What is drum corps?
Drum corps is a competitive musical marching activity that takes place during the summer season. Similar to marching band, it is composed of brass instruments, percussion and colorguard. While no woodwind instruments are used, woodwind players are encouraged to join and learn a new instrument.
Drum Corps International (DCI) is the nonprofit governing organization for all drum and bugle corps. Competitions for DCI member organizations take place in the summer. Most drum corps begin training and rehearsing in late winter/early spring. More information about DCI can be obtained at DCI.org.
How can I join Gold?
Please click here for audition information.
Is there a fee to audition?
Yes. Information about auditions, including costs and information about limited time discount opportunities, is available on the auditions page.
How much does it cost?
Our tour fee for 2025 is currently being finalized, and is expected to cost approximately $5600. The tour fee covers and 80+ day musical program including staff instruction, rehearsal facilities, uniforms, equipment/instruments and maintenance, meals after competitions, transportation and accommodations while on tour, including mini-tour and tour to championships, and meals during tour. Fundraising opportunities are available.
What should I do if I can’t make any of audition dates?
Brass can audition at open rehearsals in February, March and April. Please check the calendar for rehearsal dates.
Percussion and Color Guard can inquire about video auditions by emailing summertour@goldyoutharts.org.
If I owe money to another corps, can I still join?
No, your outstanding debts must be paid before you can become eligible to join Gold.
Who can my parents talk to if they have questions?
We understand that drum corps may be a new concept for some parents. First, please ask your parents to review our website. The DCI website also has great resources here: www.dci.org/parents. There will be a new parent meeting at each audition weekend where we will go into detail about the program and have a detailed Q&A session.
What Are You Looking For When I Audition?
Auditions will give the staff an idea of your music, marching, movement, and equipment handling skills. We will also be looking at several other factors, including:
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Positive attitude.
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Work ethic.
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Commitment to effort.
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Ability to focus and follow directions.
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Ability to learn exercises.
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Ability to process information and instruction and apply it to exercises.
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Ability to handle constructive criticism in a positive manner.
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Interaction with other auditionees.
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Ability to attend all camps, rehearsals and performance events (flexibility is allowed due to school commitments but this IS our expectation, and prior communication is key).
In addition to an audition in a rehearsal setting, each prospective member will also be interviewed by the appropriate caption head.
Our marching member Code of Conduct can be found here. This will give you an idea of our organization’s expectation for its members.
Enjoy yourself! Stay positive, our staff wants you to succeed! Don’t lose sight of your goals and objectives. You are here because you enjoy doing this!
What if I get a callback or a contract?
If you receive a callback for percussion or color guard, you are only required to attend our callback camp on 5/3-5/4.
Callbacks for brass positions will continue at each brass rehearsal until all spots are filled. There is no additional cost to attend any callback camp.
If you are offered membership, you will be required to attend our monthly rehearsal camps, which are held one weekend each month.
An initial deposit is due within 10 days in order to secure your position at GOLD. Tour fees must be paid in full before Spring Training move-ins. We recommend paying approximately $1000 a month starting in January in order to be fully paid off by the end of May.
Returning members receive a discount for each year they have marched with the Gold, and there is an additional discount for members who pay their tuition in full within10 days of receiving their contract offer.
If you have any questions about the application process or fees, contact our Executive Director, Kevin Valentine.
What should I expect if I join gold?
How much time will I have to commit to Gold?
Spring rehearsals vary per section. The brass will rehearse 2-3 times a month from February through April; percussion meets for callbacks, while the color guard will not meet until winter season has ended in April. Regular rehearsals with the full corps begin the first weekend of May and will take place every weekend until the end of the season in August. They are usually full day rehearsals with no overnight requirement. We begin to add weekday rehearsals at the end of June when most schools are out for the summer. Apart from the competitions currently listed on the DCI website, we are also attending DCI Championships in Indiana, leaving approximately end of July and returning mid-August. Parents are welcome to make their own arrangements to travel there.
Where are rehearsals?
Rehearsal locations will vary since our members come from Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County and we try to accommodate everyone’s drive as best we can. Locations are also determined by the facility access we are provided. If you or your school are able to volunteer a location, please contact our Executive Director.