Drum Line Design Tips
Dynamics; play pp -mf indoors, play pp-f on the track, play pp-ff on the field. Remember the DAC judges are not impressed with decibel levels. DAC judges want to hear good musicianship. Play to the acoustic environment.
Be sure to have solo's &/or soli's (section solos), throughout your show. Feature all the sections with multiple opportunities to be cleanly heard. Show the judges your snare, tenor, bass, keyboard & timpani players. Let the music breath and your line & your score will improve dramatically!
Remember that this is a great creative opportunity for you. Every instructor can shape & change the show each rehearsal. Don't just be satisfied with the printed page of music. Even the very best DCI instructors change & recreate their shows on the spot, at a rehearsal. It adds freshness and maximizes strengths. It continually challenges all the players to be constantly learning & cleaning.
For those reluctant to try the indoor/outdoor combo, this really is an opportunity for you to grow as a show designer. Yes, the acoustics are very challenging indoors. But the atmosphere is very impressive. The visuals are very center stage. The indoor crowd is very attentive. You will be amazed at how the crowd is totally focused on the show at all times indoors. A simple drill move is totally effective because it is so close & accessible to the crowd. Just keep working on the music! Conversely, the outdoor standstill is very judgeable and accessable to the musical expertise of the judges. You can really impress them with your ability to sell the show and play clean! There is no echo and every tic will be heard. It is the closest some of these kids will get to the true DCI experience of playing a perfect show.
Remember that the big goal is to make those judges speak Italian! (Crescendo, diminuendo, forte, piano, accellerando, etc.)
Have fun! The DAC staff is on your side. We come to each show wanting to be impressed. We are very positive & upbeat about percussion music. Keep up the great work!