Frequently Asked Questions
- Who runs the corps?
- Minnesota Brass is a nonprofit volunteer charitable corporation. Each year members elect a board of directors which in turn appoints the administrative staff. "Admin" recruits the support staff and hires the design and instructional staff.
- What is the audition process?
- Minnesota Brass does not have a formal audition for which you prepare an audition piece. Evaluation takes place over the first few rehearsals. You get a feel for the people and the organization, and we learn about you. You look to see if we have what you're looking for. We look to you for commitment, attitude, and skill. Each section has different criteria and timelines. For questions about your section, please contact your caption head.
Guard: Carrie Andres (carrieandres@mnbrassinc.org)
Hornline: Matt Kettelhut (matt@mnbrassinc.org)
Percussion: Joel Matuzak (joel@mnbrassinc.org)
- What instruments does the corps play?
- Drum and bugle corps instruments:
hornline - trumpets, mellophones, baritones, euphoniums and tubas;
battery - snares, tenor drums, bass drums and cymbals;
frontline - keyboards, auxiliary percussion, tympani and drumset.
- What if I do not play a corps instrument?
- A number of our members' primary instruments are woodwinds or non-corps brass instruments such as trombone or horn. We provide an encouraging environment to learn brass technique and offer additional instruction if requested.
- Do I have to provide my own instrument or equipment?
- No, the corps provides all the instruments and equipment.
- How does the corps get to rehearsals and performances?
- Members drive to rehearsals and performances in and around the Twin Cities. The corps provides coach buses for more distant out-of-state competitions.
- What if I don't have a car?
- Carpooling is common. See the Admin staff to find contacts within the corps.
- How much travel is involved?
- Minnesota Brass rehearses in the metro area, and most performances are within a short driving distance. In midsummer we often travel to a regional focus show or championship in the Midwest. Over Labor Day weekend, the corps travels to the east coast to compete in DCA national championships.
- Can I still have a social life?
- Minnesota Brass is a wonderful place to meet people and develop friendships. The time bite is considerably smaller than that of many of our competitors. During the winter (January-April) we rehearse Wednesday evenings and one Saturday each month. During the summer (May-Labor Day) we continue the weekly evening rehearsal, and have one weekend free each month. Friends in Minnesota Brass get together for social outings outside of corps rehearsals throughout the year.
- Age limits - do I have to be old/young to join?
- Membership ranges from recent high school graduates to retirees. We have had several instances of parents and their sons or daughters performing together on the field.
- What is the show this year?
- The show is announced in late fall, after the design staff has decided on the concept. It will be published on our website, www.mnbrassinc.org, and on forums and other media.
- What if I haven't marched in a long time?
- We provide training during the winter on marching style and movement. There is ample time to develop confidence in marching and playing. For additional assistance, your visual instructors and section leader can help you at any time.
- What if I have a conflict with the schedule?
- Members are expected to commit to the entire rehearsal and performance schedule, but of course, important family, school, or career events do occur. In the winter, our staff works with members to root out conflicts. We must be aware of conflicts early to plan effectively.
- What is DCA?
- Drum Corp Associates (DCA) is the organization that governs all-age corps. DCA sanctions all-age competitions, and holds the national championships.
- How do all-age corps differ from junior corps?
- Three primary differences:
- All-age corps accept performing members of any age. Junior corps membership is made up of youth, with an upper age limit of 21.
- All-age corps schedules are designed for members to continue their career, school, and family obligations while performing. Junior corps members drop everything for 8-12 weeks to travel around the country on tour.
- Cost. Participating in an all-age corps is substantially less expensive than in a junior corps. MBI's dues are 1/3 (or less!)of the dues charged by a junior corps.
- What if I have more questions?
- We look forward to chatting with you; please contact any of the staff below.
Corps Director: Ann Jones (director@mnbrassinc.org) 651-303-6438
Recruiting: John Horst (jhorst@mnbrassinc.org) 763-443-1087
Membership: Brian Woodbury (brianwoodbury@mnbrassinc.org) 651-442-5994
Guard: Carrie Andres (carrieandres@mnbrassinc.org)
Hornline: Matt Kettelhut (matt@mnbrassinc.org)
Percussion: Joel Matuzak (joel@mnbrassinc.org)