I dunno. It’s a small band, and he was a reluctant participant at first. But, now he loves it. He had to be persuaded to join because he didn’t think he’d like marching.
The Band Leader told his mom that he wanted to organize the program around A’s skills, so they made a pitch that marimba players and xylophone players didn’t have to march — they are the “Pitt Band” on the side lines that provide the beat while the rest of them march on the field. The dance moves while he plays the marimba were his own idea. But, they have to have a moving job when they are assigned to be in a parade, and cymbals became his new assignment, since the marimba is not too portable. And he took quite well to the marching too, much to my amazement. He also plays all kinds of drums.
There are different corps from all over the country, so he could audition for one close to home to cut down on travel costs to the weekend camps that are held before marching season. If he loves playing in the pit and adds his dancing and showmanship to his performance he would probably love the DCI experience.
Funny thing is that VRWCboy marched quads (tenors) and snares all four years of high school and his first two years in college, but after his summer tour marching with the Cavaliers this year he decided to play in the pit for the marching band at college this year and he really enjoyed taking a break from marching. He said he will do pit again next fall at school but will be marching quads again next summer with the Cavaliers.