Join the White Sabers

Membership

Ready to take your musical and performance skills to the next level? Join us and become a part of a dedicated team of musicians and performers. Gain invaluable experience, improve your talents, and forge lasting friendships within a supportive community. Whether you're a brass player, a percussionist, or interested in color guard, we welcome individuals who are committed to hard work and growth. Woodwind or string player? No worries - We’ve trained many performers how to transition into another section!

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  • Brass instrumentation includes trumpets, mellophones, baritones, euphoniums, trombones, and tubas.

  • The battery percussion section marches on the field. This section is typically made up of snares, tenors/ quad drums, bass drums, and marching cymbals.

  • The front ensemble, or pit, is made up of stationary instruments. Typical instrumentation may include marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, glockenspiel, drum set, auxiliary percussion, electric and bass guitar, and more.

  • The colorguard is the primary visual component of the drum corps. Members of this section may spin flag, rifle or saber, dance, and/ or interact with props, etc.

  • Drum majors will be the primary communication of tempo, dynamics, emotion, and directions to the drum corps as well as a liaison between administration, staff, and members. Throughout the season, the drum major is the most visible member of the corps. Positive interactions with other drum majors/corps members, along with being the voice of the organization at all times is a key component to being a great leader.

Interested in volunteering with the White Sabers? Learn more here.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Like a marching band, a drum corps is a type of marching music ensemble that combines brass instruments, percussion, and a color guard. The main difference is that the music ensemble is made up only of brass and percussion.

  • DCI All-Age is drum corps division founded in 2024 that encompasses former Drum Corps Associates "Senior Corps" groups.

    All-Age corps are not typical 'touring' Junior drum corps. We tend to rehearse on a weekend-only schedule to accommodate the wide age range of marching members.

    To be considered for a position with White Sabers, you must have reliable transportation to rehearsals in the Rochester, NY from April through August.

  • Membership is open to all ages and skill levels. Previous experience with music or colorguard is preferred, but not required. Although drum and bugle corps do not include woodwind sections, we train woodwind players each season to perform in roles of their choosing.

  • Although drum and bugle corps do not typically include woodwind sections, we train woodwind players each season to perform in roles of their choice within the brass, drum major, color guard, or percussion sections. *As of the 2025 season, there are opportunities for featured solo woodwind instruments.

  • Every prospective member is given the opportunity to audition for the section of their choice, but Caption Leaders reserve the right to suggest a section or role that may be better suited to the individual.

    Audition dates and expectations will be communicated ahead of time by Caption Leaders.

    The competitive portion of the season runs from July through World Championships held in mid-August.

    To be considered for a position with the White Sabers, you must be in good standing with previously marched organizations and have reliable transportation to our weekend rehearsals held in the Rochester, NY area between April and August.

  • Auditions are held from November to January, followed by pre-season rehearsals twice a month through March. Spring Training takes place on weekends from April to June, and competitions occur from July to mid-August. Expect to commit ~20 hours per week late-April through mid-August.

  • We aim to keep the cost of membership both affordable and valuable. In addition to equipment, props, and fleet of vehicles, fees also cover housing, instruction, fuel, costumes, and more. Program Fees and detailed information for the 2026 season will be provided to you at Membership Days. We provide various fundraisers, sponsorships, and scholarship opportunities throughout the season to help offset costs.

  • Most meals, snacks, and Gatorade are offered at a nominal cost.

  • We offer nearby housing each full weekend, free of charge. Additionally, many members live close to rehearsals allowing for additional carpools, etc.