Corey grew up in, and currently lives in Southaven, MS, a suburb of Memphis, TN. His house is just a few hundred yards from the TN/MS state line and just a few miles from Graceland, where he was a tour guide during the off seasons while he was marching corps.
After doing many varied jobs over the years, in February 2007, Corey started working with Madison Scouts and has not looked back since. Since 1989 he has taught, consulted and judged, marching bands and marching band contests coast to coast every summer and fall.
Corey started on Trombone in sixth grade after seeing the movie, The Music Man. He mainly plays tenor voice low brass, although he has played cornet in the past. I used to compete on piano prior to joining corps.
Corey likes watching and playing most sports. He’s a huge Boston Red Sox fan since 1984 and often travels around the country to see sporting events, both professional and collegiate. In his spare time he enjoys playing softball, pick-up football and racquetball. He enjoys anything outdoors...camping, canoe/kayaking, hunting, fishing, or just sitting by a campfire with a few good friends! Corey will be joining Kidsgrove Scouts on their tour of USA and supporting the corps at rehearsals and shows.
How and when did you get involved with Drum Corps?
I saw the Memphis Blues home show when I was 14 on 20 June 1981. My parents picked me up from the show, I got in the car and told them I wanted to march Drum Corps. I did for the next seven years.
Your Drum Corps experience
I tried out for the Memphis Blues in the fall of 1981, having just turned 15 and played baritone (2-valve, G), that year and the next. They stopped touring so I went to the 27th Lancers from Revere, MA and marched lead baritone from 1984-86.
In the spring of 1987 I went to the Madison Scouts in the spring where I marched guard (I was rifle captain in my marching band at University of Memphis). I marched Madison Scouts in 1987 and 1988, aging out after our European tour and winning DCI. I marched the Scouts Alumni Project in 2006 and was Tour/Corps Director of Scouts for the summer of 2007. I have been on visual staff with Music City D&BC from Nashville TN for the past two seasons.
Favourite year you have marched
1988 - Not because we won (most of us were happy to have made top five!) but because it was a great show, musically and visually. I could have marched that show forever and never tired of it. It’s the last, non-themed/non-titled, show to win DCI. The trip to Europe was a blast too! We were treated like rock stars!
Favourite Corps and year you have taught?
I have two - 2007 Madison Scouts and 2010 Music City.
The members of the 2007 Scouts learned two complete show during the year, one while on tour! I never heard a negative word or saw anyone feeling sorry for themselves...true Madison Scout character. I respect them with all of my heart. Music City jumped from 13th last year, as a first year corps to 6th this year. It is unique to be on the ground floor of a new group, seeing them come into their own as a viable competitive group while instilling the, “fan-first” mind set into them.
Favourite Drum Corps show
Hmmm, 1982 was a big year for me, first year on tour and all. Scouts, Phantom, 27th Lancers, and SCV all impacted me that summer, and still do. 1984 Garfield, 1987 Garfield, 2009 SCV are right up there. Most any Scouts show from late 70’s through the present day all get my pulse racing.
Most memorable Drum Corps moment
The encore performance after winning DCI in 1988 was surreal, but any show where my corps was the crowd favourite, regardless of placement or score, meant a great deal to me. 1987 Scouts’ performance in St. Louis during a downpour was epic! We were on fire and the crowd was standing in Busch Stadium getting soaked but so wrapped up in our performance that they did not care one bit.
Person who has inspired you most and why?
My parents and Scott Stewart.
If you hadn’t have become involved with Drum Corps, what would you have done with your spare time?
Not really sure. I was very involved with baseball and football but I would never have been able to still be involved with them like I am with Drum Corps.
How would you describe Drum Corps to someone who has never heard of it or seen it before?
Marching band on steroids, or I have them imagine the best marching band they have seen and then imagine something much, much, better.
Favourite piece of music
Appalachian Spring, Copeland, Adagio for Strings-Barber, most Stan Kenton and Dave Brubeck.
What made you want to be part of Kidsgrove Scouts in their centenary year?
I worked with Tez in 2007, marched with Spoon in Alumni Corps, and Stuart Hancock marched snare with Madison Scouts in 2007.
Final thought
The best experiences in life will occur outside of your comfort zone.
