Members & Parents
This area of the site provides additional information for members & parents. If you're not familiar with drum corps this should help to answer some of your questions. Feel free to email us with additional questions or visit the FAQ page.
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7th Regiment
PO Box 64
New London, CT 06320
860-442-DRUM(3786)
General Information
Who are the 7th Regiment?
Founded in 2002, the 7th Regiment is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed to provide youth a unique & comprehensive educational program in music, marching & performing arts. Through music & marching arts education, competition & travel, the 7th Regiment is dedicated to developing leadership, character & life skills in its members to enable them to reach their full potential.
What is drum corps?
Modern drum and bugle corps finds its origins in the post-World War I era. Impressed by the precision and pageantry of American military and parade units, parents launched drum corps in their own communities so their children could benefit from rigorous instruction and discipline. Drum corps has grown steadily since the 1930s, finding sponsorship and support in groups like the VFW and the Catholic Youth Organization.
Since the formation of Drum Corps International (DCI) in 1972, the sophistication of creative and artistic skills in drum and bugle corps has increased tremendously. The activity has developed to a level which is now considered to be a contemporary art form, while the organizational efforts of DCI have elevated the status of the activity to its current position as the second largest youth program in the United States.
The term "Drum Corps" is short for "Drum and Bugle Corps". The activity is certainly not for drummers only. Most drum corps have a full line of brass instruments, an ensemble in the front of the field playing percussion instruments that cannot march (like marimbas and xylophones), and even dancers that spin flags and any number of other kinds of equipment. All in addition to some of the most high tech drums in the history of music. Just about anyone that meets the DCI regulations can be involved, find out if you do!
What is the season like?
During the winter and early spring, camps are the members' primary time commitment to the drum corps. Starting with the audition camp in December, there's usually 1 camp a month throughout the winter into May. These camps are where most of the instruction on our particular technique takes place. Fundamentals are instilled so that when spring rolls around, we can go outside and start learning the show quickly without having to teach the basics all over again.
Starting in June the season really kicks into gear. Rehearsals are every weekend (Saturday & Sunday), and occasionally at night during the week. In late June we start competing on the weekends, changing the weekend schedule a bit. Parades and exhibitions are scattered throughout the schedule beginning in March. Usually, the corps will leave on tour around the beginning of August, travelling around the country on coach buses and performing every night. The culmination of the tour is a performance at DCI championships, generally the second week of August. The season ends in mid August, in time for members to go back to their marching band camps.
Who can join?
DCI regulations allow anyone under the age of 22 to compete with a junior corps like 7th Regiment. Most members have previous experience with their high school marching band or another drum corps, but it's not required. Drum corps are mostly active during the summer, so remember to check your schedule against the corp's to make sure you can be at all of the events.