What is Drum Corps?

Drum Corps (an abbreviation for Drum & Bugle Corps) first hit the British Isles in the late 70's, and it is essentially a competitive youth Marching Band activity with a high level of performance quality. Generally, a Drum Corps has a higher performance level than a Marching Band.

A UK Drum Corps is a collection of members usually affiliated to an organisation such as...

 Drum Corps United Kingdom

British Youth Band Association

A typical Drum Corps would not generally play 'oompah' music, but more likely Classical, Symphonic, Jazz, West End musicals or contemporary compositions. The musical arrangements are visually enhanced through the use of precision motion (marching) and props including colourful flags, imitation rifles, and scenery backdrops. While the repertoire choices can be endless, there are strict rules pertaining to other aspects of the activity, such as the maximum number of individuals being limited to 135, and a 13 minute time limit imposed on the duration of a show. A drum corps performance is designed by the arrangers and designers to be exciting or to arouse emotion.

Drum corps evolved in the USA as veteran groups from World War I, in fact one surviving aspect of those times is the Colour Guard which originally honoured the national colours. You can read more about the Colour Guard section below.

Drum Corps usually have 4 major sections, and I'll describe each in turn...

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This section is generally the largest section, and they use forward-facing brass bugles (no woodwind or strings etc). SK use Kanstul bugles manufactured in the USA, these are available in different sizes (or colours), namely: Soprano, Mellophone, Baritone and Contra Bass.

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The field percussion has similar instrumentation to that of a marching band. Generally, there is a snare,  tenor, bass  and sometimes  cymbal line. The tenors are 'multi-tenors,' generally with 5 or 6 different-sized  drums on the same harness, and the bass drums are in a variety of different sizes and pitches.

Percussion (tuned percussion, keyboards etc.) and , where each section works together to perform an audiovisual extravaganza.

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The front line, or pit, is the only non-marching section within the corps. It is usually positioned at the front centre of the field, and consists of keyboard instruments such as marimbas, xylophones, vibraphones, chimes etc. Also, they may use an assortment of accessories such as suspended cymbals, gongs, and sound effects such as wind machines.

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From its simple military roots, the Colour Guard section has evolved into an integral part of the overall visual presentation of the corps. The colour guard is also similar to that of a marching band, where the most common equipment consists of flags, rifles, and sabres, but often includes anything else that can be thrown, spun or danced on, such as poles, bar stools and various other props. UK Colour Guards have their own competitive circuit during the 'closed' season (see link immediately below)

Winterguard UK

(The competitive Colour Guard circuit within the UK)

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The season begins late in November with Sunday afternoon rehearsals held at the Orme Centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme. This 'closed season' continues through to around April when the corps moves outside to learn the marching show. Throughout the year the corps goes on 'camps' where all sections attend training weekends,  where they learn and rehearse the show. These camps are a great time for the various corps sections to get together in both a formal and informal environment.

Competitions start in June and are held throughout the UK, usually on Sundays at various athletics and football grounds. The season climaxes with the national finals in September/October.

Click here to see what's happening in SK World this week...

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We are one such Drum Corps from the Stoke-on-Trent area of Staffordshire.

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The chance to have  fun travelling the country competing against similar units, making new friends, and also the opportunity to learn or develop music or dance skills.

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We are always on the lookout for individuals who are interested in helping out as support staff.  So if you fancy getting involved in the Staffordshire Knights Organisation, please get in touch with us and we can talk it over.

If any of this information has been of interest and you would like to take the next step,

please check out our Membership Info page