Midwest Combine Experience Camp

A one-day intro to drum corps from the top groups in the Midwest!

Back for a second year, the Midwest Combine Experience Camp is designed to give aspiring drum corps members an easy, no-pressure way to learn about the drum & bugle corps activity. Jointly hosted by the 7 Midwest Corps, instructors and administrators from the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Colt Cadets, Colts, Madison Scouts, Phantom Regiment, and River City Rhythm will be on hand to make it a fun, educational introduction to the activity. Here’s what you can expect from the day: 

  • Instruction from some of the best brass, guard, percussion, and visual staff members in the activity

  • An opportunity to learn about the activity in general and how you can join a group for the 2025 season or beyond

  • A chance to talk directly to the leaders of the 7 Midwest corps and learn about their unique organizations

Directors from each corps will answer any questions you may have about their audition process and how you can become a DCI member.. Corps merchandise will also be available. The cost is just $50 and includes a full day of instruction, Midwest Combine Experience shirt, Midwest Combine sticker, and lunch.

WHERE?

Oak Creek High School

340 E. Puetz Rd.

Oak Creek, WI 53154

WHEN?

Sunday, October 27, 2024
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

HOW much does it cost?

$50

WHAT’s provided?

Full day of instruction, Midwest Combine Experience T-shirt, Midwest Combine sticker, lunch

WHO should attend?

Students from the greater Milwaukee area that love performing and would like an introductory experience to the drum corps activity from some of the best educators currently working with the Midwest Corps.

Schedule

8:00–9:00 AM — Registration

9:00–Noon — Sectional instruction

Noon–12:45 PM — Lunch and visit the corps information tables

12:45–3:15 PM — Sectional instruction

3:15–4:00 — Q&A with the corps directors 

4:00–5:00 — Info fair with individual corps

FAQs

Is this an audition camp, and will membership agreements be offered?
This experience is not designed as an audition camp. The purpose of this event is to introduce you to the drum corps activity with instruction and information provided by the Midwest drum corps. At the end of the event, it’s entirely possible for an attendee to be invited to one or more audition camps of the seven corps.

Is there any transportation or housing provided?
No. This event is designed for attendees to drive in and out. No airport transportation or housing is provided. While it is possible to fly in for the event, you would be responsible to get to the camp location on your own (Uber, Lyft, carpool, etc…).

Can Parents attend the event?
Yes, parents are invited to observe the days events. There is also a parents meeting in the morning to answer their questions about the drum & bugle corps activity. Parents will be on their own for lunch.

For which percussion instruments are you providing instruction?
Instruction will be provided on the following percussion instruments: battery-snare, battery-tenors, battery-bass drum, battery- cymbals, front ensemble-keyboard.

Is equipment provided?
Brass players should bring a bell front marching horn, if possible. There will be some brass available to use for the day, especially tubas, but quantities may be limited. Please indicate on the registration form if you will need an instrument.

Battery players should bring marching sticks and practice pads. Drums will be provided.

Front ensemble players should bring their own mallets, if possible.