What is 7th Regiment?

7th Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps is a touring youth performing arts ensemble that travels the country, and competes against other drum corps in professional, college, and high school venues during a 6-week experience each summer. We are operated by 7th Regiment Youth Performing Arts Organization (7RYPAO), a Connecticut based non-profit organization. 7th Regiment is a member of Drum Corps International (DCI), the non-profit governing, oversight, and sanctioning body for North American drum and bugle corps, whose members are under 22 years of age.

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Where and When?

7th Regiment is based out of New London, CT. We hold weekend rehearsal camps once a month from December until May. In June, we rehearse every weekend for the first three weeks, and then “move in” at the end of June full time for a short local tour that lasts about two weeks. The corps has another “move in” in mid July before our Finals Tour, which lasts about three weeks and ends in Indianapolis.
Locations and dates for these rehearsals can vary and may change throughout the camp and summer season.

How do I join?

7th Regiment typically holds auditions for all current and new members in November and December. Some members will be offered a “contract” at this time and others will be called back for a second look in January.

Click the link below to start your journey today!

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Requirements to Join 7R

AGE
The minimum age for membership in the corps is 14 (as of May 31st of the performance year). The DCI 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. 7th Regiment has mostly high school students that participate, with an average age of 17 years old.

HEALTH
Daily rehearsals, performances and travel make drum corps even more intense and demanding than many collegiate level sports. Your body and mind must be capable of holding up under tremendously stressful physical conditions. Members are required to have physician certified physical examinations before the beginning of first tour move-ins.

DRIVE AND ATTITUDE
The desire and courage to come to the audition. You can't march without taking the first step. Drum corps can be difficult, both mentally and physically. Your attitude and willingness to learn is one of the most important factors in the audition process and on tour.

TIME
You need to have the ability to attend winter camps, summer rehearsals and move-ins, and the summer tours. Exceptions can be made for school functions, concerts, and prior commitments. All scheduling conflicts must be communicated in advance with the caption managers. Failure to attend the required rehearsal may result in contract termination.

FINANCES
Membership fees need to be considered. While there are fundraising opportunities and scholarships available for those with a financial need, being able to pay the membership dues is an important part of the commitment. Payment plans are available and open for discussion.

Inclusivity Statement

7th Regiment provides equal opportunities to all staff, volunteers, applicants, and members without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Upon arrival at 7th Regiment, the staff follows up with members and auditionees concerning their access needs. 7th Regiment has accommodated members in the past by allotting individual shower time, having a trained medical professional oversee HRT shots, and using gender inclusive language throughout its member documents and audition forms. We are happy to work with members and prospective members to ensure a positive and safe experience.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact us.

What can I expect to pay?

Audition Fees

7R requires New and Returning Members to pay a non-refundable audition fee of $100. This fee covers the cost of rehearsal space, housing, food, and instruction for the audition dates.

Those who choose to submit a video audition must pay a non-refundable video audition fee of $100. This fee will be accepted in place of the in-person audition fee.

Callback Fees

Members who receive a callback after their audition will be required to pay a Callback Fee at the time of registration for the next camp they attend.

Tuition

Upon receiving a contract, members will be required to submit a signed financial agreement, which will lay out the expected tuition costs for the upcoming season.

Contracted members are expected to pay their full tuition by the first day of move-ins in June.

Other Costs

The corps will provide every meal, except on designated free blocks, which typically happen once or twice during the second tour. Typically on free blocks members have the option of going to a local park or beach, or they may have the opportunity to see a local monument, or experience something unique to that town or area of the country.

Sections may also decide to create section-specific clothing (shirts/shorts outside of the 7R merchandise). Sergeants will communicate these costs to the members. (Note: These articles of clothing are not required purchases)

Members also pay for their own laundry (usually $10-$15 per visit, with one visit every 7-10 days) and occasional runs to Wal-Mart to pick up incidentals.

The amount of extra money required for these sorts of things varies from person to person. $150 to $400 is a good rule of thumb; some have done it with less, some spend much more.

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