Golden Empire FAQs
What’s the schedule like?
In 2024, preseason workshops for the brass section will occur on April 7th and 14th. Auditions for all sections will take place on April 27-28th. The corps rehearses on weekends in May. In the summer, beginning June 1st, the corps rehearses during the week. Mornings are off to accommodate students that need to take summer school or work part-time. Weekend schedules are based on the performance calendar, but typically Sundays will be off. We perform on weekends starting on June 28* and for other local events as scheduled. A tentative 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 the summer, we do have rehearsals during the week, but the mornings are open, so even students taking summer school should be able to participate.
How much does it cost to participate?
In 2024, there is a $20 fee to attend the preseason workshop/auditions. Students who audition and make a spot in the corps must register for our course (MUSC B28) at Bakersfield College for credit, which is about about $150 for the summer semester.** In addition, students are expected to fundraise/contribute to cover any expenses not covered by the college. The member contribution for 2023 was $1,950. The 2024 contribution amount will be available soon.
Where does the money go?
Tuition for the class 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, costumes, 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. Our workshops are on Sundays in the spring to avoid indoor shows, and the guard doesn't meet until after the indoor season has completed. So you can get started now, participate in the workshops that don't overlap with indoor commitments, then come together with the full corps in after the indoor season for rehearsals and tour.
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. You must at least be in HS and Drum Corps International's age limit is 21 years of age with one exception: Corps members who turn 22 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 include food crew, transportation, health and safety, etc. Email [email protected] for details on how to volunteer with the corps.
Is there any COVID-19 info I should be aware of?
In addition to our own health guidelines, we follow BC's COVID-19 protocols:
Individuals who are not feeling well should test, stay home, contact their health care provider, and notify their instructor(s). If your test is negative you may return to school. If you test is positive you must stay home for at least 5 days from your test date. You may return when you have been fever-free without medications for 24 hours.
Masks are still strongly encouraged on campus and vaccination remains the most reliable preventative measure. Protocols are subject to change. COVID vaccination services are free and open to the campus and the wider community.
Contact the BC COVID Response Team at [email protected] or 661-395-4773 if you test positive or have questions regarding the BC COVID protocols.
Individuals who are not feeling well should test, stay home, contact their health care provider, and notify their instructor(s). If your test is negative you may return to school. If you test is positive you must stay home for at least 5 days from your test date. You may return when you have been fever-free without medications for 24 hours.
Masks are still strongly encouraged on campus and vaccination remains the most reliable preventative measure. Protocols are subject to change. COVID vaccination services are free and open to the campus and the wider community.
Contact the BC COVID Response Team at [email protected] or 661-395-4773 if you test positive or have questions regarding the BC COVID protocols.
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.
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. Drum Corps International (the sanctioning body for the activity) has an age limit of 21 (with an exception for members that turn 22 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?
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 Concurrent Enrollment process (each semester) outlined here: https://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/academics/early-college/index.html
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 additional music/movement, strengthened our work ethic, and kept us focused on band/guard during the school year.
How much will this all cost?
Students will receive a membership packet that breaks everything down, but essentially there are three obligations: The one-time $20 preseason workshop fee, BC tuition/registration fees (currently about $150 for the summer), and the member contribution (sometimes known in the activity as a “tour fee”), which for 2023 was $1,950. There will be various required and optional fundraising opportunities as well to help offset these obligations. The 2024 contribution amount will be available soon.
Where do the members stay during workshops or when traveling to shows?
In 2024, workshops and daily rehearsals in the summer are scheduled so local students can commute from home. People from out of town who 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?
For preseason workshops and on-campus rehearsals, meals are NOT provided. Students should plan to eat a nutritious meal before they arrive, bring a sack lunch or food money (There are several fast-food options within a short driving distance of the college), 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).
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 tour, 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 info@geperformingarts.org 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.
