Golden Empire FAQs
What’s the schedule like?
In 2021, preseason workshops will be held on 5/29, 6/5, & 6/12. In the summer, beginning June 14th, the corps will rehearse in the evenings during the week. Saturday rehearsals will be announced, and Sundays are off unless there is a performance. We perform on weekends starting in late July* and for other local events as scheduled. An updated calendar can be found here.
What if I’m in high school, can I march Golden Empire?
Absolutely! Because there are limited workshops during the school-year, you should have plenty of time to focus on your high school commitments. In 2021, we have night rehearsals during the week, so even students taking summer school should be able to participate.
How much does it cost to participate?
In 2021, there is a $30 fee to attend the preseason workshop series. Students who audition and make a spot in the corps must register in the course at Bakersfield College for credit, which is about $100 for the summer semester (or $15 for HS students).** In addition, students are expected to fundraise/contribute to cover any expenses not covered by the college. The member contribution for 2021 is $500.
Where does the money go?
Tuition goes to the college to help offset the cost of offering and supporting our class. Member fundraising/contribution helps to cover things like travel, food, lodging, uniforms, show design, instruction, equipment maintenance, and any other seasonal expenses.
What if I want to march Golden Empire but can’t afford the member contribution?
Various fundraising opportunities are available throughout the season, however, you may need to find additional ways to raise funds. If you are willing to put in the hard work and hours of practice it takes to travel and perform, then you should also be able to work hard and put time into fundraising. We're here to help you with that effort.
Can I still perform with an indoor guard/drumline and march GE?
Yes, but this is handled on a case-by-case basis as everyone’s situation is different. In 2021, our workshops start after the WGI virtual season has completed, so there shouldn't be any schedule conflicts.
I'm not sure if I'm the right age to be in the group. What's the age limit?
Our average age is 18. This season you must at least be in HS and Drum Corps International's age limit is 22 years of age with one exception: Corps members who turn 23 on or after June 1 are eligible to march during that year. Check out the Age Limit Calculator here: http://www.dci.org/audition/
Can my parents help?
Yes! We encourage parent involvement. Opportunities includes equipment maintenance, sewing, food crew, health and safety, etc. Email volunteers@geperformingarts.org for details on how to volunteer with the corps.
I have another question that's not answered here. What should I do?
Just contact us here or email [email protected] and someone will get back to you as soon as possible...usually within a day or two.
*GE participates in DCI's Open Class, and our schedule is subject to change based on DCI's schedule.
**HS students are exempt from BC's tuition, and Financial Aid may be available for graduates. Here's more info about BC's tuition & fees.
**HS students are exempt from BC's tuition, and Financial Aid may be available for graduates. Here's more info about BC's tuition & fees.
COVID-19 FAQs
Are Rehearsals ONLINE or in person?
As Bakersfield College continues to gradually open the campus back up, Performing Arts ensembles are some of the first classes to return to face to face instruction. Our drum corps plans to meet in person for our preseason workshops and daily rehearsals in the summer.
What precautions are being taken?
In addition to the campus-wide efforts to create a safe learning environment for face to face classes, our drum corps has established Pandemic Procedures based on guidance from Drum Corps International, BC health and safety requirements, and local, state, and federal regulations. These are in addition to our existing Health Guidelines and will be updated periodically as guidance changes.
what are my responsibilities as a student?
Students and staff coming to campus or any other event must complete various prerequisites in addition to a daily screening protocol. This includes reading the COVID-19 Student Responsibility info and using the Daily Health Checker. When on campus you'll need to adhere to campus policies such as wearing a mask where required, maintaining physical distance, washing your hands, etc.
Where can i get more information?
The best place for more detailed info and updates is www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/covid19 or by contacting us if you have any specific questions.
FAQs for Parents & Teachers
What is drumcorps anyway? Is it the same as marching band?
Drumcorps (or Drum & Bugle Corps) is an extracurricular activity that is similar to marching band with some key differences (for example, there are no woodwinds). Corps generally audition and train in the spring, and in the summer they practice almost daily (much like band camp) in preparation for summer performances. Learn more here: http://www.dci.org/parents
Is my student the right age to participate? What are the requirements?
For Golden Empire, the student must at least be in HS to participate, and our average age is 18. In 2021, Drum Corps International (the sanctioning body for the activity) has temporarily raised the age limit to 22 (with an exception for members that turn 23 on or after June 1). Many students choose to participate in drumcorps after a couple years of experience in marching band/drumline/guard, but some start earlier or later.
Will drumcorps conflict with school?
Golden Empire’s schedule has been created by local teachers and coaches to avoid as many school conflicts as possible. The spring workshops are on weekends, and daily rehearsals don’t begin until school is out for the summer. With that said, we know that inevitably there will be conflicts with school events (competitions, concerts, etc.), and we believe a student’s school commitments should be their top priority.
Are there any academic eligibility considerations?
Because the corps is a class at Bakersfield College, there are some college requirements that must be met. Applicants that audition for and make a spot in the corps will be required to enroll as students at BC. HS students must complete the enrollment process outlined here: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/earlycollege/how-to-enroll
Will my student’s participation in drumcorps distract them from their school music program?
This is a question we want address head-on because we know it’s a concern. We are schoolteachers and music/guard coaches ourselves. We also were once young students who marched drumcorps during our HS and college years. While there is no simple yes/no answer, our personal experience was that the drumcorps activity inspired us to return to our school music programs eager to share our experiences. It exposed us to new music/movement, strengthened our work ethic, and kept us focused on band/guard during the school year.
How much will this all cost?
A detailed financial policy will be available that breaks everything down, but essentially there are three obligations: The $30 preseason workshop fee, BC tuition/registration fees (currently about $100 for the summer semester or $15 for HS students), and the member contribution (sometimes known in the activity as a “tour fee”), which for 2021 is $500. There will be various required and optional fundraising opportunities as well to help offset these obligations.
Where do the members stay during workshops or when traveling to shows?
In 2021, workshops and daily rehearsals in the summer are scheduled so local students can commute from home. People from out of town that want to participate will need to arrange for off-campus housing (staying with relatives, renting, etc.). When on the road in the summer, in the case of overnight trips, the corps will lodge together, and details of the tour and these sites will be available before each trip.
What’s the food situation? Are meals provided at workshops? How about when traveling?
During the preseason workshops, meals will be provided between rehearsal blocks. For weeknight rehearsals this summer, there is only one rehearsal block, so students should plan to eat a nutritious meal before they arrive and a healthy snack when they get home. When on the road traveling together to performances, food will be provided.
Are there any health & safety issues I should be concerned about?
Drumcorps is a physically demanding activity. Corps members will be training in the preseason, and in the summer they will be working outside in the heat and sun. Handling these conditions is a balance of preparation (conditioning, sun protection, full clean water jugs, etc.) and treatment if there are any issues. Students have access to the BC Student Health & Wellness Center, and when traveling there is a medical professional on the road with the corps*.
Do I need to carry health insurance? Does the corps provide anything?
Students should have their own health insurance coverage. The corps is a class at Bakersfield College, so we are covered under the Kern Community College District’s liability insurance policy. However, medical expenses are the responsibility of the student (and/or their parent/guardian). In 2021, students may need to provide their insurance info to the lab providing weekly COVID testing.
How does the corps travel? Will I need to provide transportation for my student to events?
During the preseason workshops and summer rehearsals, corps members are on their own for transportation. When on the road, the corps will travel together by bus. Much like when traveling to band competitions, there will also be a fleet of support vehicles that travel with the corps. Parents interested in volunteering can email [email protected] for more info.
*We rely on a team of both volunteer and paid medical professionals in addition to access to the BC Student Health Center. If you're a licensed medical professional and are interested in volunteering your services, contact [email protected] to let us know.
