Questions & Answers

How do I audition and become a member?

The first thing to do is register for the corps. How? Click the Register for Troopers link on the left side of this page. Once you register, you will be invited to join our Facebook groups and introduced to your section staff. They will then walk you through the audition process. Don't forget to pay your fees early to receive your discounts.

What is a typical day like in the summer ?

We have a show in a different city just about every night. Typically, we arrive at the show site at about 7 p.m. and perform at about 10:30 p.m. After a snack following the show, we depart for our next destination. We arrive between 2 a.m.-6 a.m., bed down in the gym for a few hours, then 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.

What is the practice schedule like?

During the winter you are expected to attend all camps. At move-ins in May, you will go through an intensive rehearsal schedule -- 10-14 hours per day -- for four weeks. While on tour, a typical day includes as much as eight hours of rehearsal, followed by a performance that night. On days when we don't have a show, we will rehearse up to 12 hours perfecting our production.

Where are your members from?

Our members come from all over the country and the world.

What is the average age of the corps?

19

How many members in each section will you march?

The specific number of members in each section is based on the needs of our show concepts and design choices. A general breakdown is: 80 brass; 35 color guard; 35 percussion.

May I audition on more than one instrument, and if I do, must I pay an additional audition fee?

Yes, you may audition on multiple instruments within a section. No, you do not pay an additional fee.

Is there more than one location for auditioning camps? How many do I have to attend?

Check our Audition Dates & Locations page for the latest information; the link is on the left side of this page. See the question about winter attendance, below.

What should I bring to an audition camp?

Bring a water cooler, quality athletic shoes, a sleeping bag, a pillow, and personal toiletries, including a towel. If you haven't paid your camp fee, please bring that with you; you will not be permitted to rehearse without paying the camp fees. Brass: Bring a music stand, a mouthpiece, your primary instrument (there will be more people than horns at the early camps so please bring an instrument if at all possible), white gloves, a 3-ring binder with sheet protectors, and a pencil. Percussion: Bring a music stand; sticks/mallets; primary instrument (snare, tenor, or bass drum when possible), ear protection, a well-made 3-ring binder with sheet protectors, and a pencil. Guard: Bring spinning gloves, a rifle and/or sabre if you own one, and dancewear (spandex and/or form fitting – not too long or baggy).

Is there anything I can do to prepare and raise my ability to the level needed, to improve my chances of making the corps?

We encourage all of our potential members to reach out to their respective staff members for feedback and guidance on their audition.

What is the minimum age you accept?

Most people who march are 16 or older. Being a Trooper is all about HONOR, LOYALTY, and DEDICATION!

What is the maximum age you accept?

According to Drum Corps International rules, you must be 21 or younger on June 1 to be eligible to march.

How much does it cost to march?

Tuition is $3,300 for all members. Returning members receive a $150 discount on tuition. All members receive an additional $150 discount if your tuition is paid in full by April 30. Camp fees are $200 for the first camp and $150 for each camp thereafter. If you pay your camp fees at least 14 days in advance you will receive a $50 reduction.

What other money will I need?

During the summer the corps will provide you about 95% of your meals. The only money you need is for meals on your free days, occasional meals en route, replacing toiletry items, and laundry.

Are there ways to reduce fees?

You can seek out sponsorships from friends, family, alumni, local businesses in your area and other resources. We have sponsorship forms available to members once they are accepted into the corps.

When should I arrive for the camps if I am flying?

All participants flying in for camps must arrive by 1 p.m. on Friday, and depart after 5 p.m. on Sunday.

How will I get from the airport to the camp location?

We will provide shuttle transportation to and from the airport for weekend camps only, provided you will be traveling within the posted time parameters, so make sure you indicate your need for an airport shuttle ride on the Camp Registration form. Please Note: Should any details change after you submit this form (attendance plans, travel schedule, etc), you must notify the Troopers Office immediately at (307) 472-2141.

How strict are you about attendance during the winter?

Our policy as a drum corps is that ALL school music functions on your instrument are priorities in life. This does not include volunteer or non-school activities. However, if you earn a contract for a spot in the Troopers, your attendance at all camps is critical to our success as a drum corps. Missing all or part of a camp is permitted only on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the corps director and your caption head. It is an expectation that you will make every reasonable effort to attend all parts of a rehearsal that do not conflict with an approved event.

When is the move-in date for 2016 and what is the location?

Move-ins are scheduled for mid May, at the Boone County 4H Fairgrounds, in Lebanon, Ind. Book your flight to Indianapolis.

Do you 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 at spring training earlier than that date, we are not responsible for housing you. We will do everything possible to help you find housing; however, we cannot guarantee housing earlier than your OFFICIAL move-in date.