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Youth Development
and
Performing Arts

info@crossmen.org >

WHAT IS DRUM CORPS?

Modern drum corps are comprised of 154 performers who range in age from about 14 to 22. Each corps is made up of brass musicians, percussionists and a color guard. They perform an 11-minute program on a standard football field. Programs are extravagant displays of musical excellence, marching precision, color, drama, dance and emotion. All members of the corps (except the front percussion ensemble) march in intricate formations which are coordinated with the musical productions.

Brass musicians in the Crossmen play on top-quality Yamaha instruments available to artists, amateurs and students all over the world, including trumpets, mellophones, baritones, euphoniums and tubas.

Percussion instruments include marching snare drums, tenor drums (often referred to as "quads" or "quints"), bass drums in five sizes and stationary front ensemble instruments including marimbas, vibraphones, various drums, cymbals, tympani, xylophones, chimes and electronic synthesizers.

The color guard adds color and drama through the coordinated use of flags, rifles, sabers, dance and theatrics. The modern color guard is as much a dance ensemble and storyteller as it is a precision marching unit.

PERFORMER BENEFITS?

Drum corps is an activity that succeeds in doing much more than provide a performance opportunity for students or entertainment for the audience. Through the drum corps experience, students will learn useful life skills such as leadership, goal-setting and teamwork, among others. The Crossmen provides opportunities for students to exercise their potential, not only as musicians, but as leaders in their communities. It is the mission of every program of Crossmen Productions to provide education and youth development organization assisting young people in becoming outstanding individuals through music and the performing arts.