Masters of the Marching Arts

by George Oliviero

“In second place with a score of…………….” We’ve all heard those words in one context or another. For drum corps fans, the announcement of the scores is the moment to hold one’s breath and to cross one’s fingers, hoping that…

I’m sure that most MMA readers know that Bob Locke, who marched in the Charlestown Majestic Knights, Somerville Annunciators, and 27th Lancers passed away last year. He is survived by his wife Roberta; his children Robert, Thomas, Aimee, Renee, and Janeen; his brother...

THE QUESTION: Dear Mr. Kerchner, I’m a lifelong drum corps fan and feel I have been very patient through the years with all the changes DCI has made but enough is enough. I saw the quarter finals in 2019 at the movie theatre and was astounded first by the costuming,...

I made another trip around the sun last week. It started me thinking about corps memories from nearly six decades ago. I remember the night my best friend and I tried out for the color guard, but I don't remember anyone else who tried out that night. There were nearly...

In Part ONE, we covered brass.
In Part TWO, we covered electronics.
Next, we look at the evolution of Repertoire.
Back in the day, drum corps played complete songs. Remember that?

Chick joined the St. Rose Scarlet Lancers in the Fall of 1956, and left to take a job with his father and uncle at a dance club in Hyannis during the mid-1959 season. He marched the entire 1957 class B season, 1958 class A season, and part of the 1959 season. Two...

It was a simpler time in New York City. Corps directors had jobs in the real world. Instructors had no assistants— they taught what they created. Corps members were from the neighborhood, and “outsiders” were from a relatively short subway stop or bus ride away.

Calling all drum corps members: drummers, guard members, and horn players alike. If you have been out of practice, it is high time to get back in shape! This season is going to materialize before you know it and you had better be ready. The first few times out on the...