Drum Corps: Best Way to Watch?

Streaming vs Live

With Drum Corps contests once again in full swing now, you have that itch to get back to watching your favorite group. But oh no! There isn't a contest near you or it doesn't have your favorite Corps. What do you do? Thankfully, DCI has the option to stream several of the contests this year provided by FloMarching. That's one option, however, that got me thinking. What is the best way to view Drum Corps? Let's break it down.

FloMarching this year is providing much of the video coverage for DCI and you can watch your favorite Corps from the comfort of your own home. There was also the opportunity to watch in theaters earlier on the big screen. This way to watch is great because you can spread out and get comfy. Have a favorite snack? Eat whatever you want. Make it a pizza party and invite friends or even introduce someone new to the activity. You can even commentate during a show without disrupting others. You'd get the option of watching on multi cam to give you something unique. The ability to feel like you're on the field as you see the faces of joy on performers' faces as they nail that toss or gave a thrilling solo. All the while, the picture will be HD with clear sound. An added bonus is if you sign up for a subscription through an affiliate link on a Corps website, they will receive a portion of it so a good way to help out! Note: not all Drum Corps have signed up to have a link.

Not everything is roses though with this option. First, you'll want high speed internet for the best experience. While fairly rare, internet outages can occur too. There may be technical issues on the other end and you'll be at the mercy of them fixing it. Unless you have an incredible home surround sound system, you're not going to get the volume you would in person. You're also going to miss out on that experience of being there live and shopping in all the souvie stalls.

Now being there live, like I said before, is an absolute experience. From exploring the shops, getting that greasy food at a stadium that just somehow hits different, and of course watching the Corps. Imagine, you're sitting there as the Show begins. The percussion is building up the tension as the color guard spins. Then the horns snap up and your face just melts with a wall of glorious sound! The crowd cheers loudly and you just feel the energy! This energy is something that will always be missing in a stream.

There are some prickly points with seeing a show live though too. It's very possible that there isn't going to be a show near you and of course may not feature a Corps you really want to see. Gas is expensive to travel really far as are ticket prices. Streaming helps solve this problem and is cheaper but then you lose out on that experience (which I can not stress enough is worth it). You could have that ticket and then the event is cancelled due to weather. While we are lucky to have some indoor events including World Championships, your typical show runs that risk.

I got to try both out fairly close to each other as a good comparison. Watching the Tour Premiere at my local Regal in Fort Wayne, it was nice to put my feet up and lay back (it has reclining seats at this theatre) and just enjoy the show and even get to see interviews and snippets of old shows from these groups. The auditorium was about 75%ish full but as the shows went on, no real clapping or cheering. It was missing that shared experience and energy. The reverse happened when I then went to the DCI Central Indiana show hosted by Ball State (go Cardinals!) in Muncie. I got all the energy and face melting I could ask for. But there bench seating was uncomfortable and you're squeezed in tight with lots of people. 

So which is better? That's for you to decide! Every person's situation will be different so what option will be best for one may not be what another wants to do. But at least there are options and that's the most important part. Drum Corps is more accessible than ever to watch! For me, the experience of seeing shows live is simply the best. 2008 finals was far and away the best time I've had. And you to could have it make that type of memory. While streaming is great, live always wins in my book. Either way you choose, you are still supporting the Marching Arts and it is appreciated by all.

Thanks for reading General Effect Media! Subscribe for free and get the latest in Pageantry Arts News, Analysis, and Opinion delivered to your inbox.