KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Education In Drum Corps Mrs. Jodeen Popp Education in Drum Corps. This subject could be written off easily by those who have never been close to our activity. We've all heard it: "all that work and it gets you nothing". If they only knew. First, and most obvious, the music education. For the last several years drum corps has attracted really superior musicians to actually advance the musical education of the members, both through instruction and judging. Some years ago, fabulous instructors were earlier born and bred in the ranks of corps, large and small. They received their own initial music education in drum corps. Some went on to study music in college as well, and a few even became professional musicians. Many more, however, joined the ranks of our instructors and play a large part in what we see on the field today. Remember, 50 years ago almost no new members even read music. More than one National Champion learned all their music by playing (well orchestrated) chords, having been taught with a piano. Still, they sounded wonderful! After the obvious musical education come the life lessons that no instructor can teach. Consider the extensive travel - the places you see and the people you meet, both in and out of drum corps. I'm sure you'd be hard-pressed to think of a town, a show, a day or a trip where a wealth of new information didn't greet you. None of the day-after-dreary-day stuff most folks get used to. It's even made Geography and History more interested. Perhaps Psych too. There is the social aspect as well - there is very little attention paid to the religion, race or sex of those you've learned to love. Because of mutual interests and shared experiences, mutual under- standing and affection follow. Every corps (or squad) has a weakest link - at first. He catches on quickly that no weak link is going to make it, so he works harder to fit in. It usually works, too. In addition to caring for each other, think about what you've learned about caring for your uniform, your buss, your nightly accommodations, your instrument and yourself. A little sewing, ironing, shining and cleaning are all very valuable life lessons. Your body learns, too, by repetition. Thinking on your feet is part of all success, but consistent, great performances come from educating your body and mind to perform automatically - just as an athlete, typist or pianist. But after that is accomplished, don't forget to add the PASSION. That is what makes drum corps different, and great. The main life lesson, I feel, is learning to get along. Many people never do. Adversity is the norm in drum corps, and overcoming it - joyously - is one of our strengths. I'll leave you with my favorite quote: "Practice doesn't make perfect - perfect practice makes perfect" . (Richard Oliverio, Manager Anaheim Kingsmen, 1972).