As a member of The Spirit of New Jersey, you'll meet many great people and make many great friends who share your passion for performance.

Answers to a few questions frequently asked about our program.

What is The Spirit of New Jersey Drum & Bugle Corps?

The Spirit of New Jersey is a competitive performing arts & music education organization which participates in the Drum Corps International Summer Music Games Tour. We're an independent, self-sponsored, non-profit corporation which is recognized nationally for excellence in youth programming. Also known as Spirit of Newark, Spirit of New Jersey has expanded its operations to Burlington NJ to give the youth from various parts of the state an opportunity to belong.

Where does the corps rehearse? Are car pools available?

The corps is based in Newark New Jersey, and rehearses in Newark, Kearney, and Burlington New Jersey. Members come from throughout NJ, PA, VA, NY & MA. Directions to our rehearsal facilities and performances are available on our web site.

How much of a time commitment is required in order to participate?

The Spirit of New Jersey holds an Open House for all members in December (this year is Dec 2) then has rehearsals every other weekend from January thru June, increasing to every weekend in June. The competitive season spans every weekend in July & we go on tour the first two weeks of August. This years' tour is to Pasadena California. Members are expected to make every effort to be present at every corps function, and to communicate their scheduling challenges with the staff.

Do I need to audition in order to become a member of The Spirit of NJ?

Many kids think that they are not good enough to make a drum corps. Our instructors can teach those who are beginners to college students, so experience is not an issue with us. In general, membership into Spirit is awarded to responsible young adults who share our values and who display a willingness to work hard to achieve our mutual goals. We look for members of character who are committed to being the very best they can be - as individuals and as members of our team.

Do I have to own or purchase my own instrument or guard equipment?

All of the instruments and equipment are owned and maintained by Spirit of New Jersey.

How old are Spirit of New Jersey corps members?

Spirit of NJ corps members range in age from 14 through 21.

How does the corps eat? How does it travel?

Meals are provided at camps and on the road. The corps travels to competitions and performances in a motor coach. While on the road, the corps is housed at host schools. Corps members sleep in sleeping bags or on air mattresses, usually on the gym floor.

Who provides instruction and supervision?

All of our instructional staff members are education professionals. All of our activities are chaperoned & supervised by adults who have helped to create our award-winning program.

How much does it cost to be a member? Do I have to pay all at once?

The corps charges $500 per member. If more than one family member belongs to the corps, the second member marches for free. To ease the pocketbook, a payment of $30 must be made at each practice. $20 of that goes towards the $500 corps fee and $10 goes towards food and administration costs. The balance of the $500 is due at our first June practice. "If you really want to be here, we will help you to achieve your goals."

Where does the corps perform?

Most of the corps' performances this year will take place in the Eastern US including CT, MA, and NH, OH. The corps will also travel through AR, TX and AZ en route to the 2007 DCI Summer Music Games World Championships in Pasadena, Ca. A side trip to the Grand canyon is being planned while the corps is in Arizona.

Will Spirit activities interfere with band or other school activities?

Our program has been established to supplement the music education experience our members receive in high school and college…not to replace it. It is important, however, that Spirit of New Jersey members and their families fully understand the huge time commitment they are making to our organization in light of other obligations they may already have. We believe the effective communication and personal responsibility are the keys to our mutual success.

To Contact us:

Spirit of Newark
120 Roseville Avenue
Newark, NJ 07107

Glen Eng: 908.925.1172
Harold Wright: 732.485.9642
Phil Bigelow: 609.387.0462