Pioneer Indoor Philosophy and Process of Development

Philosophy

The foundation of our program is set in four distinct categories: unity, precision, accuracy, and execution.

Unity – 100% of the members must be committed to setting a high standard of excellence in performance, attitude and conduct.

Precision- Every action and movement must be done with a thorough and thought out attention to detail. Everything must be examined and defined.

Accuracy – All things must be done perfectly. There is no such thing as a close approximation. We will be perfect.

Execution – We must perform everything at a high level all the time. Our goals can only be achieved through consistent practice at a high level of execution. If we don’t strive for perfect execution 100% of the time, we will not succeed.

Process of Development

These five points are sequential tools we use to train our students. They are meant as a progression for new students and an execution checklist for advanced students.

1. Sound Production and Technique – This is the most important and crucial set of skills to develop and perform automatically. This will define how we play every instrument and how to make every instrument produce the best quality of sound.

2. Rhythmic and Tempo Accuracy – Having tempo and rhythmic accuracy is the second only to how the instrument sounds. This also fulfills the main requirement of keeping the ensemble together and allows everyone to function as a single unit by following a unified pulse.

3. Routine of Musical Expression – Dynamics, crescendos, accents, stick heights, these should be an automatic part of our playing and learning process. These elements are the basis of music and should be learned first and executed with the highest attention to detail.

4. Simultaneous Demand – This where the marching and performance is put with the music. We have to sell and fully commit to every aspect of the show. This is not an activity where just playing the notes wins championships. The battery needs to move as well as they play, and the pit has to perform every aspect of the music.

5. Interpretation – After all other elements are in place, we have to convey the essential elements of the style and emotion of the music. We have to look beyond the notes and find the elements that convey the effect to the audience.

Pioneer Indoor Drug and Alcohol Policy

Drugs and Alcohol: The Pioneer wishes to recognize the following issues relative to substance abuse:

1) It is important to keep the lines of communication open between the members and staff regarding the use and abuse of alcohol and illegal chemical substances by ANYONE in the organization.

2) Substance abuse is a serious problem in the United States and we hope it is not within our Corps.

The Pioneer, therefore, wishes to publicly state that:

1) The Pioneer supports the laws of the United States and the various states relative to the use of alcohol and chemical substances, including but not limited to marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, tranquilizers, crack, barbiturates, and diet pills.

2) The Pioneer is opposed to the non-medical use of any drugs by any of its members and staff.

3) The Pioneer recognizers the importance of performing at maximum capacity both as a unit and as individuals.

4) The Pioneer expects all who are associated with it to report in a state of mind and physical condition that will allow them to perform their assigned duties and responsibilities in a competent and safe manner.

5) The Pioneer realizes that an impaired member will not only be a danger to him or herself, but may put at risk all members of our drum and bugle corps, and may prevent performance at a maximum capacity.

Constructively, the Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps will:

1) Inform members of their responsibilities as a member.

2) If significant abuse is noted as a problem with an individual, the Pioneer will act in such a manner to bring a halt to such behavior. The appropriate action will be determined by the Executive Director of the ensemble.