…Try, try again!

Welcome back to CorpsData and another edition of "Stepping Out!" 

So, recently I've had that yearning again, the good old "DCI plague" as I come to realize winter is VERY much here and its audition time for the ranks of DCI. Lately, I've been reading, listening, and speaking with fellow alumni and staff about the turnout for several corps and nothing but great news so far! However, we all know there are those that are very unhappy because he/she may not have made the Cadets their first audition out, or landed the lead trumpet gig with the Blue Devils at the age of 13 … well kids, reality check!

Now, please don't take any of this the wrong way, we're just going to air out the controversy of "unfair judging" or possibly "… they just didn't like me!" attitudes in the audition results. Being a past alumni, educator, and now "dad" to many kids I can say that I've heard my fair share of upset teenagers and young adults. Auditions in the world and open classes today aren't what they use to be, 'nuff said! The Summer Games are result of some amazing athletes with simply incredible talent, which is very hard to come by. Consequently, many young persons are "cut" or in a cup-is-half-full world, they are informed of their weaknesses and given advice to improve for later auditions. 

Okay, with all that said, I realize we all have our dreams and this can sometimes be an earth-shattering event when you receive your letter and you're not accepted. That boat has sailed kids, not much you can do to change it. So what's your next option? 

"I'll just quit and work, go to school, anything but DCI ... I hate it, so unfair!!!" 

Ummm, that's where I throw the rag and call foul! Why be that way? Why quit when there are ample, and I mean AMPLE, need for students in other corps? Okay, Cavaliers may have to wait until you’re ready, but how about Memphis Sound? No Santa Clara Vanguard? Okay, how about a summer with Crossmen or Revolution? These are just a few examples of the potentially unbelievable summer you’re going to miss out on sitting at home and sulking.  

So in closing, remember that a very large chunk of your score in the audition (and in life) is your attitude!  If at first you don't succeed, try, try again … and if that doesn't work?? Guess that’s another blog :o). 

So until then, Happy New Year and my best to everyone.

Cheers,

Ty. Long