Resumen de Contributions of Drum Corps Participation to the Quality of Life of Drum Corps Alumni
Drum corps alumni (N=77) completed o modified version of o questionnaire by Coffman on Adamek (1999) to examine quality of life issues related to drum corps participation. Family, music, friends, and health were reported to be the most important quality of life factors for drum corps alumni. Former drum corps members joined because they desired higher level of marching musical experience and loved toper form. Educational, job, commitment, time and monetary adjustments were mode to participate in the activity. Benefits from their participation in the drum corps activity included personal development, mental and physical health benefits, and social and musical development. Drum corps alumni continue to be involved in the activity as instructors, spectators, volunteers, or members of senior drum corps, as well us working in the activity as judges, media, or vendors.
Drum corps alumni found social aspects of participation to be the most interesting, enjoyable, yet frustrating aspect of their experience. Performance and travel opportunities were also found to be very important, as were competition and achievement. Adults involved in the activity were mentioned the primary influence in successful participation. Drum corps alumni expressed frustration with judging and the politics of the activity, as well as the general lock of support.
