Membership | Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps | DCI

AUDITION PROCESS

Each prospective member (veterans included) is required to attend one (1) of the first three (3) audition camps (eXperience Camps). From there, each individual will be rated according to his or her abilities. Members will be called back for further evaluation. If called back the member is then required to attend the December Call Back camp. If a member is offered a contract, the member will be required to attend every camp until Spring Training including the December Call Back Camp.

2013 SEASON CAMPS

Please note that all who wish to audition (including vets) must attend all camps including one (1) of the three (3) Crossmen eXperience Camps. Camps will begin on Friday evening and end on Sunday at 12:30pm. Transportation will be provided to and from local airports and bus stations.

Registration 6 - 8 PM on Friday
Camp meeting 8:00 PM on Friday
Camp ends 12:30 PM on Sunday

Please schedule travel according to the camp schedule.

December 14-16, 2012

San Antonio December Camp

Frank Tejeda Middle School
2909 Evans Road
San Antonio, TX 78259

Spring Rehearsal Camps

January 25-27, 2013
Location:

Madison High School
5005 Stahl Rd
San Antonio, TX 78247

February 22-24, 2013
Location:

Metzger Middle School
7475 Binz-Engleman Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78244

March 22-24, 2013
Location:

Madison High School
5005 Stahl Rd
San Antonio, TX 78247

April 26-28, 2013
Location:

Tejeda Middle School
2909 Evans Rd
San Antonio, TX 78259

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the Crossmen Tour?
The Crossmen tour is approximately 3 months long (including spring training).
Move-ins begin Memorial Day weekend and will continue through August 11th.

What do my camp fees go to?
Your camp fees go to housing the corps and facilities use, providing 6 meals,
and other operational costs.

How many eXperience audition camps do I need to attend?
You only need to attend one (1) of the three (3) eXperience camps. If you are a brass and percussion member and are called back you will be expected to attend every camp starting with the Dec. 14th camp. Guard members are required to attend one (1) eXperience camp and the December Call Back Camp if invited. The caption head will determine which of the next camps you will need to attend if you are called back.

Where can I find the audition music?
Only paid registrants will receive the audition music via email.
If you have paid and have not received your music after a weeks time,
please email Audrey@Crossmen.org

What do I need to bring for camps?
A more accurate list will be sent to paid registrants, but here is a basic list for camps:
• A twin size air mattress
• A horn (for the eXperience camps, once the lines are set the corps will provide the horns)
• Music and Audition Materials
• A Binder with plastic sheets for music and exercises
• Pencils
• Red water cooler
• Red towel (to lay horn on)
• Sun Screen / DCT
• Baseball cap
• Gloves (guard and brass)
• Various maintenance equipment (i.e. valve oil, polish, horn brush, etc.)

I will be in school for the first week of spring training; will this affect my audition?
No, we have many members who attend school. We will work with each member and
their school on a case-by-case issue. Many times schools will allow members to take
final exams early. If we are not able to work something out, we request that you join
up with the Crossmen immediately after you get out.

Is there any financial aid or tuition support for members?
Once you become a member, we have a scholarship application process. Approximately 10 members are selected each year and will receive a $250 scholarship to be applied towards their tuition and fees.

We also have a membership assistance program in which members approach businesses, family members, Crossmen Alumi and friends to help sponsor them for the summer. This is purely up to the member as to how much they are able to raise towards their fees. More information and brochures will be given at later camps to contracted members.

Brass Audition FAQ's

It is important to point out that the “playing audition” is not a deal breaker in the process in becoming a member of the Crossmen brass section. There is also a visual component. Most important is the opportunity for the staff to interact with the auditionee, see how well information is taken and applied and to evaluate the “intangibles” that are required to be successful during a season of drum corps.

What should I play for the playing portion of the audition?
You should pick something that best represents how you play, put another way, whatever is going to highlight your strengths as a player. Could be any style, doesn't really matter.

The playing audition, while important is not going to be THE deciding factor in the PROCESS. We are looking for people who can apply information quickly, can move AND play, and are willing to fight for a spot.

Should I bring a horn to the audition camps?
YES. If possible bring a horn. The corps does not own enough horns for everyone who comes to camps.

I am mello auditionee but I do not have access to a F mello, is this a problem?
No. Not for the initial audition. Also you can do the playing audition on a concert horn.

I am a non-brass player, can I do my playing audition on a non-brass horn?
Yes, but we will need to hear you on a brass instrument.

I am a baritone player but I do not read bass clef, is that a problem?
No. We will have treble clef parts. But it is highly advisable to learn bass clef.

What should I expect at an audition camp?
Simply put, expect to work hard. We will learn some tunes, we will spend time in sectionals, you will march. You will get a taste of what drum corps is all about. Wear comfortable clothes and good shoes. Drink a lot of water.