We start our season in November with an open house where everyone is welcome to come learn and train with our staff to see the day-to-day operations of the drum corps. During the Winter season we meet about once a month for an indoor music rehearsal through March and twice in April depending on which section you are auditioning to join. Starting in April outdoor rehearsals begin where members start honing their marching skills and start the process of learning the field show. In May and June full ensemble rehearsals begin where all sections practice together and the full production starts to come together. End of June through mid-August is competition season where we travel to different places along the East Coast and compete with other drum corps in our circuit.

Anyone can join! We do recommend that you have a minimum of one year experience in the marching arts and some training on the instrument or equipment you’re planning to audition on. However, more importantly is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Our staff can train those even with little experience.

Each prospective member will audition for their preferred section. Caption heads will dictate the audition and contracting process for their section. There are a limited number of spots available in each section of the drum corps. Auditions are necessary to ensure that each member is given a position that is equal to their talent and ability.Some auditionees may be contracted as alternates. This could be due to an excess of auditionees in a given section, or other various reasons such as scheduling conflicts. Alternates are expected to rehearse with the drum corps equally as with the fully contracted members as they could be called upon to fill an open position at any given time.

Our Registration/Audition fee is a non-refundable $75 due prior to the member’s first rehearsal camp. The tuition fee for the 2024 season is $1900. This fee covers facilities, equipment, professional instruction, insurance, uniforms, all corps provided meals, bussing to competitions in Landisville and Reading, transportation and accommodations for World Championships in Indianapolis, and more. Payment plans and timely payment discounts are available as well as some fundraising opportunities to help raise money towards the tuition obligation will be available throughout the season. Scholarship opportunities will be explored for members in need who show they are making every effort to participate in fundraising and fulfill their membership commitments.

Whenever possible the corps will provide free housing to members traveling from a distance on Friday and Saturday nights. Members may also choose to stay with other members who live locally to the areas where we rehearse. Contact the membership manager if you need help with finding housing.

The Caballeros will provide meals as frequently as possible and will communicate in advance if meals will not be offered. Any meals provided will be included in the membership dues.

We do not provide transportation to or from any of the regularly scheduled rehearsals. If you need to find a carpool with other members coming from the same area please reach out to the membership manager for help. Buses will be provided at no additional expense for competitions in Landisville, PA and Reading, PA.

The Caballeros rehearse about once a month on Saturday and Sunday in December, January, February, and March. There will be two rehearsal camps in April including Color Guard Auditions. The winter schedule may vary depending on section. Starting in May the Caballeros rehearse on Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday every week. Competitions begin on the last weekend in June and are on Saturdays or Sundays through August with our final championship competition being in Indianapolis, IN on August 10, 2024. We rehearse mostly in Northern New Jersey. Commonly we are in Wayne, NJ, Hawthorne, NJ, and Ramsey, NJ. On competition days generally we rehearse closer to or at the show site.

Yes! All scheduled rehearsals, performances, parades, competitions, and appearances are mandatory for every member of the Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps. We understand that conflicts do arise. During the winter season we believe scholastic commitments should take priority over drum corps commitments. However, we ask that starting in May the commitment to the drum corps takes priority over all else. All anticipated absences must be communicated to the Membership Manager and Caption Head a minimum of 2 weeks in advance through the absence request form.

All official corps information will be communicated either by email, or through the Band app. The Band app can be found in any app store, and it is free to sign up. Once the season is rolling all members will be required to be on the Band app so they can get important information like schedules. Parents are encouraged to join the Band app Parent & Volunteer group so they can also have access to all important information that is shared by the administration.

Reach out to the executive administration at info@hawthornecaballeros.org and someone will be able to answer your question!