The faces involved in the competitive world of Drum Corps International is uncovered during an 8-part series created by Seven Bucks Productions and 44 Blue Productions on Fuse Media. After traveling worldwide during a 90-day tour in the summer of 2016, the two productions team up to create an 8-part half hour docu-series called “Clash of the Corps.” The series allows for the viewers to see personal experiences of drum corps members and the aftermath of 14 to 16-hour practices.
The series focuses on two all-star teams, the Cadets from Pennsylvania and the Blue Devils from Northern California. The Blue Devils have consistently fought for their spot in the championship for the last 20 years. Over 70 teams worldwide compete for a chance at the championship and only 12 teams make it. The series began from the auditions in November of 2015 and ends at the world championship in August the following summer.
The culture that surrounds the highly competitive world of Drum Corps International is unlike any other. “Clash of the Corps” provides an epic insight to what keeps these exceptionally talented kids sane while touring.
“Clash of the Corps” premiered on the 5th of October. Fuse asked UW-Milwaukee senior, Kobina Sampson-Davis to be prominently featured in the national premiere. Kobina was asked to discuss his experiences and what a daily routine consisted of when preparing for competitions. He was able to represent and “show off…” his team during the premiere.
Kobina Sampson Davis, 21, was a member of the Elite Cadets Drum Corps. After one year of playing the trumpet at an early age of 12, he was influenced by a friend to join. Kobina says, “the level of skill was extremely advanced.” He felt intimidated with the drum corps at first when going in with very little experience but he gained insight from his fellow members and practiced. He then became the lead trumpet for the team.
Kobina did not make the Drum Corps International when he auditioned in 2015. He learned from the advice given by his instructors and earned the “Most Visually Improved” award at the end of the 2015 season. Kobina’s next audition left the judges stunned. Kobina earned the highest possible score in the music and marching portions of the audition. The journey for Kobina was just beginning.
Kobina toured with the rest of the Drum Corps International members for two summers. The 90-day tours were spent practicing for up to 14 hours a day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Members had to remember up to 177 cords and be physically fit. The instrument constricts the ability to breath freely.
“It’s like gently blowing out a candle while running laps in 80-degree weather with a jacket on and carrying a pound over your head,” said Kobina. A nearly impossible task.
Kobina expressed how much he enjoyed the little free time he had to bond with his teammates. He remembered walking along Daytona beach with friends and enjoying the atmosphere. Those were the moments that kept Kobina sane throughout the long days.
Because of his journey with the Drum Corps International, Kobina made friendships with people all over the world. He stressed on the idea of competition being a big and exciting part of his life but building friendships and memories are what drove him to continue competing. He didn’t mind being filmed throughout his summer on tour.
“The show is an entire summer documented for myself. I want to hopefully spark an interest in people and change others lives like it changed mine.”
Kobina is now ineligible to continue playing in the drum corps because of his age. He is not leaving his musical interest and talent behind. Kobina is majoring in Music Education at UW-Milwaukee.
Don’t miss the unforgettable and heated competitions. Tune into the show which premieres every Wednesday from 11 p.m. east central time and 10 p.m. central time. Visit www.fuse.tv for more information on the show. The Elite Cadets drum corps are having auditions this November. Go to cadets.org for information.