. Taking the task of running a drum corps as Drum Major cannot be completed alone. Use all of your resources! The members are there for you just as much as you are there for them…never forget that. - Leaders enjoy doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, without always being asked to do so. - Be prompt (on time), and expect others to prompt as well. It is just as easy to be five minutes early as it is to be five minutes late. Make sure the corps is NEVER late. - Behave as you expect others to behave. - Do not expect others to do what you yourself will not do.

Act professionally at all times. You are the role model; people aspire to be like you, and look to you

for guidance. Do not take this for granted! You are the example.

To whom much is given, much is required.


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Becoming the Drum Major Authority

- Have at least two distinctive and functional tones of voice: - Deep, Projecting, and Professional. - Lighthearted and Personal.

* People will automatically know by the tone of your voice whether or not you mean business.

- Always stand tall when you are in your professional role. - Take up space. - Mean what you say. Do what you say you are going to do. - Sound believable. - Do not be afraid to have a personality with the corps. This is highly acceptable! Remember, they watch you everyday, all day, so it is best to have an outstanding personality! - Be trustworthy – HAVE INTEGRITY. - Decide what image you want to project. Your image is VERY important. - Lead by example. - Carry yourself with honor and pride. Remember - Respect and Authority are

EARNED


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Keeping Yourself and Others Informed - If you do not know, ASK! - Let people know what they should expect ahead of time – NO SUPRISES. Post all information on the chuck truck whiteboard! It is your best friend! ☺ - Ask for progress reports from the leadership team and others: “How are things going in your section?” - Before Rehearsal begins, ask the staff to list the objectives of the rehearsal. This is a great time for you to be able to prepare for the day and set the pace for rehearsal. This greatly helps your time management. - At the beginning of any rehearsal segment, (sectionals, marching, staff meetings, etc.) ask each caption head if you are needed. - Always have a plan A, B and C. - Email or call the corps director between camps. It is great to stay in touch and make sure you know what yours and the director’s off-season objectives. - Get information from the source – staff, director, etc. - Stay in touch with members in between camps – email, IM, telephone, texting, MySpace, Facebook, etc.


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- Develop a convenient way for members to reach you with questions – email, phone.

Positive Reinforcement

Praise in Public, Criticize in Private.

The Power of Positive Reinforcement If you see one person who is behaving improperly, praise those around that person for behaving correctly. Soon the one who is misbehaving will behave correctly. How does this work? People are always looking for attention in one way or another and will do anything to get it. Some people choose misbehavior as their means for getting attention, and are satisfied when they are corrected, punished or “yelled at.” All of the previous responses to their behavior gave that person exactly what they wanted – attention. If you ignore the one who is misbehaving and give attention to those who are behaving correctly, you deny the one who is misbehaving any and all attention that might reinforce their current behavior. Eventually, the one who is misbehaving will begin doing the right thing to get the desired attention. As soon as you observe the former misbehaver behaving properly, PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE that person for doing so. The one thing that people want more than general attention is complimentary attention. - REMEMBER: This procedure takes time and patience and in some rare instances may not work.

Be an active recruiter!


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- Examples in Drum Corps: “Thanks for running back to your dots…I like the way you are pushing yourself in this rehearsal.” - Always say “Thank You.” - Catch people doing the right thing and praise them for it. - Always give credit where credit is due.

The Sandwich Approach Open with a positive statement; identify the problem and solution, and then close with a positive statement. Example: “Jason, I really appreciate the hard work and leadership that you have displayed during most of the season, and I am sure that your efforts will continue in the weeks that follow. Although your effort has generally been outstanding, I feel that you have recently done some things that have steered you away from your previous course. (Discuss problem, and offer a solution.) Do you agree? Well, like I said before, I think that you are doing an excellent job so far because I know how hard it is to maintain a high level of discipline. I appreciate you taking time out to discuss this with me and I am pleased to see that you will continue being one of our corps’ strongest leaders.”


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Basic Materials

Metronomes: - First choice: Metronome with a dial to practice sudden or gradual changes in tempo – TAMA, Dr. Beat. - Second choice: Push button, digital met with eighth note or more subdivision. CONSIDERATIONS: Will I be able to hear it over the entire corps? Will the device clip to any part of my body or clothing – will it fit in my hat? Large or Small? Can I wear it comfortably with headphones? Your metronome may be your most prized possession. It is a good idea to have one with you at all times – to practice the

tempos on your own, or to have a reference when unexpected tempo changes are made during rehearsal. Conduct with a

metronome as much as you can. White Practice Gloves

-Conducting with these enables the members to see your hands in most situations. -White gloves are usually only used for warm-ups at shows and the show itself. Other cases include when it is getting dark outside and under stadium lights. Keep 2 pairs with you at all times!

Hand-Held Tape Recorder

- Record performances and rehearsals to assist you with your own personal rehearsal. This is very helpful during the beginning of the season.


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- Consider making videos on your phone; watch them over and over again. You are your biggest critic.

Backpack or Carrying Case

- Used to hold and transport everything you need and more: extra batteries, Dr. Beat, patch cords, drumstick and cowbell, metronomes, binder, etc… - High quality, waterproof material.

Binder - Use this to keep all your important papers together such as: drill notebook, notebook and small notebook, scores, THIS BOOK, or anything else that is important to your position as drum major.

- A 3” white 3-ring binder is great. - Purchase plastic cover sheets (about 150) to place your score and drill.

Notebooks

- Small notebook: for short-term personal reminders. - Larger notebook: for long-term notes for yourself and the next Drum Major. Remember to write down things that you feel are important for you to remember for a long period of time – goals, plans, rules, etc.

Drill

- Keep a copy of the drill, and your drill-to-score reference sheet (this will be described later).

Scores

- Keep a score for all show music (both horn and drum), as well as the on field warm-up, Autumn Leaves, and any other supplementary music that might be played.


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Drumstick and Cowbell/Gock Block - Get from the front ensemble, or purchase your own.

- These items are useful to run some portions of the rehearsals and are very useful when rehearsing sudden or gradual tempo changes with the drum corps. - ALWAYS USE PROPER TECHNIQUE – ask a percussionist.

Watch/Time Piece -Waterproof. - Use a watch that will show a display in the dark. - Make sure it is light enough to conduct while wearing it. ALARM CLOCK! - LOUD! If you do not wake up NO ONE will. - Battery backup - Plug-in/battery operated - CLOCK THAT WILL DISPLAY IN THE DARK.

Always synchronize your watch and alarm clock with the corps director and corps manager’s clock. School clocks will vary from

site to site. Equipment Truck Keys

- It is a great idea to have copies of the equipment truck keys made for the guard captain and the two members designated on equipment truck crew. Note: As a Drum Major, you may “not” want to have a copy of the truck keys because EVERYONE will ask you for them. (Of course, it is a great idea to have a set of your own, but try to discourage members from coming and asking for them.)


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Flashlight

- For emergencies. - For navigating through the gym after lights out. - For searching in the night or morning (without turning on the lights.) -Preferably, two flashlights are great: one small pocket-size flashlight and one regular size for the gym.

Phone

- Always keep your phone on you, somewhere in sight. Staff may to get ahold of you quickly. ALWAYS REPLY.


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Drill-to-Score Reference Sheet

This sheet serves as a quick and easy reference guide to the various segments of the show and allows you to save enormous amounts of time during rehearsal. The benefits of using this sheet are manifold: - It allows you to know exactly where letter “C” is.

- It allows you to know exactly what occurs with the temp and the time signature at the “big hold.” - It allows you to know which drill number letter “F” coincides with. - It allows you to know where the drill movement occurs in relationship to the musical phrase. - It allows you to clarify any points of confusion right away.

Your drill-to-score reference sheet should be an ongoing project. It may take a couple different versions in order to find something

that works the best for you. Using a spreadsheet program, like Microsoft Excel, can assist you in creating your sheet.


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Your First Camp

- Encourage everyone to extend a helping hand to the new people: Sleep near each other, talk with them, eat with them, etc. - VETERANS SET THE EXAMPLE: Rehearsal etiquette, traditions, proper care and maintenance of equipment, etc. - Get the leaders of the group together and set goals for the camp and the season.

Be very stern and demanding in the beginning. You can

always relax your approach if needed. The reverse is much harder to do and is often met with much opposition.


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Winter Camp Jobs Ultimately, the assignment of these tasks is up to you. Below are

some suggestions, based on what has worked in the past. Assign these tasks to various sections in the corps: - Music Stands – usually high brass. - Clean Gym – usually color guard. - Clean Band Room – usually battery. - Clean Choir Room – usually pit - Clean Cafeteria – usually low brass; reset tables and chairs. - Clean Classrooms and Hallways – each section should take care of the room it used, reset tables and chairs, pick up trash and PERSONAL BELONGINGS. - Clean Bathrooms - Load Equipment Truck – Load, and lock everything. Pit loads their equipment. Assign section leaders to oversee the loading of the horns, drums, and guard equipment. Establish a Lost Item Policy with the corps but be careful: This policy may have larger, unforeseen ramifications later on in the season. EXAMPLES: - All lost items are to be turned in to the lost and found.


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- All lost items are to be kept by the finder and may be sold back to the unlucky “loser.” - All lost towels are used by the Contras, Cymbals and others to clean equipment.

Morning Wake-up

- Basic Format: - Pleasant greeting - Announce current time. - Make additional announcements (with times). - Closing statement (how much time they have to get ready). - Information: - Ask Corps Director before you go to sleep.

- Check the bulletin board (on chuck truck) before you go to sleep and double check it when you wake up. Everyone doesn’t wake up immediately. You many have to

politely wake up individuals or repeat announcements.


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Morning Stretch and Conditioning

In many cases, a staff member might be in charge of the morning stretch and conditioning program. Consult with them regarding

how they want to approach the morning routine.

If you are in charge of the morning stretch you might want to consider these suggestions: - Consult exercise books and magazines. - Watch fitness programs. - Ask for guidance from experts in the field of sports training. - Establish a system that will challenge everyone:

- In the first few sessions, start slowly to make sure that everyone is using correct technique. - Gradually build the intensity of the workout over time.

Sample Exercises: Push-ups, Sit-ups, Shoulder Rolls, Neck Rolls, Calf Stretches, Hamstring Stretches, Bicep Stretches, Jumping Jacks, Walking, Jogging, and Running.


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Bus gods, Crews, and Regulations - Choosing the bus gods:

- The Corps Director and the Drum Major choose bus gods - Are your prospective bus gods willing to meet the challenge? - Is this person a responsible, organized veteran? - Since this position is a huge responsibility, it is advisable to recruit a person that does not have the added responsibility of being on the leadership team.

- Bus god duties: - Assists with Bus Signup: - Signs the members to their assigned seats.

- Reads the rules and regulations of the bus to his or her group. - Assigns jobs: the loading crews, the cleaning crews, the trash supervisor, and the water supervisor.

- Works out reasonable job rotation schedule. -Job Fulfillment - Makes sure that all bus jobs are being completed. - Take Attendance

- Before the bus leaves each and every site (as quickly and efficiently as possible).

- Cleaning Crews - 2-4 people per crew. - Sweep floor. - Clean out racks and below seats. -Mop the bus floor.

The Bus must be cleaned as often as possible!


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- Loading Crews - Three to four people per crew (at least one veteran). - Pack soft “stuff” together. - Pack hard “stuff” together. - Trash Supervisor - 1-2 members. - Empty trash bags when full. - Replace trash bags (one in front, one in back). -Water Supervisor - Keep water jug fresh, cold, and full. - Always fill before a show. - Keep clean cups nearby. - Basic Bus Rules - No Smoking. - No Drug or Alcohol use. - No Drumming (except on pads) or horn playing. - Pass trash to front and back of bus.

- Keep windows clear of signs, stickers, trash and other debris. - Walking on the seats is discouraged. - Remain seated, in your own seat, while the bus god is taking attendance. - Members must be dismissed from the bus by the Drum Major before exiting the bus at a new housing site or show site.

Bathroom use is STRICTLY PROHIBITED!


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Bus Sign-Up

- Signing Order - The oldest veteran member-class (number of years completed) has first priority. This is done on a first come, first serve basis until all in that member-class have signed up. The sign-up process continues with next oldest member-class, and then the next oldest, and then the next oldest. New members are the last group to sign up.

A person may signup him or herself as well as his or her seat

partner.

One special benefit of being the Drum Major or a bus god is that you may sign up before any other members. You may also have

your own seat (as long as there are enough available seats). - After Bus Sign-up

- Each bus god assembles the members of his or her own bus and double checks the seating list, reads the specified rules and regulations, and his or her personal rules for running the bus. In addition, the bus god reads a description of summer bus duties and assigns members to fill those positions. Included in this handbook is a bus seating partner/bus signup list. - Make copies and distribute them to the bus gods.


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Moving into a Housing Site

- Find the Corps Director after exiting the bus.

- Once inside, find the following rooms:

- Bathroom - Locker Room - Staff Room *

- Support Staff Room * - Bus Driver Room * - Member sleeping area (usually the gym)** - Rooms for a rainy day rehearsal. *Although finding these rooms may not be your responsibility, it is important to know where they are in case of emergencies. - Locate the following: - Light Switches – and find out how to operate them. - Water Fountains - Chuck Truck/ Equipment Truck - PRACTICE FIELDS - How many? - Asphalt, Grass, or Turf? - Stadium? Press box? - How far from sleeping area? - Will scaffolding be needed? - Availability – When, and how long can we use it? - Show lining crew where the fields are. - Ask the Custodian: - Toilet paper, paper towels? - Brooms, Dustpans, Trash bags, Dumpsters?


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** Member Sleeping Area - Decide how the area will be divided between guys and girls before the sleepy and irritable members move their belongings into the area. - Inform them of these decisions ahead of time – before they get off the bus. - Factors to Consider when deciding how to divide the area:

- Location of Showers – try to put guys and girls closest to their own showers. - Girls/Guys ratio - LOCATION OF OUTLETS.

- Time Considerations - Time zone changes? - Synchronize your watch with Chuck Truck clock.

- Check if the school’s clocks are in-sync with your watch and inform the members if there is a discrepancy.

- Gym Rules

- No food or drink in the gym (ESPECIALLY IN THE SOUTH) – can cause unsightly insect and/or rodent problems.

- Responsibilities for Rehearsal preparation. - Field Lining/markers – Sopranos - Scaffolding/ladders – Baritones - Field Cleaning – Mellophones.


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Moving out of a Housing Site - Assign a time for all luggage to be outside, by the busses, and ready for loading. This time should also coincide with the time that loading the bus begins. - USUALLY 45 minutes before departure. - Assign a time at which ALL belongings and all members must be out of the building. This should coincide with the time that the cleaning crews begin cleaning the site. - USUALLY 30 minutes before departure. - Assign a time at which ALL jobs must be done. This should coincide with the time the busses should be loaded. - USUALLY 15 minutes before departure.

Your job is to make sure that all job responsibilities are being fulfilled, and to double-check the facilities.

- Bus gods make sure that the bus loading responsibilities are being fulfilled.

Departure time means that the busses should actually be leaving the site at that time. In order to do so, it is encouraged that the members begin boarding the busses about 10 minutes before

departure time. - Clean up Crew Assignments: - Gym Sweeping – Snares

- Locker Rooms – Trumpets (not on field lining crew) - Scaffolding/ladders – Baritones - Cleaning Field – Mellophones - Preparing Chuck Truck for departure - Contras - School Hallways - Tenors


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What to Know and Do Before Each Show - When is Gate Time? Meet with the management staff and walk with them to check-in. This gives you the opportunity to walk back from the entrance gate slowly and TIME it as well. - Check out the Stadium - Corps Entrance and Exits

- Pit Procedure – do they enter through the same or different gate as the corps? Can vehicles drive on the track? (Pit Staff/Section Leader may also do this) - Where to set up for retreat.

- Speak with the Show Coordinator

- If you cannot find the show coordinator, ask management - Ask these questions:

- Any special time restrictions?

- Has the performance time or line-up changed?

- Is there any corps performing in exhibition after the last competing corps’ performance?

- Intermission? If so, when?

- Which Corps perform right before and after the Bluecoats? (This information will help you when deciding where to set up the retreat block after the show since corps are usually lined up in order or in reverse order of performance).

- Is Trooping (Pass and Review) allowed after the performance?


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- How many corps follow the Bluecoats? Who are they? Who are the last two? (An early reporting time is recommended because, at any time, the show coordinator may need you to move the group or set up earlier than previously agreed.)

Also, speak with the staff and find out if any sections need you before the show. Often, the horn line and drum line may need you to conduct segments of the show. They also might need you to time the distance from the warm-up area to the

gate.

Retreat Block Setup *Well, since retreat is only set for Finals night, make sure you look through this before hand to help aid in the process! - Type of Setup - Normal Block - Condensed Block (used when space is limited). - Straight Line (used when space is limited). - Guarding the Block

- Section leaders should also decide who will guard the equipment while the others are away (one to two members from each section).

- The Line-up Order

1. Drum Major 2. The National Flag 3. Color Guard 4. Trumpets 5. Mellophones 6. Baritones 7. Euphoniums 8. Tubas


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10.Drum Line - Left Hand Lead

- In the horn block appoint a dependable Trumpet veteran to the position of Left Hand Lead. This person begins all motion in the horn block (ripples, horns up, movement to a straight line, or movement back into the block). The person to the immediate right of the Left Hand Lead should also be a dependable veteran because this person is the link between the Left Hand Lead and the rest of the horn block. Members on the outer edges of the block should also be veterans to ensure proper execution of all block maneuvers. DIAGRAM INCLUDED

Retreat for the Drum Major

- Ask members to stand behind their equipment and wait for further instructions. - Assign a time to return to the block to prepare for retreat. Sample Show:

Mandarins Crossmen Blue Stars Colts Madison Scouts Phantom Regiment Bluecoats Cavaliers

Example report time: “Report back to the block prior to the start of the Cavalier’s show.”

-Once back in block, ask the “left hand lead” trumpet, guard captain, and drum captain to begin picking up his/her equipment. The others should follow.


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- Move into position. The corps should follow you there in single file. - Line up next to the other corps in order or in reverse order of performance. - Ask which yard line the corps should set up on when on the field.

- Corps generally set up at a 10-yard interval once they are on the field. - This yard line is the CENTER of your block; therefore the corps uses the 5-yard space on each side of the line.

- After trooping the stands, all of the corps will go to their designated yard lines one at a time. - When it is time for the Bluecoats to take the field, walk straight down the line about 5 feet past the back hash (sometimes sideline) and make room for the guard to pass you. - The color guard should set up on the top of the field numbers that are closest to the front sideline. - After the color guard passes you, the horn line will begin lining up on the back sideline (six people across). - Once the first six horn players are ready to go, give them a forward march vocal command. Do not worry about giving these members a halt command because a PREDETERMINED member in each line will do this. - Continue the previous instructions until all of the horn players are set up in the complete block. (Sometimes, the contra basses will


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set themselves up in various formations and giving them a forward march command is not always necessary). - Now that everyone is in position, briefly look over the block and make sure that all is in order.

- Look for: crooked lines, faults with uniforms, yard line crossing. Avoid letting Corps members cross into or out of the block.

- Once you have looked over the block, officially turn over the block to the Horn Sergeant, the Drum Captain, and the Guard Captain. - Make your way to the front sideline for the presentation of the Awards. -Front Sideline: - Halt - Stand at attention

- Move to Parade rest and wait for our score to be announced. - When the score is announced, move to attention. - March forward 2-3 steps. - Salute - Receive awards. - Walk or march back to the front sideline. - Place award in front of you. - Move back to attention, and then to parade rest. - Repeat the previous steps if more awards are given. - Once the awards ceremony is over, the DM’s are dismissed. - Give awards to members, who will carry them out of the stadium. - Later, give all awards, especially checks, to the Corps Director.


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- Return to the block and stand by the National Flag.

The corps must march past, and in front of, the winning corps as it exits the field. Since the Color Guard leads the corps off

the field, making sure that the corps marches in the right direction is the responsibility of the guard captain.

- New Style Dismissal (finals night) - All of the corps perform a selection in unison (America O Canada, Champions Fanfare, etc.)

Not all retreats are exactly in these formats (especially shows

held in domed stadiums). In some cases you just have to follow the instructions of the show coordinator on how

he/she wants to present the retreat ceremony.


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When to Salute

- During Parades - Toward the reviewing stand (not actually enforced, it is up to you).

- At Shows

- Salute the crowd/judges before the corps’ performance. - During Retreat

- Salute after any awards or scores are announced for the Bluecoats.

- When you feel like it


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After Performances - Circle up the corps around the director and/or corps managers who will help lead out of the stadium. - Give Feedback (always optional, but only when necessary) If you give feedback, make sure it is positive. If you do not have anything positive to say, it might be wise not to say anything, the

members know just as well as you and the staff on how great or not so great the show was.

- Allow staff to make comments and give instructions when the director is finished and corps managers have discussed logistics. Have the corps break into sections after management talk. - Give additional instructions and reminders: Bus loading time, if water is available, etc. - Give a standard closing statement so the members will know that they are free to leave: “Sections!” or “Ready-Bail!” etc.


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Loading the Busses

- Spread the word about any TENTATIVE departure times – POST THE DEPARTURE TIME ON THE BUS

- Tell the Pit (that gives them a timeframe for loading the truck). - Tell the bus gods to spread the word. - Tell Horn Sgt., Drum Captain, and Guard Captain (This also gives them a time fame for loading the truck).

- Leaving the Show Site – “GET ON THE BUS!” - Announcement of scores and awards ceremony is over - The Pit is finished loading.

- The food truck is closing down/everyone is finishing their meal.

- The corps director/corps manager says it is time to leave.

-The corps managers keep calling and asking you why the busses are not loaded ☺ -It is imperative that you make sure the members are aware of the departure time. There is no excuse! Making trips to fast food restaurants and convenient stores is acceptable, but this does not give members the privilege to be late.

- Loading/Leaving Departure Time

- Use the equipment truck whiteboard to post the departure time. Make sure this time has been discussed with the corps managers and that all parties are aware. Post the time before you get dressed in uniform and ready to leave for warm-up or immediately after you change out of uniform!


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- Make sure staff is also informed about departure times from shows, especially if there is no critique.

- Check with the bus gods on attendance

- Give the Corps Director and/or corps managers an OK when everyone is accounted for. -CHECK and DOUBLE CHECK member bus attendance. Better to be safe than sorry.


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Parades

- Things to know or do: - What is the time of the parade? - When do we step off? - Who do we follow? - Is the parade running on schedule? - How long is the parade? - Where can we warm-up and setup?

- Are we required to play as we pass reviewing stands? - During the Parade

- Look Good! You do not need to wear your helmet. Carry it in your left hand

- March behind the corps banner - Do not be a hero; get water if you need it. - Keep an eye out on the other members – are they passing out?

- Stay in eyesight or contact with the drumline. Usually, the parade sequence runs as follows:

- Cadence twice, parade tune, cadence twice, parade tune, etc. -Let members know if this decides to change!

Since the corps usually responds to a special tap or roll off, you

will only have to notify the snare section leader of any alterations.

Also, it’s ok for you to move around the block if your presence

is needed.


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Picture Day

First: Full Corps Picture - Have the members assemble in sections and standby for further instructions from the photographer.

Second: Section Pictures and Age-out Pictures

- Have the members reassemble into their groups and line up. Third: Individual Pictures Fourth: Goofy shot and additional pictures (optional) Make sure all members are properly dressed and showered and the

males have shaved. Just combing your hair or running through the showers is not

acceptable. Bluecoats always present themselves in a professional, clean

manner.

*Today, it is very rare for us as a corps to take time out of the competitive schedule to take full corps and/or individual pictures. This is usually saved for the finals night full corps picture taken on quarters or semis. But, if the instance does arise, you now have information you can use.


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The Role of the Leadership Team

The primary role of any section leader, horn sergeant, drum captain or color guard captain is to SET THE EXAMPLE on the field, and

make sure the JOBS ARE BEING COMPLETED off the field.. - The characteristics of the leadership team: - Lead by Example! - Able to handle many responsibilities and commitments. - Serves as the go-to person for his or her section.

- Supervises any jobs for which his or her section is responsible. - Is on-call to help the Drum Major.

- Drum Captain: 1 person Note: In addition to the Percussion Captain there should be a “go-to” person selected for the front ensemble. This person would primarily be responsible for loading/unloading of front ensemble equipment. Primary Responsibilities:

• The Percussion Captain serves as the “go-to” person for the

percussion section. • The Percussion Captain maintains proper care of percussion

equipment, including loading and upkeep of the percussion section of the equipment trailer.


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• The Percussion Captain works with crew leaders in the percussion section to make sure that all responsibilities are being met and all jobs are being completed.

Policies to enforce: • No drum pads are played after lights out (at housing sites or

on the bus). • No playing on instruments in the gym. • All members of the percussion section should attend

rehearsals and complete jobs on time. • Any and all percussion-specific and general corps policies.

Crews to Manage: • Bass Drum Lining Crew: 1 crew, all members, responsible

for lining the percussion field before stretch.

- Guard Captain: 1 person Primary Responsibilities: • The Guard Captain serves as the “go-to” person for the color

guard section. • The Guard Captain maintains proper care and inventory of

guard equipment. • The Guard Captain works with crew leaders in the guard

section to make sure that all responsibilities are being met and all jobs are being completed.

- Policies to enforce:


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• All make-up should be completed before cleaning crews enter locker rooms, or must be put on outside of housing sites or on the bus.

• Guard Equipment is not allowed on the bus, unless specifically requested by the Caption Head or the Director.

• All Guard members should attend rehearsals and complete their jobs on time.

• Any and all other guard-specific and general corps policies. - Crews to Manage: • Sound System Crew: 1 or more crews, 1-2 members each,

responsible for transporting, charging and storing the sound system on a daily basis.

• Lining Crew: 2 crews, 6-7 members each (including yard marker person), 1 crew leader per crew, responsible for lining the color guard field before stretch.

• Equipment Crew: 2 crews, 4 members each, responsible for getting equipment on and off the truck for rehearsals and performances.

• Guard Box Crew: guard members not busy with other crews carry guard box to rehearsals and performances.

- Horn Sergeant: 1 person Primary Responsibilities: • The Horn Sergeant serves as the “go-to” person for the brass

section. • The Horn Sergeant maintains proper care and loading of the

brass instruments. • The Horn Sergeant works with crew leaders within the horn

line to make sure that all responsibilities are being met and all jobs are being completed.


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Policies to enforce: • All members of the horn line should attend rehearsals and

complete their jobs on time. • All instruments should be cleaned and polished before each

performance. • When set down, all instruments should be lined up together,

in score order. • Any and all brass-specific and general full corps policies.

Crews to manage: • Trumpet Ensemble Field Lining Crew: 2 crews, 6-7 members

each, 1 crew leader per crew responsible for lining ensemble field before stretch.

• Trumpet Restroom/ Locker Room Cleaning Crew: 1 male crew, 1 female crew, 5 members each, responsible for cleaning bathrooms and locker rooms 30 minutes before departure.

• Mellophone Field Cleaning Crew: 3 crews (one for each field), 2-3 members each, responsible for cleaning the fields 30 minutes before departure.

• Mellophone Prop Loading Crew: need for crew depends on needs for any particular season.

• Baritone Ladder Crew: 1 crew, 4 people, responsible for carrying ladders to and from the equipment trailer, and then loading them.

• Baritone Scaffolding Crew: 4 crews, 5 members per crew, 1 crew leader per crew, responsible for setting up scaffolding before stretch, tearing down after rehearsal, and loading on the equipment truck.

• Tuba Chuck Truck Crew: 2 crews (1 set up, 1 loading), 6 people (or half of tuba section) per crew, 1 crew leader per crew, responsible for setting up chuck truck upon arrival at school, and loading chuck truck 30 minutes before departure.


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• Tuba Trash Crews: 4 crews, 3 people per crew, responsible for taking trash to dumpster after every meal.

Uniform Etiquette

- Welcome to your super suit. In it you feel great, like you can do anything and no one can touch you. Always respect that feeling and the uniform you wear. - Always applaud respectfully and modestly for other corps when not at attention. Show respect, especially if you are wearing your member jacket. - If the crowd gives a standing ovation, you should too (modestly). - Never look inappropriate: - Do not run. - Do not chew gum. - Do not use the rest room unless it is an emergency. - Do not eat. - Do not drink (water is OK). - Do not sit on the ground. - Do not speak inappropriately: - No cursing. - Do not yell and/or scream.

- Do not make negative comments about our organization or its members. - Do not make negative comments about another organization or its members.


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- Be polite to others. - Do not smoke or use any other tobacco products. - Do not consume any drugs or alcoholic beverages.

- Always walk with a partner from our corps. Walk in two’s or more!

All of these rules also apply to any members wearing any other kinds of Bluecoat apparel (corps jacket, member shirt, etc).

The Penny and Shoestring Tradition

This tradition was started by the 1992 Bluecoats as a means for establishing stronger unity within the corps and stronger allegiance to the organization. The shoestring is colored Blue, for the color of the blood that runs through a Bluecoat’s veins. The circular shape of the shoestring represents the vital link between the Bluecoats of the past and those of the present and future. The shoestring is given to each rookie member upon the completion of his/her first show. After receiving his or her shoestring, a rookie is no longer considered a rookie, but rather a “new member” who has gained the knowledge and experience necessary to successfully complete the season as a Bluecoat. The shoestring is worn proudly around the neck of the member and is worn under the uniform during the shows and other performances. Although the blue shoestring identifies the wearer as a new member of the Bluecoats, possession of the silver penny identifies that same member as a seasoned veteran who has remained dedicated and committed to his/her fellow Bluecoats, the organization, and its ideals. The blue shoestring is carefully threaded through the opening


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of the silver penny and is firmly retied to itself, reinforcing the strength and unity of the Bluecoat Family. The silver penny, given to each and every member on the morning of Finals, holds with it the life-long memories, the heartfelt tears, and the romantic exhilaration of the season as it comes to an end. Although the silver finish may fade and the strands of the blue shoestring may break, the memories and friendships born through the season will last a lifetime.

Obtaining the Shoestrings and Pennies Even though the Drum Major makes the following purchases with his/her own money, the corps will ultimately reimburse all of these

expenses. See the Corps Director for more information. - Materials: - Number of Shoestrings = number of rookies + 15.

- The extra 15 shoestrings are for veterans that have lost or broken their shoestrings.

- 135 to 140 NEW pennies

- The date of the pennies should coincide with the year of the current drum corps season.

- Nickels - Five-year members should receive nickels. - Several replacement pennies

- For veterans that have lost their pennies from previous years – find out what years they need.

- Where to search for pennies - Genevieve or Bill


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- Where to search for shoestrings

- Ask the Corps Director. The corps owns A LOT of blue shoestrings.

- Give Pennies to Dave Glasgow, Scott Swaldo, or Ted Swaldo. - Talk to Dave in advance, or talk to him at a camp. - Ask him to put a silver finish on and a hole in each penny.

- Give Dave the pennies at the beginning of tour. - The pennies do not have to be done until finals week. Make sure to thank Ted and all those involved in helping the

tradition! Bluecoats Drum Majors 1972 - Present

1972: 1973: 1974: Frank Metzger, Jay Davis 1975: Frank Metzger, Larry Gessner 1976: John Climer 1977: John Climer 1978: John Climer 1979: Inactive 1980: Larry Rebillot, Terry Wilson 1981: Larry Rebillot, Cindy Inglis 1982: Brad Gessner, Michelle Newsome 1983: Inactive 1984: Scott Swaldo, Craig Young 1985: Scott Swaldo 1986: Scott Wintrup 1987: Brad Reyes, Russ Hickey 1988: Chip Kolesar, Scott Wintrup 1989: Chip Kolesar, Brian Bambauer 1990: Chip Kolesar, Brian Bambauer


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1991: Chip Kolesar 1992: Chris Miles, Andy Bugosh 1993: Chris Miles 1994: Charles Stewart 1995: Charles Stewart 1996: Victor Banfield, Mark Hart 1997: Mark Hart, John David Mayo 1998: John David Mayo, Stacey Siak 1999: Brian Ecton 2000: David Glasgow, Chris Key 2001: David Glasgow 2002: James Landrum, Erin O’Dore 2003: Ian Kraynack, Erin O’Dore 2004: Joe Beitman, Casey Hawthorne 2005: Joe Beitman, Lizz Lewis 2006: Joe Beitman, Lizz Lewis 2007: Lizz Lewis 2008: Joe Falcon, Mike Huebner 2009: Eric Humbert Story 2010: Eric Humbert Story 2011: Jon Lomax, Dave Schaefer 2012: Haley Burks, Dave Schaefer 2013: Willie Veenstra 2014: Willie Veenstra

Introduction C - Monterastellimonterastelli.com/drumcorps/DMBook.pdf · Introduction...

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Transcript of Introduction C - Monterastellimonterastelli.com/drumcorps/DMBook.pdf · Introduction...