The Racine Explorer Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps

is the oldest, continually competitive Junior corps in North America.  Founded in 1927, the Racine Scouts are America's oldest continually competitive Drum & Bugle Corps.  Originally formed as a Boy Scout organization, the corps continues to promote scouting values in today’s highly competitive marching music activity.

Drum and bugle corps is a highly specialized musical art form. Originally organized as a musical and social outlet by veterans returning from World War 1, most groups were community based. Drum corps of the 21st century draw members from around the world and represent many socio-economic backgrounds. These groups compete extensively throughout the summer months in venues across the United States and Canada. Corps are comprised of three distinct sections; brass, percussion, and visual. The visual department also encompasses the color guard. The Color Guard of yesteryear focused solely on honoring or guarding the national ‘colors’. Today’s color guard does that and much, much more. The guard interprets the music played by the brass and percussion sections. They do this by use of specific choreography, specially designed props and elaborate costumes. The percussion section incorporates all types of rudimental drumming and utilizes a variety of traditional and non-traditional percussion instruments. The brass section performs on horns which are all pitched in the key of G, a non-traditional key for band instruments familiar to most school musicians.

Each corps has a distinctive musical style that they are known for. These groups work through the winter months to select, prepare and perfect a field show that is between eight and one half and eleven minutes in length. Sometimes referred to as Broadway on a football field, drum corps members spend days rehearsing music, choreography and drill and spend their evenings performing in cities large and small, all across the country. The corps season begins in the fall when corps meets, usually once a month, for a weekend camp. These rehearsals run from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon and are typically held in school facilities, with practices in band rooms, choir rooms, cafeterias and gymnasiums. Corps members sleep on gym floors, shower in the school locker room and have meals in the cafeteria. The focus of these rehearsals is to assess basic skills and raise the performance level while teaching the music for the coming season. Information pertaining to the camp/rehearsal schedule and the location of winter camps can be found on our website: www.racinescouts.com. All rehearsals will be held in the Racine and Texas areas. Racine is easily accessible via air, ground and rail transportation. Contact the corps office for information regarding your specific travel plans.

Summer practices are held daily, Tuesday thru Sunday, 9:00am to 9:00pm. Mondays are subject to contest and travel commitments. In order to be considered for membership, you must be able to plan your personal and work schedule(s) so that you can participate in ALL corps functions November thru August (this includes employment, drivers training, summer school and all other non academic activities). Specific allowances for absence can be made if you phone or e-mail at least two weeks before any function. Contests begin in early June and the season culminates in August with an appearance at the Drum Corps International World Championships. This week long series of competitions showcases corps of all shapes and sizes and boasts one of the finest solo and ensemble contests on the planet. Some performances are videotaped for an ESPN2 special that is aired in September.

Membership in drum and bugle corps is open to all young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21. Prior experience is not always required but, in some cases, it is difficult to obtain a spot without some level of musical training. Our mission is to encourage and stress excellence in all areas. You will learn much more than the music notes and the dots on a drill chart. Drum corps also teaches the importance of time management, organization, tolerance of others, team work, dedication and perseverance. Research has shown that school work often improves after a season of corps participation. In addition to this, you will have opportunities to travel and you will make friendships that will last a lifetime.

Finances are a major concern for all drum corps. Drum and bugle corps are non-profit organizations and most groups run on annual budgets of well over $100,000.00 a year. The Racine Scouts generate income through a successful BINGO operation, corps performance fees, membership dues, and other related fees. Fees for the marching season for 2008 are set at $900.00 per marching member. The Racine Scouts will travel over 3000 miles in the summer of 2008 and our costs remain competitive with other corps of our size and distinction. A cost breakdown is as follows:

• $175.00 camp fee (7 camps @ $25.00)
• $500.00 tuition/summer food assessment
• $100.00 uniform/equipment use fee
• $125.00 administrative costs (insurance, summer transportation)
• $50.00 audition fee (This must be paid at the first camp that you attend. It is non-
• refundable, but will be applied to fees, should you become a member)

Financial credit will be given for participation in fundraising projects. Contact our treasurer for details.

Payment schedule: A minimum of $25.00 must be paid at each camp. Cash, check or credit card accepted. A monthly payment of $125.00 ensures that all fees will he paid by June 1. You can log onto our website for a financial aid form or to learn about our member sponsorship program.

For more information, please contact us at www.racinescouts.com or call 262-331-3092 for more information.