While looking for something else I came across this website (link below) and have attached an article from the site archive. Interesting considering it was written in 1962 and echos some of the changes that have occurred with DCI almost 40 years later.


http://historical-drum-corps-publications.blogspot.com/2006_03_29_archive.html

The Forum
The Case Against Drum Corps
By Steve Rosenstein
DCN Aug. 29, 1962

While thumbing through a back issue of "The Instrumentalist" (Nov. '59), I ran across an article entitled: "For Musical Reasons - SHOULD THE DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS BE REPLACED BY THE BRASS BAND?". Here, in part, is what the author, Arthur L. Williams, found in a survey of 100 college band directors.

To the question, "Would you favor replacing the drum and bugle corps with an all-brass band?" , 40 answered yes, 35 no, and a number didn't answer because of lack of experience with drum corps. Here are a few of their comments:

"I feel both have an important place. I have heard drum and bugle corps play outside much better than most bands."

"The drum and bugle corps has a utilitarian function --- and should not be considered in the same terms as the developement of a band. The real future of the band lies on the concert stage, not in the street parades or on the football field. The drum and bugle corps is a special performing medium easily adapted to marching performances. It should be encouraged, not discouraged."

"I think drum corps are a symptom of poor musical taste and have no place in an educational situation. The problem seems to be one of raising musical intelligegence and thus decreasing the interest in such groups."

"The drum and bugle corps has very little musical value repertoire-wise, but a good deal of musical value in the areas of dynamics, articulation, blend, and balance. Because the drum and bugle corps is a simple organization, it can realize a marked degree of precision frequently missing in our outdoor bands. The corps provide for the adult who may be interested in music but who has little previous musical background. Obviously, it is musically inferior to the orchestra and band."

"I -- think -- that the drum and bugle corps can be immensely improved by the use of three valves on all bugles. (!!!!!!!). This would retain the sonority characteristic of the sound of the bugles but would have the advantage of giving them the increase of technical facility."

Professor Williams then gives his personal opinion: "Admiration for the precision marching of the drum and bugle corps is evident. However, many band directors are opposed to the drum and bugle corps on the grounds of its lack of musical expression. Although many drum and bugle corps are marked by constant overblowing of the bugles, better corps have proved that musical dynamics are possible."

"In the English brass band all 3-valved brass instruments are scored in the G clef so that they can be taught together and have the same fingerings. The fact that there are so many brass bands in England among the adult population - which does not have the school music experiences available as we have in the United States -- seems to indicate the brass band is not any more difficult to develop than a fine drum and bugle corps."

Prof. Williams concludes, "There is, however, the possibility that the drum and bugle corps could be developed into a concert organization, givingmusically satisfying concerts of the finest brass band literature, and thus adding another important community activity in which our young people could continue to enjoy the rewards of participation in instrumental music groups after they leave school."

That is, briefly, "the case against drum corps" as stated by one of the leading band magazines in the country. I will give answers to these misconceptions about drum corps in the next issue of DCN. If you have any comment, pro or con, concerning this subject, send them to: Steve Rosenstein, Torrington, Connecticut.

What did you do in the Corps? Baritone--Cadets 1959 through 1961 Imperials 1962 through 1966

John, a very interesting piece. Much of what was discussed in the article has happened. In fact, you could even say that drum corps have become bands ... and bands have taken on many aspects of drum corps. They have become virtually the same.

What did you do in the Corps? drummer

What years were you a Corps member? 1958-63

Although the article has a 1962 date, the band magazine item is actually almost 50 years old (not 40). So it took a long time but the Band educators' views have come about.

What did you do in the Corps? Baritone--Cadets 1959 through 1961 Imperials 1962 through 1966

I am in agreement with Dave here. Much of what was discussed by those band directors in the article has indeed come to reality. However, the 'top' drum corps are utilizing Bb instruments and not employing instruments pitched in G, which is destroying what difference there was between corps and bands. It also might be the reason that corps are now experiencing sound projection issues which has prompted to passing of amplification for the instruments. There is a very big difference in the respective instrument's bore size and capacity to produce sound. Why do you think bands have used amplification for so many years? Simply because they don't project as well. The only corps that seem to realize this fact are the all age corps and senior corps who still employ the use of 'G' two and three valve Instruments. They are the last remnants of the real drum corps activity as we knew it.

It's a sad day in drum corps when you really sit down and think about it. As a former corps instructor and band director, I believe that DCI should have maintained and vigilantly protected the differences between the two musical entities or mediums, by supporting rules that were originally intended to preserve the qualities that truly defined the differences between drum and bugle corps and marching bands. Now all you have to do is throw in some woodwinds and DCI quickly becomes the weak sister of Bands of America, or is that already the true reality?

With competitive bands outnumbering drum corps to the tune of over 100 to 1, it is only a matter of time before drum corps becomes totally irrelevant as an activity of choice for today's youth. Sad? Yes, because it used to be the other way around.

What did you do in the Corps? Brass Instructor, Corps Manager

The B-flat trumpets play better in tune than the G soprano.

Yes they do Jim. However I have found through the years that a good player plays "in tune" no matter what instrument you shove in their hands. The Bbs do play more in tune, but don't project as well. I guess it's a case of pick your poison.

What did you do in the Corps? Brass Instructor, Corps Manager

Just wanted to say hi to you also Jim!

Long time, no see.


I guess we could get into a debate concerning the two different instruments, but that wouldn't be productive. Let's just say that in over 35 years of teaching and judging I have heard as many out of tune trumpet players as I have heard out of tune bugle players.....Way too many.

What did you do in the Corps? Brass Instructor, Corps Manager