An all-age drum and bugle corps does not restrict membership due to a person’s age.  In 2011, our members ranged in age from 15 to 54.  Although we do not restrict age, we suggest that anyone younger than 16 is sponsored by an older member or a parent who can act as a mentor and chaperone for the younger person.

Members must attend ALL rehearsals and performances that are on the official schedule of the Reading Buccaneers, unless their caption head has excused them in advance.  Communication with staff in advance about schedule conflicts is critically important.

Winter schedule is every other weekend, Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.  Check the website calendar for exact dates and times. After Easter – every weekend – Friday evening 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Beginning with the first competition in June, the schedule will depend on the mode of transportation and accommodations for members for both rehearsal time and rest time.  Plan on spending Friday night thru Sunday afternoon with the corps. There is usually one weekend in August set aside for personal time.  No practice or competition will be scheduled on that weekend and members usually schedule vacations and other personal events around this weekend.

Only academic- and band-related activities constitute acceptable conflicts.  All personal time (such as vacations, etc.) must be scheduled to avoid conflicts with rehearsals and performances.

There is a $75 NONREFUNDABLE registration fee payable at the first camp attended.  This allows you to rehearse with the corps and demonstrates your intention to become a Buccaneer. Tuition is $635.  It is expected that members pay a portion of their tuition at each camp attended. Discounts are available and are noted on the Financial Contract Form. Tuition can be offset by members sending a sponsorship form to family and friends.  Any funds received in response to the form are applied directly to the member’s tuition. (These 2010 rates are subject to change on an annual basis.)

Audition criteria are at the discretion of the individual caption heads.  Every registrant will be given ample opportunity to try out for the section of his/her choice.  However, the caption head may suggest that an applicant audition for a section that he/she believes would be better suited to the individual and the corps.

Beginning in the middle of June the corps performs at various competitions throughout PA, NJ, NY, and other states in the northeast corridor.  At times, the corps may travel beyond these boundaries, possibly to NC or MA.  The season will end on Labor Day weekend in Annapolis, MD. Your commitment to the corps will begin on Friday night rehearsal and will end at the conclusion of rehearsal on Sunday afternoon every weekend during the competition season.

For those members traveling long distances to rehearsals, overnight hospitality is available from members who live in and around the rehearsal site areas.  Please notify the Membership Manager at membership.manger@readingbuccaneers.org if you require assistance in arranging housing for the season.

In most instances, members are responsible for their own transportation to and from events.  Carpooling to rehearsals and performances is strongly encouraged.  Whenever possible, the corps will provide accommodations for down time and rest at a site convenient to the performance venue.  This usually involves housing at a local school using the gym as a dormitory for members. When necessary, the corps will provide bus transportation at no or minimal cost to the members.

During the winter and spring rehearsal, season members are responsible for supplying their own meals.  It is suggested that members pack lunch, dinner, snacks, and sports drinks.  An alternative to packing meals is buying meals at local restaurants.  Water is always provided at all rehearsals. During the competitive season, very often the corps will provide meals for the members.  If we are traveling, the corps will provide three meals and one snack per day for a nominal cost of $10 to $15 per weekend.

The corps provides all brass, percussion, and color guard equipment during the competitive season. Percussion players are responsible for paying for drumsticks. It is requested, but not mandatory, that color guard applicants bring their own practice equipment if they have it.

The corps supplies uniforms.  Percussion and Brass members are required to pay for hats and shoes, which will be ordered prior to the beginning of the competitive season.  The cost is usually $50 – $60.  Members are expected to supply black gloves (if a Brass player), plain black T-shirt, and black socks.  Color Guard members are required to pay for gloves and shoes, which will be ordered at the beginning of the competitive season.  The cost is usually $45 -$50.

Percussion, Brass, and Honor Guard members never take uniforms home.  They are stored on the truck and cleaned periodically by the support staff.  Equipment, such as horns, is the responsibility of the member to be cleaned before every performance.  Any needed repairs should be reported to the Quartermaster as soon as possible. Color Guard members do take their uniforms home and are responsible for the care of the uniform.