Hey, my name is Justin and I'm 16 years old. I'm a long time reader of DLO, and this is my first time posting. I decided not to post until my first drum corps audition camp, and I just got back from it this Sunday. I went to the Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps audition is Paris, KY. I had the common misconceptions most rudimental high-shool drummers have when I first arrived at the camp, and I learned a tremendous amount, probably the most I'll ever learn abotu snare drumming and performing than I'll ever learn in two days. Here are the top ten misconceptions and extremely valuable things I learned at the camp:

1. Technique cuts 95% of the auditioners.
2. Eight on the Hand and Bucks are two VERY overlooked excercises. We played both of these excercises more than any other thing played.
3. Your left hand must be "non-flimsy" (just as good of a sound quality as your right). Try double bucks off the left for this one.
4. Be aware of your comfort zones, drum corps will take you out of your comfort zone and you won't see it again until you leave camp. You need to get out of your comfort zone, such as like if you had a flam 16th excercise, don't burn through it. Play it slow. Anything you practice that feels "good" is not what you ned to be practicing.
5. Ditty, Electric Wheelchair, 13th hour, Bucno Rules, and Tribute don't mean crap. The instructors won't care and you will look like an idiot.
6. Watch your releases to excercises, don't automatically slam the release, just because your done with a piece. Play it just like any other note.
7. Skill level takes a backseat to attitude.
8. Focus plays a very important part in drum corps. You may be able to focus and play complicated excercises in the comfort of your own home, but drum corps camps are exhausting. Sleeping on a gym floor will take a lot out of your sleep, beleive it or not. You've got to not drop-out when you feel like crap.
9. I believe that most drummers who are serious about performing on this kind of level MUST go to a drum corps audition before they can make it. There is so much to learn and so many mistakes young players will make. Do yourself a favor and go to one, just to get one out of the way, and take in as much as possible.
10. It's all about having fun. Nothing else. Go there to drum.

I hope I've helped some people out there make it to and through there first camp, I would've loved to read a post like this before I went. Thanks for listening,

Justin