Miami students marching to the beat of independent drum corps
Experience combines music, athleticism, and visual storytelling
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Published
Sam Eifert is one of Miami University's students marching with various independent drum corps this summer. Independent drum corps are marching ensembles that are not affiliated with any school or university that compete in regional and national competitions.
Miami students marching to the beat of independent drum corps
•
Published
A number of Miami University students are marching with various independent drum corps this summer, joining a unique tradition in performing arts that combines and showcases music, athleticism, and visual storytelling into one performance.
Independent drum corps are marching ensembles that are not affiliated with any school or university that compete in regional and national competitions. These drum corps are known for being prestigious and recruit students from all over the country and are a part of a larger association called the Drum Corps International (DCI).
“Drum Corp International is a group of musicians, made of brass, percussion, and color guards, from all over the country. These groups of musicians are competitive in nature and require the scene of artistry to present a musical production,” said Michael LaMattina, Miami University percussion instructor.
For nearly 50 years, DCI has been a world leader in producing elite marching ensembles. DCI works to deliver "excellence in performance and life” to over 7.2 million members ages 13 to 22 across the United States, according to the Drum Corps International website.
Drum corps and marching bands are often thought of as being similar; however, there are a few key differences. Marching bands are affiliated with a school or university while drum corps are associated with a town or city and have historical roots. Marching bands use different woodwind instruments while drum and bugle corps only use brass and percussion instruments.
“An independent marching band is commonly referred to as ‘professional marching band,’ and usually involves a rigorous schedule, with a higher skill-level and competitive nature than college marching bands,” Miami University student Sam Eifert explained.
Eifert and Sofia Bolda are two Miami University students marching with independent drum corps this summer.
Eifert, a senior Music Performance major, is marching with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps on the tenor line. The 165-member ensemble attended 25 competitions across the United States, including the Drum Corps International World Championships in August.
“I have found a lot of development in my musical ability, playing everyday and getting constant feedback,” Eifert said. “Drum corps push you through a lot of extreme physical and mental challenges, building leadership, teamwork, accountability, work ethic, and friendships that will last for life.”
Bolda, a senior Music Education major, is in her fourth year marching with an independent drum corp and her second summer with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps. The Colts traveled thousands of miles around the country this summer with over 30 performances.
For students like Eifert and Bolda, marching in these prestigious ensembles is an opportunity to grow beyond their musical abilities. Having 10 hour days builds a good work ethic as well as strengthening physical and mental states. Playing in front of crowds of 20,000 to 30,000 people requires a zone of concentration that is learned through playing in these drum corps.
Their dedication serves as inspiration to other Miami students interested in joining a drum corps.
Seeing the passion, work ethic, and discipline it takes to march with a prestigious drum corps can inspire other students to put in the same effort and work to reach their goals.
Independent drum corps are marching ensembles that are not affiliated with any school or university that compete in regional and national competitions. These drum corps are known for being prestigious and recruit students from all over the country and are a part of a larger association called the Drum Corps International (DCI).
“Drum Corp International is a group of musicians, made of brass, percussion, and color guards, from all over the country. These groups of musicians are competitive in nature and require the scene of artistry to present a musical production,” said Michael LaMattina, Miami University percussion instructor.
For nearly 50 years, DCI has been a world leader in producing elite marching ensembles. DCI works to deliver "excellence in performance and life” to over 7.2 million members ages 13 to 22 across the United States, according to the Drum Corps International website.
Drum corps and marching bands are often thought of as being similar; however, there are a few key differences. Marching bands are affiliated with a school or university while drum corps are associated with a town or city and have historical roots. Marching bands use different woodwind instruments while drum and bugle corps only use brass and percussion instruments.
“An independent marching band is commonly referred to as ‘professional marching band,’ and usually involves a rigorous schedule, with a higher skill-level and competitive nature than college marching bands,” Miami University student Sam Eifert explained.
Eifert and Sofia Bolda are two Miami University students marching with independent drum corps this summer.
Eifert, a senior Music Performance major, is marching with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps on the tenor line. The 165-member ensemble attended 25 competitions across the United States, including the Drum Corps International World Championships in August.
“I have found a lot of development in my musical ability, playing everyday and getting constant feedback,” Eifert said. “Drum corps push you through a lot of extreme physical and mental challenges, building leadership, teamwork, accountability, work ethic, and friendships that will last for life.”
Bolda, a senior Music Education major, is in her fourth year marching with an independent drum corp and her second summer with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps. The Colts traveled thousands of miles around the country this summer with over 30 performances.
For students like Eifert and Bolda, marching in these prestigious ensembles is an opportunity to grow beyond their musical abilities. Having 10 hour days builds a good work ethic as well as strengthening physical and mental states. Playing in front of crowds of 20,000 to 30,000 people requires a zone of concentration that is learned through playing in these drum corps.
Their dedication serves as inspiration to other Miami students interested in joining a drum corps.
Seeing the passion, work ethic, and discipline it takes to march with a prestigious drum corps can inspire other students to put in the same effort and work to reach their goals.
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the College of Creative Arts? Visit the website for more information.
