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Why? |
If you're like many parents, when you were approached by
your son or daughter asking if they could join a "drum
corps" for the summer, your first inclination was to
ask, "You want to do what?" "Why?" The answers are as
varied as the individuals who wish to participate.
A few years ago, a gentlemen wrote an open letter to
parents explaining his thoughts about his child
participating in drum corps. He'd done a little bit of
research about what drum corps are and why his kid
wanted to participate. His intent was to explain to
other parents why this activity was such a drawing
force, and why he felt it was a worthwhile investment of
time and money, because he wished he had known this when
he was asked by his son if he could join a corps. The
letter is widely circulated to parents these days, and
you can find it
HERE.
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What benefits will my child receive from being in
Memphis Sound Drum & Bugle Corps? |
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Character development |
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Improved self-confidence and self-esteem |
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Learning the value of teamwork |
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Learning the values of persistence, commitment to
purpose and devotion to duty |
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Learning the value of honor, responsibility, integrity,
sacrifice, and excellence |
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One-on-one instruction in marching and playing the
instrument |
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Seeing parts of the country s/he may not otherwise
experience |
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Meeting people from other areas, other states and other
countries |
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Making new, lifelong friends |
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How much does it cost? |
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For fee information, visit the
Membership page. |
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What kind of schedule is involved? |
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Following auditions in late November and December, the
members typically rehearse one weekend per month until
the end of May, from late Friday evening through Sunday
afternoon. Beginning the first week of June, rehearsals
run from roughly 8:30 AM until 9:00 PM at night, with
breaks for meals. For more information about camp and
tour schedules, see the schedule
page. |
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What about my child's school and/or band
activities? |
The Memphis Sound Drum & Bugle Corps is a
"band-friendly" corps. Any legitimate school or band
activity is considered an excused absence from camps
until the beginning of the full-time summer rehearsal
schedule. This includes activities such as Solo &
Ensemble, All-Region try-outs, band concerts, parades
and other, similar activities. All we ask is that your
child coordinate his/her schedule with the appropriate
staff member and let us know when they will be missing a
camp or a rehearsal. During the summer rehearsal and
touring season, however, the member is expected to
attend all rehearsals and performances.
In certain school systems, days missed due to winter
weather are made up at the end of the year. This may
cause school to last into the first part of June. If at
all possible, ask that your child be allowed to take
his/her exams early and explain the situation to the
school administration. In most cases, they will
accommodate the request if possible. If the Corps can
provide any assistance (i.e., documentation), please
contact the
Corps
Director.
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What kind of travel and/or housing arrangements
are necessary? |
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Each member is responsible for finding their own way to
and from the camps and rehearsals. While the Corps staff
will do everything they can to assist, no guarantees can
be made. Housing for the camps and the summer rehearsal
cycles are arranged by the Corps staff. During the
weekend camps, members are housed wherever the camp is
being held. |
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What can I do to help out? |
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The best way for you to help is to volunteer some of
your time to assist the corps with its operation. Being
entirely driven by members fees and a very modest amount
of fundraising, the corps is always in need of parents
and other volunteers to assist with such things as
cooking, sewing, chaperoning, and general help with both
camps and tours. As a part of the application process,
applicants are provided with a "Resource Survey" form
for their parents to complete. This form allows you to
specify in what areas you feel you might be of
assistance to the corps. |
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Parent Guidelines |
Parents, friends, relatives and supporters are welcome
to join us for rehearsals or performances at any time.
Note however that Corps members are under the direct
supervision of the Corps staff. We ask that, unless you
witness a dangerous or emergency situation, you do not
interfere with the operations of the corps or any of its
activities. If you have some concerns or suggestions,
please feel free to contact the Director or come by the
site Command Post. You'll find us to be very responsive
and welcome your input. We also ask that you not take
your child from the camp without checking out at the
registration table. This is necessary to ensure that we
do not "lose" anyone. We also ask that you not enter the
sleeping quarters at any camp or tour housing site.
These areas are the only "home" that the members have,
and just as you wouldn't want someone coming into your
house unannounced, the corps members feel the same way
about their "home."
You can find much more information about being a
Parent-Volunteer in the Memphis Sound Drum & Bugle Corps
Parent Volunteer Handbook. [PDF] (Note that this is
the 2005 version. A 2008 version will be available
later this year). |
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