Drum & Bugle Corps

Drum and bugle corps is a marching band that performs during parades, festivals, civic functions, as well as during on-field sports competition. This musical unit consists of members playing various brass and percussion instruments. Each year, drum and bugle corps prepare new musical repertoires which range from big band, jazz, rock, symphonic, vocal, contemporary, Broadway, and Latin music.

A drum and bugle corps is primarily divided into two groups: the brass and the percussion. Brass instruments or the horn line consists of musicians playing soprano trumpets, baritones, contra-basses, tubas, French horns, mellophones, euphoniums, alto horns,and flugelhorns.

The percussion line is also divided into two distinct groups: the front ensemble and the drum line. The front ensemble is usually the line closest to the audience. Members belonging to this group use instruments such as gongs, cymbals, timipini, marimbas, vibraphones, and xylophones.

Positioned at the back of the pit is the drum line or the battery line. This group consists of percussionists playing the snare drums, bass drums,tenor drums, and marching tonals.

Drum and bugle corp competition is one of the most awaited events during summer. Highly competitive groups allot hours and hours of extensive practice and preparation. Some members even enter drum and bugle camps and clinic where they are properly trained and conditioned for the competition.