so there I was watching a drum corp show (scouts are really great this year!!) and I was just wondering what anyone thought of the whole drumcorp mallet playing experience. Good for your chops or bad?? etc..

Scott

My drum corps mallet playing experience was in the summer of 99 with the Cavaliers. I found it to be wonderful for my chops, development of ensmeble responsiblity, and making great friendships. Some people argue that drum corps abuse the instruments and players, and when I "marched"/participated we were aware of these abusive tendencies and avoided them at all costs. All drum corps do not subscribe to the same beliefs and practices we had at the Cavaliers, but as a collective, I feel that being in a front ensemble with a Drum and Bugle Corps is extremely developmental for your chops (musically and technically), ensemble awareness and responsibility, and learning how to make something perfect. I found it to be a wonderful experience that if I were young enough to do over and over again, I would.

I marched corps for 2 years in Regiment, and Blue Devils. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Jen

I don't have any experience with drum corps, but I do have a question about the "pit" work where (all? most?) mallet work takes place, as I understand it...

Question: in terms of the mallet instruments, are there several players on each part, or is it "one on a part" (one person covers the vibes, one covers the marimba, etc...)?

There's an aspect of ensemble playing that percussionists don't ever have to deal with when in school, which is matching the phrasing of an entire section covering the same part. String players do this in an orchestra, with half-a-dozen or more players all covering the same first violin part (etc.,), having to agree on phrasing, bowing, articulation, etc.

While college/university percussionists deal with ensemble playing in the orchestra, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble, etc., they rarely - if ever - deal with these fine details, as it's usually "one on a part." If drum corps performance addresses this, then it *has* to be a benefit, whether the player continues on in corps-style work or not.

Just my $.02 - I'll be interested in hearing from some drum corps veterans...

JW