Technology in Drum Corps International

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The Santa Clara Vanguard drum and bugle corps, 2008. Santaclaravanguard08.jpg
The Santa Clara Vanguard drum and bugle corps, 2008.

The implementation of sound technology by Drum Corps International is a phenomenon in the twenty-first century marching arts. Since 2004, many corps have used electronics to amplify, alter, and add to the sound of their ensembles. [1]

Contents

Technology in Drum Corps can be divided into the categories of amplification and electronic instrumentation. Amplification and electronics were prohibited by Drum Corps International (DCI) for decades. Once these technologies were approved, however, they swiftly changed the landscape of music selection, instrumentation, and show design in drum corps. Modern corps use microphones and speakers to support their sound. They rely less on acoustic instruments, using electronics like synthesizers to create sound and imitate instruments inaccessible to the activity. [1]

History

Though amplification and electronic instruments were used in other areas of the marching arts long before, such sound and music technology was not permitted by DCI in the twentieth century; the use of it would result in direct penalties. Thus, technology was largely non-existent.

Before any rule changes occurred, discussion over whether electronics should be allowed in drum corps was present. One corps, the Boston Crusaders, even used a synthesizer in their 1985 production despite the rule. The corps, playing the Beverly Hills Cop theme on the electronic instrument, received a two-point penalty at semi-finals, resulting in a 20th-place finish. [1]

Former director of The Cadets, George Hopkins, first proposed ruling for amplification and electronic instruments in 1989. After years of rejection and discussion, these two categories were finally divided into separate issues. In the winter of 2003 (for implementation in the 2004 season), the DCI Board of Directors approved the use of only amplification in a 12–8 vote.

In the following 2004 season, nine of the top twelve corps used amplification. By 2005, amplification was employed by every corps participating in DCI Finals.

As a separate ruling, the use of electronic instruments was permitted as part of a new section appended to the rule book in January 2009. Some of the exact text of the section reads as follows.

"4.8 Use of Electronic Equipment

4.8.1 Terminology:

- “Music” (or “Musical”) shall be defined as the organization of melodic, harmonic and/or rhythmic sound through time.

- An “Electronic Instrument” shall be defined as any pieces of electronic equipment that produces a “Musical” sound."

"4.8.2 Music from Electronic Instruments is allowed given that the Music is being performed live, in real time during the performance." [2]

The section also defines and prohibits prerecorded music sequences and loops. It does, however, allow for the use of prerecorded sound effects and speaking voices, given that permission is obtained where there is copyright. [2]

After this ruling, many corps began experimenting on the integration of electronic instruments into the traditional sound of brass and battery in drum corps.

Technology

Microphones

A shotgun microphone equipped with a windscreen. Sony ECM-CG50.jpg
A shotgun microphone equipped with a windscreen.

Various types of microphones are used in drum corps for the purposes of amplification and digital sound processing. In the front ensemble, mics are mounted on the top and/or bottom of large instruments like marimbas and vibraphones; additionally, standing mics are positioned as to assist the sound of auxiliary percussion instruments. [3] On the field, some members of the brass section are equipped with personal microphones which can be remotely toggled for the purposes of solos and short features.

Another type of microphone, the shotgun mic, came into widespread use starting in 2017. [4] Shotgun microphones allow for capturing highly directional, long distance sound along their axis, blocking sound on the sides. In a modern drum corps performance, these are commonly lined along the front sideline and covered with windscreens. [5] They are primarily used for strategically accenting section features at distinct locations on the field at any time. [5]

Mixers

Before being run to speakers, sound from the field is often put through a digital or analog mixer board, which includes faders and mutes to adjust volume and process audio. Examples of mixers used in drum corps are the PreSonus StudioLive RM mixer and CS18AI control surface. [6]

Speakers

Speakers, though they pose many problems of uneven sound across stadium seating and in judging boxes, can be found in nearly every modern drum corps show. Most commonly, cables run from mounted and standing microphones to several stacks of speakers along the sideline on either side of the pit. [5] There has, however, been experimentation with respect to speaker placement by several corps. Speakers have temporarily been placed in front and within the front ensemble. The Blue Devils tried for a few years to mount powered speakers and mixers to large mallet instruments. The 2009 Blue Knights positioned speakers behind performance space for the effect of surround sound. [1]

Corps currently employ point source speakers, though Michael Dunwoody (the Blue Devils' sound reinforcement consultant) and others see a shift to small format line array speaker systems in the future. [4] [5] Line source speakers would allow for a more even, authentic wash of sound across audiences.

Electronic instruments

Application

Impact

The use of technology has changed the musical landscape of world class drum corps.

The low registers of keyboards and synths are used to support low brass sections in many shows, leading to an overall more bass-heavy sound in modern drum corps. [3]

In the past, mallet percussion instruments like marimbas, vibraphones, and xylophones had to be played with hard rubber, plastic, brass, or aluminum mallets in order to be heard over the brass section. [1] The keys had to be struck forcefully, with large stick height. This drastically affected both the quality of sound and the technique of the percussionists. With the introduction of amplification, different playing techniques could be employed while soft felt mallets were added to the performance arsenal. [1] [4] This broadened musical selection to more delicate styles in drum corps, and it brought out much of the native acoustic sound of mallet instruments. [4] In addition, hand instruments like bongo and conga could be played and heard with traditional technique rather than with hard felt mallets. [1]

These changes, along with the use of keyboard sampling, expanded the range of instrumentation and musical selection. Drum corps were able to sample more exotic instruments and sounds. Piano, organ, strings, narration, [8] ship horns, and natural sounds like running water [7] are all included in the vast array of sonic enhancement for modern drum corps. With these tools, storytelling became a more popular style in drum corps shows. [1] [8]

Additionally, members had to be added to drum corps in the form of synthesizer players and sound engineers who use mixer boards to control microphones and amplification. In 2000, most front ensembles in DCI Finals had 8 or 9 members, with the most being 12. By 2013, most had 12 to 15, and the number is only growing. [1]

A drum feature from the Bluecoats 2014, Tilt. TILTdrumbreak.jpg
A drum feature from the Bluecoats 2014, Tilt.

Notable cases of application

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drum kit</span> Musical instrument

A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals, and sometimes other auxiliary percussion instruments set up to be played by one person. The drummer typically holds a pair of matching drumsticks or special wire or nylon brushes; and uses their feet to operate hi-hat and bass drum pedals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drum and bugle corps (modern)</span> Marching group of brass and percussion instrumentalists

A modern drum and bugle corps is a musical marching unit consisting of brass instruments, percussion instruments, electronic instruments, and color guard. Typically operating as independent non-profit organizations, corps perform in competitions, parades, festivals, and other civic functions. Participants of all ages are represented within the corps activity, but the majority are between the ages of 13 and 22 and are members of corps within Drum Corps International.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mixing console</span> Device used for audio mixing

A mixing console or mixing desk is an electronic device for mixing audio signals, used in sound recording and reproduction and sound reinforcement systems. Inputs to the console include microphones, signals from electric or electronic instruments, or recorded sounds. Mixers may control analog or digital signals. The modified signals are summed to produce the combined output signals, which can then be broadcast, amplified through a sound reinforcement system or recorded.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Recording studio</span> Facility for sound recording

A recording studio is a specialized facility for recording and mixing of instrumental or vocal musical performances, spoken words, and other sounds. They range in size from a small in-home project studio large enough to record a single singer-guitarist, to a large building with space for a full orchestra of 100 or more musicians. Ideally, both the recording and monitoring spaces are specially designed by an acoustician or audio engineer to achieve optimum acoustic properties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drum and bugle corps (classic)</span> Musical ensembles

Classic drum and bugle corps are musical ensembles that descended from military bugle and drum units returning from World War I and succeeding wars. Traditionally, drum and bugle corps served as signaling units as early as before the American Civil War, with these signaling units having descended in some fashion from ancient drum and fife corps. With the advent of the radio, bugle signaling units became obsolete and surplus equipment was sold to veteran organizations. These organizations formed drum and bugle corps of civilians and veterans, and the corps performed in community events and local celebrations. Over time, rivalries between corps emerged and the competitive drum and bugle corps circuit evolved.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhythm section</span> Group of musicians within a music ensemble or band

A rhythm section is a group of musicians within a music ensemble or band that provides the underlying rhythm, harmony and pulse of the accompaniment, providing a rhythmic and harmonic reference and "beat" for the rest of the band. The rhythm section is often contrasted with the roles of other musicians in the band, such as the lead guitarist or lead vocals whose primary job is to carry the melody.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marching percussion</span> Percussion instruments in a drumline

Marching percussion instruments are percussion instruments specially designed to be played while moving. This is achieved by attaching the drum(s) to a special harness worn by the drummer, although not all marching bands use such harnesses and instead use traditional baldrics to sling their drums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indoor percussion ensemble</span> Type of percussion marching ensemble

An indoor percussion ensemble or indoor drumline is a type of marching ensemble consisting of battery and front ensemble instruments. It differs itself from a traditional percussion ensemble by not only on musical performance, but on theatrics and marching. Although most indoor percussion ensembles are affiliated with high schools, there are also many independent groups that draw participants from a large area and are independently funded. Independent groups typically start rehearsing in October, while high school groups typically start after their fall marching band season ends. Because of this, the activity is often called winter percussion or winterline.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Front ensemble</span> Stationary percussion section of a marching ensemble

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Orchestral enhancement is the technique of using orchestration techniques, architectural modifications, or electronic technologies to modify the sound, complexity, or color of a musical theatre, ballet or opera pit orchestra. Orchestral enhancements are used both to create new sounds and to add capabilities to existing orchestral ensembles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Live sound mixing</span> Blending of multiple sound sources for a live event

Live sound mixing is the blending of multiple sound sources by an audio engineer using a mixing console or software. Sounds that are mixed include those from instruments and voices which are picked up by microphones and pre-recorded material, such as songs on CD or a digital audio player. Individual sources are typically equalised to adjust the bass and treble response and routed to effect processors to ultimately be amplified and reproduced via a loudspeaker system. The live sound engineer listens and balances the various audio sources in a way that best suits the needs of the event.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stage monitor system</span> Sound reinforcement for performers

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keyboard amplifier</span>

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Summerlin, Lane W. (2016). The History and Development of the Front Ensemble in Drum Corps International (DMA dissertation). The Ohio State University via OhioLINK.
  2. 1 2 "Rules up, down, overturned and clarified during annual vote". www.dci.org. Retrieved 2019-10-22.
  3. 1 2 Maher, Erin K. (2011). The Amplification Controversy in Drum Corps International: Technological Change and the Meaning of Tradition (MA thesis). Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. doi:10.17615/7jge-9e28.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Hot Topic: DCI Electronics, Sound Reinforcement, And Sound Coverage". www.flomarching.com. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "Mics and mixers, amps and speakers, oh my". www.dci.org. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  6. "Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps Win Big with PreSonus | Press Releases". PreSonus. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  7. 1 2 "How Are Drum Corps Using Electronics?". Halftime Magazine. 2009-07-25. Retrieved 2019-10-23.
  8. 1 2 "The Impact of Amplification". Halftime Magazine. 2014-07-11. Retrieved 2019-10-24.
  9. "Spotlight of the Week: 2004 Carolina Crown, 'Bohemia'". www.dci.org. Retrieved 2019-10-24.
  10. "Spotlight of the Week: 2014 Bluecoats". www.dci.org. Retrieved 2019-10-24.
  11. "What is a Theremin?". www.dci.org. Retrieved 2019-10-24.
  12. "12 things you might not know about 2017's top-12". www.dci.org. Retrieved 2019-10-24.