Bishop Watterson Drumline

Philosophy

We will not worry about things beyond our control such as scores and placement. Our standards MUST be higher than any judge can hold us to. The success of our season will be determined by the achievement of our goals!!!

Goal

Our main goal is to be the best performing ensemble that we can be, and to have an enjoyable time through the process. Our only competition is ourselves, and our only obstacles are the ones we create and agree to not overcome

Tradition

Our drumlline is rooted in the DCI Drum and Bugle Corps style in the aspects of playing, marching and discipline. Drum Corps is a competetive environment that has it's roots in military marching bands. This millitaristic idea of discipline allows us to perform and focus at the highest level of our abilities, and will develop a sense of PROFESSIONALISM not seen in many other high school drumlines. In our drumline DISCIPLINE is not a bad word!
Being in a competetive environment also means that we have the added pressure of putting our stuff "on the line" against other drumlines and bands. Competetive bands stress the education of the performers in their subject area (music). High scores and awards are only part of the motivation. This means that we do what we do to become better musicians and performers, and NOT to support athletic groups.

Attitude

We all love to drum, and THAT is why we should be here!!!! I very rarely have problems with people that have negative attitudes ,and I am thankfull for that. The amount of fun that we have, and the level of discipline is set by the members of the program alone. We all know practice can only be fun if we are focused and doing the right thing.

As a member of the drumline, you should always come to rehearsal eager to learn and grow as a musician, and ready to focus on new ways to improve yourself

As always, our main goal is to have fun while doing this, but NOT at the expense of the work you put into it.

Competitions are not won at the show. They are won AT HOME, ON THE BOARDS, IN LESSONS, AND ON THE PRACTICE FIELD!!!!!

Organization

The Drumline has always been one of the most organized sections in the band, which is a GREAT testament to your maturity as a performer, so lets keep this tradition alive! The most successful organizations in ANY activity are the ones who are the most organized and prepared. Make sure that your organized preparation includes :
1. knowing the schedule, and being here when you should
2. having all materials needed for effective participation in rehearsal
3. learning your music the DAY THAT YOU GET IT, and memorizing as quick as possible

Organization should be a year 'round goal, not only for drumline, but for life.

To lose or forget things is like saying "I don't care". DO NOT compromise the success of your fellow drummers, and the organization by being unprepared!

Attendance

You must attend all of the camps and scheduled rehearsals to improve at the same pace as the rest of the line!
If you miss, you not only hurt your own progress, but you also hurt those with you in the group. IF PRACTICES ARE NOT TOP PRIORITY IN YOUR SCHEDULE, THERE IS NO WAY WE WILL MEET OUE GOALS, OR BE SUCCESSFUL!!! Please consider this before you commit!
As metioned in the organization caption, saying "I forgot" is like saying "I don't care".

The attendace policy is: if you miss more than 2 of any scheduled rehearsals for ANY REASON other than family emergency or sickness ( that you inform me of beforehand) your position in the line will be reconsidered. Obviously I will be considerate of situations as long as I am given the courtesy of notice as soon as possible, but consistent absence or skiping shows me that you don't care. You are given the schdule for the any activity wiht enough time to schedule work, family events, sports practices, rides etc.

For marching band drumline members, our mandatory band camp is ALWAYS the first two weeks of August. YOU MAY NOT MISS EITHER ONE OF THESE WEEKS FOR ANY REASON! We cover too much information in these 2 weeks for you to miss any part. In light of this, I highly suggest scheduling family vacations in June or July. Also, starting on the 3rd Saturday of September, and going until the first Saturday of November, do not plan anything on Saturdays as we will be at competitions the whole day!

Placements/Auditions

We do not have try-outs for the different instruments in the High School programs. i do placement by observing the level of dedication of being the best musician, performer, and person that you show me from THE FIRST TIME I MEET YOU! This could be in Honor Band in 6th grade, private lesons, summer of freshman year etc. I TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION ALL THE ASPECTS OF YOUR INVOLVEMENT, including organization, attendance, preparation, "away from drumline" life skills and interactons etc.

The basic rule is: if you do the work, you will land where you want to land. No one is "given" a position, especially due to seniority or other non-ability based criteria. I take "wisdom" into consideration, but not just pure age or class rank. Just so you know, here is how I focus on placement, in order from most important to least:
1. your role in the success of overall ensemble as a section and with the band
2. your success as a performer within the ensemble
3. good attitude
4. level of organization and dedication to the program
5. attendance
6. music reading/interpretation
7. chops
8. seniority

Failure to show consistent proficiancy, ability, or understanding of the aspects in itialics will be the largest determining factors in placement if all other things are equal. "You can teach chops, speed, and drumming. You can't teach attitude and personality"..Anon

2018 Practice Schedule

January 13th 1-5pm

fundamentals of discipline and movement: on boards. PT

*** there will be a parent meeting afterwards to go over the logistics of being in Drumllne, and so I can answer any questions since the time commitment, and demand of the players and the parents is MUCH DIFFERENT than that of middle school band. At least one parent should attend the meeting!!! Bring your calendars!!!!

Saturday Jan 20th 1-5

fundamentals of discipline and movement: still on boards. PT

Saturday Feb 3rd 1-5

fundamentals of discipline and movement: still on boards. PT

Saturday Feb 17th 1-5

fundamentals of discipline and movement: still on boards. PT;

Saturday March 3rd 1-5

fundamentals of discipline and movement: still on boards. PT;

Saturday March 17th 1-5

fundamentals of discipline and movement: still on boards. PT;

Saturday April 14th 1-5 - first day on Drums!!!!

fundamentals of discipline and movement: PT;

** will hand out Parking Lot warm-ups

Saturday April 21st 1-5