Membership
The Sunrisers strive for educational excellence and to become one of the elite organizations in the drum and bugle corps activity. The corps entertains audiences throughout the east coast during our summer events. A member of the corps will spend the summer, not only developing musical and movement expertise, but also increasing their skills in the self-reliance, discipline, leaderships skills, and a strong self-worth and work ethic. These are life skills which cannot be gained through ordinary summer jobs, nor weeklong musical camps. Character traits instilled through drum corps and the skills that separate the "good kids" from the negative youth and education stories you read about in the news headlines.
A typical season with the Sunrisers lasts approximately 40 days. We begin our season with an Open House in November, continuing with monthly rehearsal camps in December-March. During the Spring and Summer months of April - August, a member of the corps will rehearse every weekend, accumulating 15 hours, and perform at least 5 times a month. In 2025, we will end out summer season at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN for the Drum Corps International World Championships. You'll meet many new friends from all over Long Island and the east coast. The bonds we develop as we work together are much like a family.
A typical season with the Sunrisers lasts approximately 40 days. We begin our season with an Open House in November, continuing with monthly rehearsal camps in December-March. During the Spring and Summer months of April - August, a member of the corps will rehearse every weekend, accumulating 15 hours, and perform at least 5 times a month. In 2025, we will end out summer season at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN for the Drum Corps International World Championships. You'll meet many new friends from all over Long Island and the east coast. The bonds we develop as we work together are much like a family.
The Sunrisers are currently looking for members to fill out our 2025 Ensemble. We are looking for Brass players, Percussion, Color Guard and Conductors. While we are looking to produce a challenging field show, we do accept woodwind players looking to learn a brass instrument as a secondary instrument.
All instruments and equipment are provided. When we travel, all transportation, meals and accommodations are provided. Through our unique instructional environment, rehearsal structure, performances and travel, we will strive to reach our goals.
There are Five basic Membership Requirements:
1. DESIRE - The courage to become a true ambassador of music pageantry
2. ATTITUDE - Membership with the Sunrisers is awarded to individuals who share our values and who display a
willingness to work hard to achieve our mutual goals. A positive attitude is more important to us than "just"
talent.
3. Health - Daily rehearsals, performances and travel make drum corps intense and demanding. Your body must be
capable of holding up under tremendously stressful physical conditions.
4. TIME - Our program has been established to supplement the music education experience our members
receive(d) in high school and college. It is important however, that Sunrisers members fully understand the
commitment they are making to our organization in light of other obligations they may already have.
Communication is the key to our success. In order to be considered for membership, you must be able to plan
your personal and work schedule(s) so that you can participate in ALL corps functions November thru August
(this includes employment, drivers training, summer school and all other non academic activities). Specific
allowances for absence for rehearsals can be made if you phone or e-mail at least two weeks before any function.
5. FINANCES – Finances are a major concern for all drum corps. Drum and bugle corps are non-profit
organizations and most groups run on rather expensive annual budgets. The Sunrisers generates income
through corps fundraisers, performance fees, membership dues, and donations. Fees for the 2025 summer
season are set at $1,800 per marching member.
All instruments and equipment are provided. When we travel, all transportation, meals and accommodations are provided. Through our unique instructional environment, rehearsal structure, performances and travel, we will strive to reach our goals.
There are Five basic Membership Requirements:
1. DESIRE - The courage to become a true ambassador of music pageantry
2. ATTITUDE - Membership with the Sunrisers is awarded to individuals who share our values and who display a
willingness to work hard to achieve our mutual goals. A positive attitude is more important to us than "just"
talent.
3. Health - Daily rehearsals, performances and travel make drum corps intense and demanding. Your body must be
capable of holding up under tremendously stressful physical conditions.
4. TIME - Our program has been established to supplement the music education experience our members
receive(d) in high school and college. It is important however, that Sunrisers members fully understand the
commitment they are making to our organization in light of other obligations they may already have.
Communication is the key to our success. In order to be considered for membership, you must be able to plan
your personal and work schedule(s) so that you can participate in ALL corps functions November thru August
(this includes employment, drivers training, summer school and all other non academic activities). Specific
allowances for absence for rehearsals can be made if you phone or e-mail at least two weeks before any function.
5. FINANCES – Finances are a major concern for all drum corps. Drum and bugle corps are non-profit
organizations and most groups run on rather expensive annual budgets. The Sunrisers generates income
through corps fundraisers, performance fees, membership dues, and donations. Fees for the 2025 summer
season are set at $1,800 per marching member.
Sections of the Corps
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Members of the Brass section are made up of students who play brass and woodwind/string players learning brass as a secondary instrument. We use four types of silver plated bell-front marching brass instruments: Trumpets, Mellophones, Baritones, Euphoniums and Tubas. We occassionally feature Trombone, Flugelhorn and French Horn in our productions.
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Our percussionists develop advanced techniques on several instruments through specialized instruction, training exercises and custom-written music. We play and teach all percussion instruments including marching snare drum, multi-tenor drums, tonal bass drums, cymbals, drum-set and mallet instruments such as Orchestral Bells, Xylophone, Marimba and Vibraphone. In addition, we will incorporate Electronic percussion such as piano and guitars into our developing program.
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This Section of the corps is responsible for visually interpreting the music utilizing flags, props, dance, and lots of role playing. Many drama and dance students join this section. |
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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.
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Attendance Policy
It takes a lot of effort and coordination to get a group of people to put on a quality performance that reflects positively on The Sunrisers. We are dependent on each other, to contribute musically, and to be a spot on the field at a certain time in the show. It's very difficult to learn and to maximize our efforts when performers are missing. It also takes additional time and effort to teach material (music, drill, and choreography) again when someone misses a rehearsal. The purpose of our attendance policy is to make sure we can maximize attendance at rehearsals and still allow our performing members some flexibility when 'life' happens.
Every member desiring a spot in the Corps is expected to attend as many scheduled rehearsals and performances as possible. Since our goal is to no march 'holes' you are asked to commit to 100% of the events on our schedule. If you know you will not be able to make a rehearsal/performance or will be late you are required to notify the Corps ASAP, even if it's months ahead of time. The reason being, if the Corps inadvertently schedules an event where many performers have other commitments (i.e. school concert) and will result in poor attendance, it allows the corps administration team to potentially reschedule if enough notice is provided. You are required to notify the Director, your section captionhead and section instructor (all three preferred). A performing member not adhering to the policy may lose thier 'spot' in the show and/or be dismissed from the Corps at the discretion of the Corps Director and the members' appropriate captionhead.
Any performer may request an exception to the attendance policy should circumstances in their life come about that will prevent them from meeting the standard attendance policy.
Exceptions can be granted by the Corps Director and appropriate captionhead and will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Exceptions are for a short term, and could be due to a member's valid inability to meet requirement, conflicts which only allow part day rehearsals, medical issues, or similar deviations. An exception cannot require a new commitment, but is temporary and partial release of some of the terms of the existing commitment.
Exceptions can be granted by the Corps Director and appropriate captionhead and will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Exceptions are for a short term, and could be due to a member's valid inability to meet requirement, conflicts which only allow part day rehearsals, medical issues, or similar deviations. An exception cannot require a new commitment, but is temporary and partial release of some of the terms of the existing commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is drum corps?
Drum and Bugle Corps is an original American art form. The beginning can be traced to veterans organizations such as the VFW and the American Legion, as well as organizations such as the Catholic Youth Organization. Soldiers returning from World War I celebrated Veterans Day and the Fourth of July by marching parades to the drum and the bugle, just as they had done during the war. Drum and Bugle Corps is a musical marching unit (similar to a marching band) consisting of brass instruments, percussion instruments, and color guard. Typically operating as independent non-profit organizations, drum corps perform in competitions, parades, festivals, and other civic functions.
Who are the sunrisers?
Founded on Long Island in 1954, the Sunrisers have a proud history of innovation and excellence that have led to seven World Championships and numerous honors over its 70 year history. The Sunrisers plans to perform in a number of parades and events during the months of June through August parallel to our rehearsal schedule and end the season at Drum Corps International Championships in Indianapolis, IN.
The organization's vision is to create a healthy environment that allows community members to display great attitudes, winning strategies and a fearless commitment to become true ambassadors of the art of music pageantry. Our ultimate goal is for our members to become great performers, experienced leaders and exceptional citizens.
Sunrisers focuses on the musicians living in the Long Island area, but is open to all regions for membership and will offer the members the chance to interact with the community and develop their leadership skills, travel the east coast and compete at an unequaled level.
The organization as a whole strives is to create performing arts programs which enrich the lives of community members through our commitment to the achievement of performance excellence. This commitment combined with participation in competitive Music Pageantry creates an educational environment where people learn the important values of dedication, self-discipline, self-confidence, character and achievement. With this unique experience, our members will carry these key values back into the community.
The organization's vision is to create a healthy environment that allows community members to display great attitudes, winning strategies and a fearless commitment to become true ambassadors of the art of music pageantry. Our ultimate goal is for our members to become great performers, experienced leaders and exceptional citizens.
Sunrisers focuses on the musicians living in the Long Island area, but is open to all regions for membership and will offer the members the chance to interact with the community and develop their leadership skills, travel the east coast and compete at an unequaled level.
The organization as a whole strives is to create performing arts programs which enrich the lives of community members through our commitment to the achievement of performance excellence. This commitment combined with participation in competitive Music Pageantry creates an educational environment where people learn the important values of dedication, self-discipline, self-confidence, character and achievement. With this unique experience, our members will carry these key values back into the community.
who can join?
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.
Are there auditions?
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.
Audition dates and expectations will be communicated ahead of time by Caption Leaders.
what is the rehearsal schedule like?
During the winter months, we hold rehearsals and clinics 1 weekend a month.
In late Spring, we begin weekend rehearsals every week. A typical weekend runs from 9am Saturday through 5pm Sunday.
In late Spring, we begin weekend rehearsals every week. A typical weekend runs from 9am Saturday through 5pm Sunday.
What does it cost?
Memberships tuition for the 2025 season will be $1,800.
We aim to keep the cost of membership both affordable and valuable. Your tuition includes equipment, instruction, uniform, some transportation, as well as various housing and rehearsal facilities.
You have the opportunity to fundraise 100% of your tuition! We provide various fundraisers, sponsorship, and scholarship opportunities throughout the season to help offset costs.
We aim to keep the cost of membership both affordable and valuable. Your tuition includes equipment, instruction, uniform, some transportation, as well as various housing and rehearsal facilities.
You have the opportunity to fundraise 100% of your tuition! We provide various fundraisers, sponsorship, and scholarship opportunities throughout the season to help offset costs.
are meals provided
Most meals on rehearsal weekends and while traveling will be provided. Members will know well in advanced of any meals they will be responsible for while at Sunrisers.
do THE sunrisers compete?
The Sunrisers Drum & Bugle Corps will be competing in the Drum Corps International (DCI) All-Age class. During the summer months, the corps performs throughout the Northeast, with championships taking place mid-August at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.
can parents become involved with sunrisers?
YES!!!!
Did you play a instrument in high school or college and miss the thrill of making music with a group of people? March alongside your child and create unique memories together.
Just want to help out on your free time?
Parents, grandparents and other family members are encouraged to become part of the drum corps experience. Drum Corps couldn’t operate year after year without the support of volunteers who drive our busses and trucks, cook meals, sew, sell t-shirts at shows, and keep our equipment in first-rate condition. Volunteering with the corps, even for a weekend, will give you a solid understanding of the importance of this activity. Everyone has skills that can make the Sunrisers an efficient and prosperous organization. A variety of projects from uniforms to prop build & design are done at each camp and we can always use an extra hand!
Did you play a instrument in high school or college and miss the thrill of making music with a group of people? March alongside your child and create unique memories together.
Just want to help out on your free time?
Parents, grandparents and other family members are encouraged to become part of the drum corps experience. Drum Corps couldn’t operate year after year without the support of volunteers who drive our busses and trucks, cook meals, sew, sell t-shirts at shows, and keep our equipment in first-rate condition. Volunteering with the corps, even for a weekend, will give you a solid understanding of the importance of this activity. Everyone has skills that can make the Sunrisers an efficient and prosperous organization. A variety of projects from uniforms to prop build & design are done at each camp and we can always use an extra hand!
