You do NOT have to march corps or WGI to get a gig at a "legit" drumline. What exactly defines a "legit" drumline anyway?

I marched one year of corps back in 1990 in the front ensemble and the BD I'm currently working for didn't find out about that until 3 years ago (I've been there 6 years). So what got me the job then? Well, I had worked with other programs in the past, I had recommendations from past BD's and other instructors. Oh, and the fact that I know my stuff and can talk about my teaching philosophies, techniques, etc.

It's not about having marched corps, it's about how you can relate to the students as a teacher.

Not necessarily true.

You're absolutely right that you need to "build a resume", but it doesn't need to include DCI or WGI. I actually know of a few instructors at successful programs who never marched drum corps or WGI.

To get a gig, you simply need to convince the director that you know what you're doing and/or you can get the job done. DCI or WGI experience definitely speak to your ability, as would DCA experience or playing in a good college line. Experience as a tech at a successful program also counts as a positive. Another way to prove yourself is to take a gig at a new or lesser program and build it into something. But of course, if you do that, you may stop searching for a gig with a "legit drumline" when you realize you built one yourself.

DCI/WGI/DCA experience is not required, and any individual who makes it a requirement to get or hold a position is stupid. It's about being able to relate to the students and knowledge of the subject.

I've never marched DCI or WGI or DCA. I march in the Bridgemen Alumni Corps in 07 and in 08. I have a drumline that went undefeated in last year's regular season, a group that consistently places top 5 or better in percussion at championships, constant statements from judges about great arranging and solid programming. I've just been asked to consult with a group on an idea of incorporating rope drums into their show next year.

So... yeah, you can do good stuff without the DCI/WGI/DCA experience.

The best part of my resume isn't printed.

Every teaching job I've ever had was because someone recommended me as the result of a successful working relationship as either a colleague or competitor.

Yes, I actually had a competitor suggest me as their replacement upon their resignation from a program. That was a cool feeling.

And I will agree that DCI/WGI/DCA is not necessary, but I will tell you that the first thing I ask when I meet a colleague or interview a tech is where they've marched- not as a status symbol, just to get a feel for what their used to and what I can expect.

A good example of someone who NEVER marched drum corps or indoor but has taught some amazing groups and players is Martin Vasquez aka MV. MV is the guy who taught cats like Nick Angelis and Colin McNutt. I also know MV was a consultant for many Thom Hannum programs. The thing is marching in a corps or indoor is great for experience and it MIGHT help you get your foot in the door to say you marched with X corps. At the end of the day its all about can you relate the information to the kids and have them understand and execute.

Hmm, I think this is interesting and would love to respond but I have two questions:

1. What is a "legit" drumline? Is this a BOA/USSBA chamionships level competition? Is it WGI Championships level? Is it PASIC HS level?

2. If not DCI or WGI playing experience, then where do you gain the experience of playing and rehearsing at a high level? A college drumline? Going to DCI rehearsals? Lessons?

I am asking for all who have responded to this thread, I am just curious as to what the general perception is so far.

I try not to post too much honestly, but this one peaked my interest.

Thank you for indulging me.

NL

1. In my book, those are exactly what legit drumlines are.
2. I'm wondering this too.

1. you dont have to be competing at those levels to be a "legit" drumline. because look at Mission Viejos line, they dont compete in BOA but they spank people in wgi, and probably pasic. and snugglebunny of lines dont compete in any of the circuits above even if they are at that level. just because a line is in a certain circuit doesn't make them a legit line, because what really sets the standard of a legit line? there is no law or anything stating that you or your line need to be at a certain level before they are "legit" I personally believe that as long as you have people on the line, that is legit. even though im not saying that being at those levels wouldn't be nice but just because your not competing at a national level doesnt mean your line is not "legit".

2. not to be rude or anything but a lot of these DCI and WGI experienced guys come out and try to teach lines and fail miserably, theres a fine line between high school and DCI or WGI. I think its more personal connection and how well you teach the kids rather than your own personal experience, though im sure that it will come into play and help.

NeU2TeNorZ,

I am puzzled by your response to #1, you used Mission as an example for not doing BOA but that they spank people in WGI. Perhaps you thought I meant you had to do ALL of those to be "legit". "Legit" really can mean whatever works for your group/band/school/community. I will say that competing in those national level circuit/competitions lends a legitimacy to the performance levels, a validation and a diversity of competition that you cannot at your local marching band or indoor circuit show.

In regards to your response to #2, there are bad teachers no matter where they have or haven't marched. Again I ask:

If not DCI or WGI playing experience, then where do you gain the experience of playing and rehearsing at a high level? A college drumline? Going to DCI rehearsals? Lessons?

Thank you for your response, this is great!

NL

I'll take this one on Neil

1) A legit drumline is a drumline that straps up their drums and plays. They can be self taught, have an instructor, compete in just their local circuits, or just compete at random shows, compete BOA/USSBA, it doesn't matter. Or, they can just perform at halftime shows. The point is, if they are playing, they are playing and that's the important thing. How many "pro" guitarists call themselves legit and they can't play the three chords from "Louie, Louie?"

2) In my opinion, you can learn just as much about drumming and musicianship in college as you can in WGI or DCI. In fact, I think you can learn more at the college level. For WGI and DCI you spend the entire season learning one show. At many universities, you learn a new show for each game. If you're a music major, you're going to be exposed to melodic percussion as well. I personally believe that all music ties together in some form. For example, I have an incoming freshman that wasn't quite ready for a drum for the fall. But, I want to get experience obviously. So, he can already read music so he's playing a keyboard part in the pit. He's got a nice xylo part that will keep him plenty busy and I'm showing him how his xylo playing can easily transer over to a drum. It all connects.