Drum and bugle corps (modern)

A modern drum and bugle corps (or drum corps) is a musical performing unit consisting of only brass, percussion, and color guard. The majority of drum corps are independently operated non-profit groups; very few are run by high schools or universities. Competitions occur on football fields and are scored by circuit-approved judges based upon musical performance and effect as well as the performance and effect of the movement of the elements of the corps. The movement is a combination of military-style marching and dance, intended to provide a smooth movement to allow ease of performance, and includes substantial input from the color guard which is predominately an expressive component, whose equipment traditionally includes flags, rifles, and sabres. Corps are colorfully and distinctively uniformed, although guard members typically wear more theatrical costumes that are largely predicated on the theme of the corps' musical presentation, which usually changes from year to year.

Related Topics:
Brass - Percussion - Color guard - High school - Universities

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The modern drum corps movement stems from a rich history. The first drum and bugle corps were signaling units within the military during the Civil War, and continued to exist through World War I. With the advent of the radio, the military found easier ways to communicate and found itself with a surplus of bugles and drums. These were sold or donated to various American Legion or Veterans of Foreign War posts to create civilian drum and bugle corps. They played mainly the same signals used in battle, but over time, as the instruments evolved and competitions were created, regular music was added to their repertoire. Today, American drum and bugle corps are divided into two types, junior and senior, and have advanced far beyond the rudimentary days of their beginnings.

Related Topics:
History - Junior - Senior

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The primary purpose of modern drum corps is to provide a musical and life educational experience for its members. To this end, drum corps create a show, instruct their members in it, and take it on the road to various locations to compete with other corps. Competitions take place in a circuit, with many local and national circuits worldwide having been established. Corps also appear in a wide variety of other performances, such as parades, festivals, and other civic and private events throughout the summer. Musical repertoires vary widely between corps, including classical, jazz, big band, contemporary, Broadway, Latin, etc. Many corps are known for featuring a particular genre. The length of each corps' performance varies with circuit, but is usually between 10 and 12 minutes.

Related Topics:
Classical - Jazz - Big band - Contemporary - Broadway - Latin

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Drum corps vary significantly in size worldwide. The largest tend to be found in North America, where the premier corps are limited to 135 members and often attain this number. European and Asian corps tend to be smaller: in Europe, a corps of 60 members would now be considered large.

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About half of each corps' members are horn players, a quarter are percussionists, and a quarter are guard members. There are also a small number (usually one or two) of drum majors.

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