Posted by joe drum corps on October 17, 2003 at 22:36:49:
In Reply to: To Drum Corp or not to Drum Corp... posted by Tuba Nerd on October 16, 2003 at 18:02:08:
Absolutely do it!!
Although the "academic" tuba community poo-poo's it constantly, there are MANY top brass players throughout the country that have been part of a corps sometime during their life. Many now play in major orchestras or are top freelancers.
In fact, one of the highest paid and most successful brass players I know (has a major TV gig) learned just about everything in drum corps and endorses it completely.
There is nowhere in school where you can get as intense of an experience.
Anywhere where you can spend 12 hours a day playing the horn and focus ONLY on that is a wonderful thing!! The drum corps experience is not to be confused with or compared to marching band, the experience is much different.
The percussion community embraces drum corps wholeheartedly and recognizes its benefits. The brass world has been slower to come around...
It wont hurt you as long as you go with a corps that has a great brass program. Most top corps nowadays play on quality Bb instruments (and have large equipment endorsements) and most instructors are accomplished themselves. It is somewhat of a sub-culture and can be engrossing, but is a positive experience all the way. There is a very limited time of your life that you are eligible and physically able, so go for it.
By all means, do it if you have the chance. And NO, you wont overdevelop your lip.
peace