Why play more, when less is just as effective?   Posted 06 JUL 2006 by Andrew

In my judging experiences the past few years, I have noticed that a lot of drum corps are trying to play music that has phrases that are technically difficult. In a lot of these instances, the technical level of the scoring is obviously above the ability level of the corps players (meaning everyone in the corps, not just the lead and 2nd best player). In other instances scoring is attempted that requires more control over a longer phrasing (such as roll patterns) where players are unable to maintain the precision necessary for the duration of the phrase.

As an adjudicator, the first thing I'm looking for is that a corps started, played, and ended their performance in perfect unison. This may be achieved by playing simpler scores, but in actuality the difficulty of the scores is not what I consider first. A corps that plays difficult music poorly will be rated lower than one that plays simpler music with precision. Composers must consider the ability of every single player in the corps and write scores that keep the best players interested and the weaker players challenged. This is a fine line and one walked carefully even by the best composers, leaders and players.

So that brings us why play more when less is just as effective? My suggestion to corps looking for a way to take their performance to the next competitive level is to start by examining the actual scores being played. Are they too difficult? Are there phrases that are simply not being executed cleanly? It is NEVER too late to rearrange a score if it is not working. Do not feel like you must play a score all year the same way if it is not doing your corps justice. Most importantly, when you are practicing - do not allow unclean corpsing! Keep in mind that judges are generally less likely to be listening to what you are playing if you are not executing in unison in the first place!

Welcome To Our Blog   Posted 09 MAY 2006 by Andrew

This section will be used by our Principals to share tips, advice or other insights on a frequent basis. It's not exactly news - but just little things that we might care to share from our daily drummings.

Hopefully you will enjoy coming back here often to read the latest Percussive Pondering.