Just the basics:

If you need a quick overview of Minnesota Brass, check out our Quick Guide which has some of the most important information about the corps and potential membership.

What positions are available?

All positions in our ensemble are open for auditions
Hornline: Trumpet, Mellophone, Baritone, Euphonium and Tuba

Drumline: Snare, Quad, Bass Drum, Cymbal, Marimba, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Glockenspiel, Drum Set, tympani and other varied percussion

Color Guard: Weapon, Flag, Movement and Dance

Drum Major

What do I need to bring to Auditions/Rehearsals?

All: comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely and will allow you to perform at the best of your ability, tennis shoes, $25 audition fee, energy, and a positive attitude
Hornline: mouthpiece, any provided music, pencils, and a stand if you have one
Drumline: sticks, mallets, drum pads if you have them
Color Guard: equipment and gloves if you have them

Do I need to provide my own instrument or equipment?

No; instruments and equipment are provided by the corps.

What should I do to prepare for Auditions?

Display confidence by rehearsing a wide range of basic technique exercises through a variety of tempos while using a metronome. Don’t forget that movement is an important aspect of what we do, not just in the color guard. Cardio and strength training exercises will be helpful to start early on so that your body is ready for a season of drum corps. 

When/where can I get an audition packet?

Audition packets are posted on the membership page.

Can I be a High School Student?

Yes. If you have a high school marching program, the Director must approve your choice to march with Minnesota Brass. Many high school members in the past have participated in their high school’s parade band, fall marching band or winter color guard or drumline along with being a member of Minnesota Brass.

Can I be a College Student?

Yes. Education is highly important and valued at Minnesota Brass. The majority of our members are students.

Am I too old to march? Am I too young to march?

No. As an all-age corps, our membership ranges in ages 16 to sometimes over 60. The majority of our corps’ performers are in their 20’s. While we do not have a minimum age, we do require that parents must be actively involved with the corps for any members under the age of 18. Additionally, there is no upper age limit to participate in Minnesota Brass.

Can I be a member of Minnesota Brass while having a job?

Yes. As an all-age drum corps, many of our members hold a full-time or part-time job; some members hold a job and attend school.

I don’t live in Minnesota.  Can I still join?

Each season we have a handful of members who participate in the corps from out of town.  Our expectations of out of town members usually involve consistent attendance for all camps and weekend rehearsals as well as individual practice time to make up for Wednesday night rehearsals.  We’re happy to speak with you about how this might work for your unique circumstances.

What if I don’t play an instrument?

Minnesota Brass welcomes all musicians even if they have not played a corps instrument or have not had much experience on a corps instrument. We like to provide the experience and opportunity to become a better musician through learning from a world class staff and meeting new people who can help you along your musical journey.

How much of a time commitment is being a member?

The time bite of being a member of Minnesota Brass is considerably smaller than that of many of our competitors. During our winter season, January-April, we rehearse Wednesday evenings and about one Saturday or Sunday each month. During the summer, May-Labor Day we continue our Wednesday evening rehearsals and have one weekend free each month.

How much does it cost to be a member?

More information about dues and fees can be found here.

What is DCA?

Drum Corp Associates (DCA) is the organization that governs all-age drum corps.  DCI (Drum Corps International) is DCA’s counterpart for junior drum and bugle corps.  DCA sanctions all-age competitions, and holds the national championships.

How is Minnesota Brass different from a DCI corps?

Minnesota Brass has a great relationship with Drum Corps International (DCI) and several of its member corps. Each year, we are excited that many of our members go on to successfully audition for DCI corps. Nearly all of our instructional staff have also served on the staff of DCI corps or marched with DCI corps.  The differences between those corps and Minnesota Brass are:

Age: As an all-age corps, we accept performing members of any age. DCI corps membership is made up of youth, with an upper age limit of 21.

Time Commitment: DCI corps spend 8-12 weeks on tour, performing and rehearsing nearly every day, sometimes up to (and over) 12 hours a day. It’s a fantastic experience, but it doesn’t always work for everyone. An all-age corps like Minnesota Brass is part-time which means members can still hold a job during the summer while enjoying a great drum corps experience.

Cost: Participating in an all-age corps is substantially less expensive than in a DCI corps. MBI’s dues are 1/3 (or less!) of the dues charged by touring DCI corps.

What if I have more questions?

We look forward to chatting with you; please contact us with your question