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How do I become a member?
The first step is to read the Audition Information page.
What's the music going to be this year?
As soon as we've decided, we'll let you know. But, you can count on it being even more exciting than last year.
What's a typical day like in the summer?
We have a show just about every night, usually in a different city each night. Typically we arrive to the show around 7pm and perform around 9pm. After a snack at the show (sometimes as big as dinner was), we will "roll" between 11pm and midnight for out next destination. We arrive between 2-6am, bed-down for a few hours and get up for breakfast. We rehearse, eat lunch, rehearse, eat dinner, shower and load for the next show. The next day it starts all over again!
What is the practice schedule like?
During the winter, you are required to attend a camp a month. Starting in May, a weeknight sectional may be added for members within a two hour radius of the rehearsal. We may also have a "regional camp" during the month of May. You would be required to be at one of the two locations. At move-in, you will go through an intensive rehearsal schedule for 3-4 weeks. This will entail 10-14 hours per day. While on tour, you will rarely rehearse more than 7 hours per day.
Where are your members from? Are they all from the Boston area?
Each year our members come from all all over the country and all over the world including Europe and Japan. Over the past couple years we've had a large number come from Florida as well. For this reason, and to take advantage of the warmer weather to let us get out on the field earlier, we decided to hold camps in Florida.
What was the average age of the corps last year?
19
How many members in each section will you march?
We will be marching the full 150 member limit allowed by Drum Corps International. The breakdown between sections will not be decided until all auditions have taken place. At that time we will decide how to use the 150 limit based on the talent of the various sections auditioning.
What will I have to do to audition?
You will be evaluated based on your musical/performance ability, your marching ability, an administrative interview, and your general attitude over the course of the weekend(s).
Is there any music I should prepare for the audition?
We have prepared all necessary audition material for you. Once you complete the application, you will be granted access to our audition materials. Your specific section's packet will detail the exercises you need to play for your audition.
Can I audition on more than one instrument? Do I have to pay for each multiple audition?
Yes, you can audition on multiple instruments within a particular section. On the other hand, if the two instruments you have in mind are in different sections (brass/percussion/guard) you would have a very hard time making an impression on both staffs seeing as you'd have to choose one to work with during the course of the weekend. No, you wouldn't need to pay double.
What if I can't make it to an audition? Can I send a video tape instead?
Yes, for those who are unable to attend any of the three Round One auditions, we will accept video auditions. (Online submission only.) The guidelines for audition for the Boston Crusaders via video are posted in our "Applicants" section.
Do I need to bring my own equipment to the audition?
We do ask that you bring your own equipment if you can because of the number of people that will be auditioning. Brass and percussion players should bring an appropriate instrument. Potential colorguard members should bring a 6' flag pole with a silk. We supply you with the all the equipment you'll need once you are a member (with the exception of gloves and shoes).
In which key are your horns tuned?
We will have brand new King Ultimate Marching Brass instruments at our November audition. The horns are pitched in the key of Bb (except for the mellophones which are in the key of F).
Can I audition on my band instrument?
Yes. Because we will have more potential members at the audition than we have horns, we encourage you to bring your own instrument. (Brass instruments only of course... auditioning on a clarinet won't give us a good idea of how you would perform.)
What else do I need to bring to the auditions?
- wire music stand if you have one
- water cooler
- 3 ring binder
- sheet protectors
- mouthpiece(s) for brass
- sticks/mallets for percussion
- instrument or equipment
- cloth gloves for brass
- leather/fingerless gloves for guard
- good sneakers
- sleeping bag
- pillow
- toiletry items for entire weekend
- audition and/or camp fee
- medical release form
- contract
I do not understand the different camp locations... do I have to attend all of them?
Audition Camps are located in different area of the country to make it easier for you to try out. You must participate in a Round One audition, either at one of the physical locations, or by auditioning via video. You must be prepared to attend Round Two (December for brass and percussion and April for Guard). Brass and Percussion members chosen for the corps will be required to attend monthly winter camps (Dec-May) in Central Florida. Guard members chosen for the corps will not be required to attend another camp until April. This camp will also be held in Central Florida. Our three-week preseason training camp location, which is still to be determined, is typically in the New England area. For the last three years, we have moved in at the New Hampton School in New Hampton, NH.
Forms? Contract? Where do I get these?
These forms can be found in the audition packet for your section. Upon completing the online membership application, you will be granted access to a restricted audition materials page, where you will find the membership contract, medical relesae form, and audition materials all together.
Can I audition for Drum Major?
Drum Majors/conductors are chosen from within the organization, new members can audition at the end of their first season.
How many openings are there this year?
147! Nobody except the drum majors are guaranteed a spot. Everyone is required to re-audition every year.
Will you have any 'alternates' this year?
Yes. Just like last year, we will bring a couple alternates on tour this summer. Over the past several years, the majority of alternates have ended up performing with the corps by the end of the season.
How many people try out each year?
It has varied, and over the past several years the numbers have consistently increased. We're very excited that this year looks like it will surpass last year. We've gotten hundreds and hundreds of applications, though not everyone who applies will actually make it to an audition. It's likely that several hundred will attend the first camps. If that excites you as much as it does us, great! If it intimidates you, please don't let it. The most important factors in making the corps are showing up to try and your desire to march.
What can I do to improve my chances of making the corps?
Most importantly, show up! Each year many potential members who could have made the corps cut themselves by giving up after just one camp or even before the first camp. Work hard, practice, have a positive attitude and have fun.
Is there anything I can do to prepare and raise my ability to the level you need?
Practice, practice, practice!
Is it possible to learn quickly enough even with no experience?
That would be very difficult to do with no marching or muscial experience of any kind.
What is the minimum age you accept?
While most people who march for the Boston Crusaders are 16 years of age or older, we recommend anyone interested under that age to come to our audition camps to learn a little more about what we expect and how we operate as well as letting us get to know you. Being a Boston Crusader is more than being a certain age. Indeed it is a combination of talent on your equipment, physical health, maturity, and most importantly, ATTITUDE!
What is the maximum age you accept?
According to DCI rules one must be "21 or younger on June 1 in order to be eligible to march".
How much does it cost to march?
The cost to members varies a bit each year. The most up-to-date information can be found on the Tuition and Fees page.
When are membership fees due?
Fees are due in monthly installments starting in February (check the contract or Tuition and Fees page for detailed amounts) Fees are due in full by move-in in May.
What other money will I need?
In addition to your membership and camp fees, you will need to pay for travel expenses to and from camps during the winter as well as for shoes, socks, t-shirts and gloves. During the summer the corps will provide about 95% of your meals. The only money you NEED is for meals during your days off, occasional meals en route, replacing toiletry items and laundry. We generally do laundry every 14 days and you should expect to pay $5 to $10 per laundry day.
Are there ways to reduce the fees?
There are a variety of ways to reduce your membership fee. You can save money by paying in full by February 1st. We also hold several fundraisers for the organization throughout the year. Volunteering at any of these events or in the corps office earns credit towards your fees. Actively participating in the march-a-thon fundraiser can help offset costs as well. You can also seek out sponsorships from friends, family, alumni, local buisinesses and other sources. We will discuss these options further at camps.
Does the corps award any college scholarships to members?
Although not awarded directly from the corps, there are several scholarships available to members of the corps from organizations that help support the Boston Crusaders. Most are for music majors. Information about the scholarships and applications will be made available during the course of the year.
When and where should I arrive for the camps if I'm flying?
Florida Camps (Orlando)
Airport: Orlando International (MCO)
Bus: Orlando Greyhound (555 N. John Young Parkway)
Train: Amtrak Station (1400 Sligh Blvd)
You should arrive no later than 6 PM on Friday and Depart After 6 PM on Sunday!
How will I get from the airport to the camp location?
All you need to do is notify us of your flight arrangements TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE by filling out your transportation needs on our RSVP form. We will pick you up from the airport and bring you to the camp. Please send us the flight information as soon as you know it so we have time to plan. *YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR FLIGHT INFO TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO CAMP* or we will not be adequately prepared to pick you up.
Do your weekend rehearsals conflict with winter percussion competitions?
It's possible a conflict may arise. We stress the importance of keeping your commitment to your high school or college music program. Please keep in mind that the competition portion of your weekend will be very short and you should make every effort to attend as much of the camp as possible.
Will this interfere with winterguard?
No. Guard members are required only to attend the audition camp. After that, you will not be expected back until late April. If our audition camp interferes with your guard program, contact us at info@crusaders.com to arrange alternate audition methods.
I'm going to be a college freshman next year. What if the season conflicts with orientation at the school I decide to go to?
With over half of our members being college aged, we deal with issues like this all the time. Most colleges have more than one set of dates for orientation. With DCI finals being held in early August, it is usually early enough that you would be able to catch an orientation prior to school. If there's no other way, we will find a way to work around it. Typically, the orientation is only 2-3 days. We only had this conflict with one member last year, and we allowed her to fly out for 3 days, and then come back. We deal with it on a case-by-case basis. Come to the audition camp in December, go through the processes, and when you decide on your school, or maybe you have already, let us know the dates in question, and we will look at the tour schedule, and see what can be worked out. Again, you will be among many, many college freshmen, so don't feel like you will be the only person in this situation. The key to making everything work smoothly is to address situations like this as soon as possible.
Will I have to miss any/much school to join?
School commitments come first as long as we know about them in advance. If you are in high school, depending on your school's schedule, you may need to request that you take your exams early. We can write to your principal to make this request on your behalf. If this will be the case for you, please address it ASAP. Also, some schools may begin prior to the end of our competition season. If this is the case for your school, please let us know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE so that we can send a letter to your principal asking for you to be excused from the first few days.
How strict are you about attendance over the winter?
Since we only see you once a month, it is critical that you be at all required camps for their entire duration. Unexcused absence can cause you to be moved to alternate status, or to be removed from the roster all together. Be sure to address all conflicts with your Caption Head and the Corps Director as soon as you are aware of them.
When do I have to move to Boston?
On or about Memorial Day Weekend in May. If this is an issue then you would need to speak to the caption head at the audition.
Does the corps provide housing for members over the summer?
We will provide housing for you as of your OFFICIAL move-in date. If you choose to arrive in Boston earlier than that date, we are not reponsible for housing you.
Will marching with a drum corps negatively affect my "concert sound"?
With more than 12 certified music educators on our faculty, we take great care to use the correct embouchure and performance techniques. You will find from both brass and percussion standpoints, we teach no different than a symphonic approach to the instruments. The only exception would be the actual marching percussion as there are some differences to the sticking on a marching instrument vs. concert percussion. Many of our marching members are successful educator and performance music majors.
I heard Crusaders aren't allowed to talk to other corps... is that true?
This is a common misconception. While we stress that you stay focused prior to a performance, our members are welcome to speak with anyone after a performance or after a show.
What does BAC really stand for?
Join and find out!
Can I get in touch with my section's caption head?
Yes, send email to any of brass@crusaders.com, guard@crusaders.com or percussion@crusaders.com.
Are you going to march cymbals?
Other than in the pit, no.
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