Corps Encore to feature hundreds of hard-working performers
Jul 9, 2024, 1:03 PM
FILE -- Drum Major Corey Moore leads the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps during their performance in the Corps Encore competitions at Weber State University in Ogden July 8, 2009. (Michael Brandy/Deseret News)
(Michael Brandy/Deseret News)
OGDEN, Utah — Drum and Bugle Corps from across the country will perform in Weber State’s Stewart Stadium on July 10. Corps Encore highlights the hard work of the participants and educators who make the high-energy shows possible.
The groups have spent hours over the past months preparing their shows. Now, they are traveling around the U.S. to perform at competitions. Ogden is just one stop.
Nine groups will perform on Wednesday night in Ogden. The line-up will include The Battalion, the only corps based in Utah.
Judges score the groups on several factors, including musical and visual performance.
According to Drum Corps International, the nonprofit that organizes and sanctions drum corps competitions across the U.S., each corps is comprised of about 150 members.
According to the event website, stadium doors will open Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The show will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online.
What is a drum corps? Isn’t it just marching band?
Like marching band, drum corps combines music and movement into one performance presented on a football field. However, there are a number of differences between the activities.
According to Drum Corps International, one difference is who manages a group. Marching bands are often affiliated with a school and receive funding from it.
In contrast, drum corps are independent nonprofit organizations. They rely on fees that members pay to participate and audition. Drum Corps also rely on donations.
Secondly, in drum corps, there are a limited number of spots. Per DCI, drum corps have membership limits set at 150 participants.
The Battalion’s website said that over 8,000 members audition each year.
In contrast, scholastic marching bands are typically all-inclusive. Whoever is interested can join a scholastic marching band.
Additionally, there are age restrictions. According to DCI, drum corps participation is limited to those between 14 and 21 years old at the beginning of the season. Comparatively, college marching bands usually have no age limit.
Finally, there is a difference in the type of instruments that are included.
A marching band includes woodwind instruments, such as flutes and clarinets. However, drum corps include only brass and percussion instruments.
The two groups have similarities, too. For example, both groups include a color guard which provides visual elements to the show. The color guard typically spins flags, wooden rifles, or sabres.
Mariah Maynes is a digital content producer for KSL NewsRadio.
Related: What it takes to make a high school marching band show
