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Northeast Louisiana |
1. What is the NELA Summer Music Games? - It is a Drum Corps International (DCI) sanctioned drum and bugle corps competition.
2. What is a drum and bugle corps? - While it would appear that a drum and bugle corps might be easily defined, it is much more than just drums and bugles. A modern drum corps is composed of 135 amateur performers, each under the age of 22. The complement of performers includes brass musicians, percussionists, and auxiliary, or color guard. They perform a 9-11 minute program on a standard football field. Programs are extravaganzas of musical excellence, marching precision, color, drama, dance, humor, and emotion. All members of the corps, excluding the front percussion ensemble, are required to march intricate patterns, formations, and transitions, which are coordinated with a musical production. Often referred to as a musical sport, drum corps activity combines the pageantry of theater, the musicianship of a symphony orchestra, adn the excitement of championship sports. Each competition os judged by multiple judges in a manner similar to the Olympics.
This answer doesn't even begin to describe what you will see at the competition. The performances really must be seen live to be believed. I highly recommend that you ask someone who attended last years show and read this article on DCI's website. http://www.dci.org/about/
3. What time should I arrive? - The competition begins at 7:30, but we recommend that you try to arrive at least 30 minutes early to get parked and make your way into the stadium, get any refreshments, and visit the corps souvenir stands.
4. Is there food available at the competition? - Yes! There will be a variety of food and beverages available. Please note that outside food and beverages are not allowed into the stadium.
5. Why aren't people allowed to move in and out of the stadium during performances? - For the courtesy of those around you and due to DCI rules, we must restrict movement in/out of the stands during each corps performance. However, we will have an intermission and will make access to food and beverages very convenient so that you don't miss any of the action.
6. Can I take pictures or video of the competition? - Short answer: Still pictures with amateur cameras, yes. Audio or video, no. Amateur still photo cameras for personal use only are allowed. Professional cameras and all camcorders and other audio or audio/visual recording devices are not allowed. Please read the DCI Photo Policy below as the the policy will be strictly enforced.
7. Where do I park? - Please view our parking map for specific parking areas. Please do not park in the corps parking areas as the corps have lots of large equipment and will take up all the parking that we have labeled for them.
Parking Map
8. What is the difference between the various ticket options? - Premium seats are between the 40 yard lines, rows 9 and above. Blast zone seats are between the 40 yard lines, rows 8 and below. Value seats are from the 40 to the 18 yard lines on each side, all rows. The best seat for viewing a show is on the 50 yard line, where you are in the center of the action. The higher you sit, the better you can see the intricate designs of the marching drill. If you want the best view, order Premium seats. If you aren't too concerned with marching and just want a face full of sound, order Blast Zone seats. On a budget or just curious to see what all this is about? Order Value seats.
9. What happens in the event of bad weather? - First, we hope that this will not even be a concern. However, in the event of inclement weather, we have several options and will do everything possible to ensure that the competition takes place as scheduled. As a last resort, the performances will be moved inside into the gym. The show will take place in some form that night, so don't let weather concerns stop you.
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