It's nearly impossible to describe what the essence of drum corps in late-July, early-August feels like. The volume. The passion. The intensity—juxtaposed by the fragile and beautiful. 

One thing that's been constant in the activity for decades, however, is video cameras being pointed everywhere, all the time. (We are certainly taking that idea and running with it in 2018.)

Here are some of the most iconic and memorable YouTube videos that made the FloMarching team fall in love with the activity before we ever went to a live show!

Phantom Regiment Jazz Run

It doesn't get better than this. Phantom Regiment's hornline in their prime, jazz-running across a field in a company front while playing "Firebird." Just a normal day of rehearsal for the 2007 Regiment.

Goosebumps. Every. Time.

Star of Indiana '93 Judge Tape

Okay so listen, I'm a brass player. I haven't understood drummers for my entire life but somehow they've all become my closest friends. Plus, Jason said this was a must-see.

Regardless, not many corps have made an impact on this community and activity like Star of Indiana did in the early 90's, and more specifically, their drumline. Within 10 years, the corps made finals every season, won a World Championship, and disappeared from the activity forever to leave its members and staff with the task of forever shaping the future of drum corps.

In particular, you're going to want to listen to this percussion judge's tape from their finals night during their final season in competition. It's noted as one of the most well-written drum books and this 1993 drumline is remembered as one of the best ever. Not to mention one of the most highly favored drum corps shows.

Blue Devils Space Chords

Again, not much to say here. There's nothing better than hearing the Blue Devils play one of their most iconic, full-volume sequences: space chords. This is the version I watched about a million times during my high school band career.

Drum Corps Athletes

Another classic that most DCI members and really anyone in the marching activity has likely already seen: DCI Athletes. 

With the involvement of the Department Chair of the University of Indiana Physical Education & Athletic Training program, ESPN released a piece about the athleticism involved in marching a top-tier drum and bugle corps.