An Introduction To The East Coast Jazz
The East Coast Jazz is a nationally competitive drum and bugle corps now headquartered in Lynn, Massachusetts- one of the few competitive drum corps left in New England. The corps is sponsored by Youth In The Arts, Inc., a non-profit Massachusetts corporation. The East Coast Jazz developed from the heritage of The Malden Ambassadors and The Malden Diplomats, both very successful drum corps. It has been under the same directorship since 1972.The corps membership is comprised of college and high school age men and women from throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. Most are from Eastern Massachusetts.
The East Coast Jazz has been competing at the Drum Corps International Division II/III level since 1992 and has been a finalist at the Drum Corps International World Championship in ten of the last eleven years. The East Coast Jazz was the DCI Division II world champion in 1998 and again in 2005. In 2004 in Denver, the Jazz missed winning the Division II world championship by only 2 ½ thousandths of a point. In Madison in 2006 The East Coast Jazz placed second by only .06 of a point beating all Division II drum corps from the East.
Over the years the drum corps has traveled many thousands of miles competing in all eastern states as well as Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Texas and Toronto, Kitchener, Montreal, Quebec, Sherbrooke and Ottowa Canada.
Each year (With the exception of 2007) the corps undertakes a show tour of approximately three weeks.During the tour practices are very long and intense and the members develop a strong sense of teamwork and accomplishment. Lifetime friendships are developed. The skills of individual members are heightened.
Membership Requirements
We expect that new members will be experienced on a musical instrument. Not necessarily a brass instrument. And must be able to read music. Members must be motivated to pursue a demanding program that is both physically and mentally challenging. Members must attend all rehearsals, competitions and parade appearances. An exception is made for school band attendance. Members must take notice of the summer tour schedule and understand that the tour is mandatory.
A complete rehearsal schedule will be available at our open house. A final show and tour schedule will be completed in March 2008. An outline of what should be expected is contained in the Travel section that follows.
All members must pay all registration, membership and camp fees when due. Fundraising opportunities will be established for the members' benefit.
Open House/Auditions
Each year the East Coast Jazz hosts an Open House/Audition/First rehearsal. Thisa usually takes place on Thanksgiving weekend. Members are expected to stay overnight Friday and Saturday nights. Registration is at 7:00 PM on Friday and is Registration is mandatory before an audition. Everyone must pay a registration fee of $75.00 and a camp fee of $25.00.
The Saturday rehearsal will last until 10:00 PM. Rehearsal will end at 4:00 pm on Sunday.
At the rehearsal camp you will meet our staff of music and marching educators and our management team that has more than 40 years of experience working with high school and college students.
Don’t be afraid to audition. It is rare that we have determined someone not qualified to be a member of The East Coast Jazz. All we ask is that you work hard and attend all rehearsals. Do not be afraid to ask questions about anything of which you are not sure. No one is going to yell at you.
Goals
The ultimate objective of the East Coast Jazz is to provide its membership with a meaningful educational experience along with the development of team skills, a solid work ethic and a sense of accomplishment. The East Coast Jazz is a perennial contender for the Drum Corps International division II world championship. While it is not our goal to be "the" winner, we do expect members to expend the effort to try.
The 2008 DCI World Championship
Drum Corps Internatonal has announced The 2008 Drum Corps International world Championship will be held August 5-9 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
