Just as high school football players sometimes look up to an NFL player, some band members can look up to a drum corp; elite marching bands consisting of only brass and percussion that compete against each other internationally. Drum Corps International (DCI), has 22 individual bands based in the United States that are made up of high school and college students under the age of 21.

Sophomore trumpet player Nick Pitkin hopes to fulfil his dream to join DCI. During the winter break he is going to Denver, Colo. to audition for the corps Blue Knights.

“I first got interested in drum corps my freshman year when I watched DCI finals with the band,” Pitkin said. “They were all so good and looked great. It was amazing to think that I could be a part of something like that if I tried hard.”

Auditions for the Blue Knights last three days and can be an exciting experience.

“Drum corps aren’t something that are easy to get into,” band director Daniel King said. “You have to be good at playing and moving, especially at the same time. Even if Nick doesn’t make it in the corps he will gain that experience. It’s something he’s never done before. We don’t hold tryouts for band here, so competing against other talented people will open his eyes to what’s really out there and help him grow.”

If Pitkin makes the Blue Knights, he will start the last week of school and end right before the first day of the next school year.

“Spending the entire summer playing your instrument no matter what is always a good thing,” former Cadet corps member Logan Stalcup said. “But when you’re surrounded by other amazing musicians it heightens that experience. Being a part of a corps will increase anyone’s musical awareness and playing abilities. Also, you create memories. Marching onto the field for finals with my corps is still one of my greatest memories and I know others who would say the same.”

Pitkin is excited for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“I’m most looking forward to seeing I rank against other people,” Pitkin said. “I want to see if I can actually be talented and good at what I do somewhere else and not just in Lucas, Texas.”