Applicants Frequently Asked Questions.
The first step is to register at the JoinECJ link on our home page. Then read the Open House/Audition information page.
The entire weekend is your audition. You will be evaluated based on your musical/performance ability, your marching ability, an administrative interview, and your general attitude over the course of the weekend.
Yes, you can audition on multiple instruments within a particular section. On the other hand, if the two instruments you have in mind are in different sections (brass/percussion/guard) you would have a very hard time making an impression on both staffs seeing as you'd have to choose one to work with during the course of the weekend. No, you wouldn't need to pay double.
The performance part of the audition is just a very small piece of the whole weekend. It's really important we see each potential member in an active learning environment interacting with other members, staff and management. So, we strongly encourage everyone to make it to the audition camp and, as a rule, do not allow a video to be a substitute for a live audition. Any exceptions need to be made by contacting the caption head directly.
Typically, our members come from all over the country as well as other parts of the world including Europe and Japan. Most are from New England
Typically, our members are high school and college age. Fairly evenly split. Our minimum age is 16.
Our staff is working on that right now. We will have information at our Open House/Audition camp.
What is the practice schedule like?
During the winter, you are required to attend one camp a month. Starting in April a week night sectional will be added for members within a two-hour radius of the rehearsal site.
What's a typical day like in the summer?
Typically we arrive to the show around 7pm and perform around 9pm. After a snack at the show (sometimes as big as dinner was), we will "roll" between 11pm and midnight for our next destination. We arrive between 2-6am, bed-down for a few hours and get up for breakfast. We rehearse, eat lunch, rehearse, eat dinner, shower and load for the next show. The next day it starts all over again!
How many members in each section will you march?
We will be marching the full 135 member limit allowed by Drum Corps International. The breakdown between sections will not be decided until all auditions have taken place. At that time we will decide how to use the 135 limit based on the talent of the various sections auditioning.
What will I have to do to audition?
The entire weekend is your audition. You will be evaluated based on your musical/performance ability, your marching ability, an administrative interview, and your general attitude over the course of the weekend.
Is there any music I should prepare for the audition?
Typically musicians will have several technique exercises to learn and will be asked to play a 1-2 minute solo. Requirements will vary by section, and are specific each season, so keep checking back for more information.
Do I need to bring my own equipment to the audition?
We do ask that you bring your own equipment if you can because of the number of people that will be auditioning. Brass and percussion players should bring an appropriate instrument. Potential colorguard members should bring a 6' flag pole with a silk. We supply you with the all the equipment you'll need once you are a member (with the exception of gloves and shoes).
In which key are your horns tuned?
The horns are pitched in the key of Bb (except for the mellophones which are in the key of F).
Can I audition on my band instrument?
Yes. Because we will have more potential members at the audition than we have horns, we encourage you to bring your own instrument. (Brass instruments only of course... auditioning on a clarinet won't give us a good idea of how you would perform.)
What else do I need to bring to the auditions?
2008 will be a rebuilding year for the East Coast Jazz. We do not know for sure how many members we will have. One thing we can say that is anyone with ability and a willingness to work hard will be a member of the corps.
It has varied, and over the past several years the numbers have consistently increased. But, this year we will most likely have fewer veterans than in the past so we will have more openings. The most important factors in making the corps are showing up to try and your desire to march.
Most importantly, show up! Each year many potential members who could have made the corps cut themselves by giving up after just one camp or even before the first camp. Work hard, practice, have a positive attitude and have fun.
Is there anything I can do to prepare and raise my ability to the level you need?
Practice, practice, practice!
Is it possible to learn quickly enough even with no experience?
That would be very difficult to do with no marching or muscial experience of any kind.
What is the minimum age you accept?
Membership is generally limited to 16 years of age or older, we recommend anyone interested under that age to come to our audition camps to learn a little more about what we expect and how we operate as well as letting us get to know you. You may be an exception!
What is the maximum age you accept?
According to Drum Corps International rules you if you are 21 on May 31, 2008 or turn 22 after June 1, 2008 you will be eligible to march.
How much does it cost to march?
The cost to members varies a bit each year. The most up-to-date information can be found on the Tuition and Fees page.
When are membership fees due?
Fees are due in monthly installments starting in February (check the contract or Tuition and Fees page for detailed amounts) Fees are due in full by May 1st.
What other money will I need?
In addition to your membership and camp fees, you will need to pay for travel expenses to and from camps during the winter as well as for black tieshoes, socks, t-shirts and gloves. During the summer the corps will provide about 95% of your meals. The only money you NEED is for meals during your days off, occasional meals en route, replacing toiletry items and laundry. We generally do laundry every 14 days and you should expect to pay $5 to $10 per laundry day.
Are there ways to reduce the fees?
There are a variety of ways to reduce your membership fee. You can save money by paying in full by March 1st. We also hold several fundraisers for the organization throughout the year. Volunteering at any of these events earns credit towards your fees. You can also seek out sponsorships from friends, family, alumni, local businesses and other sources. We will discuss these options further at camps.
Does the corps award any college scholarships to members?
Although not awarded directly from the corps, there are several scholarships available to members of the corps through organizations associated with the drum corps activity. Most are for music majors. Information about the scholarships and applications will be made available during the course of the year.
When and where should I arrive for the camps if I'm flying?
The best airport to fly into is Logan Airport (BOS), boston for the all winter camps. Flights should arrive no earlier than 12:00 noon and no later than 4:00 PM on Friday. Flights should depart no earlier than 6:00 PM on Sunday. Be sure to advise Pam Kelly-Dobay of your flight times at least a week in advance and we will try to arrange for your transportation to the camp site.
Do your weekend rehearsals conflict with winter percussion competitions?
It's possible a conflict may arise. We stress the importance of keeping your commitment to your high school or college music program. Please keep in mind that the competition portion of your weekend will be very short and you should make every effort to attend as much of the camp as possible.
Will this interfere with winterguard?
No. Guard members are required only to attend the audition camp. After that, you will not be expected back until late April. If our audition camp interferes with your guard program, contact us at info@eastcoastjazz.org to arrange alternate audition methods.
I'm going to be a college freshman next year. What if the season conflicts with orientation at the school I decide to go to?
With over half of our members being college aged, we deal with issues like this all the time. Most colleges have more than one set of dates for orientation. With DCI finals being held in early August, it is usually early enough that you would be able to catch an orientation prior to school. u will be among many, many college freshmen, so don't feel like you will be the only person in this situation. The key to making everything work smoothly is to address situations like this as soon as possible.
Will I have to miss any/much school to join?
School commitments come first as long as we know about them in advance. If you are in high school, depending on your school's schedule, you may need to ask your parents to rewquest the school to let you take exams early. We can also write to your principal to make this request on your behalf. If this will be the case for you, please address it ASAP. Also, some schools may begin prior to the end of our competition season. If this is the case for your school, please let us know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE so that we arrange with your principal to be excused from the first few days.
How strict are you about attendance over the winter?
Since we only see you once a month, it is critical that you be at all camps for their entire duration. Unexcused absence can cause you to be moved to alternate status, or to be removed from the roster all together. Be sure to address all conflicts with your Caption Head and the Corps Director as soon as you are aware of them.
When do I have to move to Boston?
On or about the first weekend in June. If this is an issue then you would need to speak to the caption head at the audition.
Does the corps provide housing for members over the summer?
We will provide housing for you as of your OFFICIAL move-in date. If you choose to arrive in Boston earlier than that date, we are not responsible for housing you.
Will marching with a drum corps negatively affect my "concert sound"?
With more than 6 certified music educators on our faculty, we take great care to use the correct embouchure and performance techniques. You will find from both brass and percussion standpoints, we teach no different than a symphonic approach to the instruments. The only exception would be the actual marching percussion as there are some differences to the sticking on a marching instrument vs. concert percussion. Many of our marching members are successful educator and performance music majors.
Can I get in touch with my section's caption head?
Yes, send email to any of brass@eastcoastjazz.org, colorguard@eastcoastjazz.org or percussion@eastcoastjazz.org.