The Forum

The Case Against Drum Corps
By Steve Rosenstein
DCN Aug. 29, 1962

While thumbing through a back issue of "The Instrumentalist" (Nov. '59), I ran across an article entitled: "For Musical Reasons - SHOULD THE DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS BE REPLACED BY THE BRASS BAND?". Here, in part, is what the author, Arthur L. Williams, found in a survey of 100 college band directors.

To the question, "Would you favor replacing the drum and bugle corps with an all-brass band?" , 40 answered yes, 35 no, and a number didn't answer because of lack of experience with drum corps. Here are a few of their comments:

"I feel both have an important place. I have heard drum and bugle corps play outside much better than most bands."

"The drum and bugle corps has a utilitarian function --- and should not be considered in the same terms as the developement of a band. The real future of the band lies on the concert stage, not in the street parades or on the football field. The drum and bugle corps is a special performing medium easily adapted to marching performances. It should be encouraged, not discouraged."

"I think drum corps are a symptom of poor musical taste and have no place in an educational situation. The problem seems to be one of raising musical intelligegence and thus decreasing the interest in such groups."

"The drum and bugle corps has very little musical value repertoire-wise, but a good deal of musical value in the areas of dynamics, articulation, blend, and balance. Because the drum and bugle corps is a simple organization, it can realize a marked degree of precision frequently missing in our outdoor bands. The corps provide for the adult who may be interested in music but who has little previous musical background. Obviously, it is musically inferior to the orchestra and band."

"I -- think -- that the drum and bugle corps can be immensely improved by the use of three valves on all bugles. (!!!!!!!). This would retain the sonority characteristic of the sound of the bugles but would have the advantage of giving them the increase of technical facility."

Professor Williams then gives his personal opinion: "Admiration for the precision marching of the drum and bugle corps is evident. However, many band directors are opposed to the drum and bugle corps on the grounds of its lack of musical expression. Although many drum and bugle corps are marked by constant overblowing of the bugles, better corps have proved that musical dynamics are possible."

"In the English brass band all 3-valved brass instruments are scored in the G clef so that they can be taught together and have the same fingerings. The fact that there are so many brass bands in England among the adult population - which does not have the school music experiences available as we have in the United States -- seems to indicate the brass band is not any more difficult to develop than a fine drum and bugle corps."

Prof. Williams concludes, "There is, however, the possibility that the drum and bugle corps could be developed into a concert organization, givingmusically satisfying concerts of the finest brass band literature, and thus adding another important community activity in which our young people could continue to enjoy the rewards of participation in instrumental music groups after they leave school."

That is, briefly, "the case against drum corps" as stated by one of the leading band magazines in the country. I will give answers to these misconceptions about drum corps in the next issue of DCN. If you have any comment, pro or con, concerning this subject, send them to: Steve Rosenstein, Torrington, Connecticut.