Drum and Bugle Corps competition returns to Weston
The Northwoods Encore Drum and Bugle Corps Competition returned to D.C. Everest Junior High Thursday evening, bringing seven different corps to the area to put on a performance and show their talents.
Each corps consists of a horn line, a drumline, front ensemble and color guard. Each group has about 150 members, and they travel more than 12,000 miles each summer competing in more than 35 events in two months.
"I call it the marching arts, it's like musical theater on the field. So you'll see lots of costumes, lots of props, lots of dancing, lots of interaction with how the music really makes the story line come alive," said Diane Goetsch, organizer of the invitational. "There are seven drum corps here tonight, and we're very thankful that we have all four active drum corps here from Wisconsin."
The other bands came to Weston from Iowa, Illinois and Texas, all to showcase their talents after weeks of training and preparing.
"Every corps starts with spring trainings or move-ins or pre-tour, whatever they happen to call it. And that's basically 12 hours a day, for anywhere from 3-4 weeks and that starts in May. They do that for that 3-4 week period, and then they hit the road. They're rehearsing for anywhere from 6-7 hours a day before shows," said Abby Rutledga, Assistant Corps Director with the Blue Stars group out of La Crosse.
"The age usually ranges typically from the youngest which is 13 all the way until they age-out at 21," said Goetsch.
It's more than just a marching band, it's a story.
"Comprised of brass instruments; color guard including flags, sabers, rifles and a battery percussion, like your standard drumline, as well as front ensemble," said Rutledga.
"How music just makes the story line come alive, and it gives people a good feeling, and just reminds us that music really is a gift," said Goetsch.
All the performances were judged, and while there was no trophy, the winner does get bragging rights. The Drum and Bugle Corps season ends in August.
