As we begin another year, the world around us is wondering how to make the best of a new beginning. Resolutions, promises, and plans are starting to take shape. Throughout the years, though, I’ve noticed something about resolutions: While it’s very easy to make them, it can be rather difficult to keep them. As auditions in the drum corps world are coming to a close, there are many young adults making their resolutions to perform better. With that in mind, the staff of the Jersey Surf is making it their goal to help those students reach their goals.

To have the summer of their lives, students auditioning for a spot in one of any of the world-class drum corps will have to heighten their musical ability. “I have had the privilege of working with some amazing world class educators and writers,” explains Rich Klimowicz, one of Surf’s percussion techs. “They have helped me refine what I know, so that I am better able to help my students achieve the summer’s goals.”

Musical achievement is only piece of the puzzle needed to reach the goals that a summer of marching needs to bring. Motivation can be the difference between giving up and pushing through the tough spots. “My goal is to give the members an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives.” Russell Zavalla, a visual instructor, knows that the physical demands of drum corps can be deterring to any person- it takes a lot of coaching to bring someone to want it more. “I want it to effect them in a way that they will continue to appreciate music, the arts, and course the hard work that everyday people put into bettering themselves and each other.”

Musicality, strength, and determination all come from the students themselves, but any drum corps needs a strong backbone to keep giving these students a means to reach their goals. “A goal that I always have is to keep things running smoothly as possible,” assistant director Stephanie Dutcher explains. “In order for this season to kick off, I want to make sure that we are a well-oiled machine, with the students and staff working together.”

2013 promises to be yet another unforgettable year for the members of the Jersey Surf. With the help of a strong and supportive staff, 150 young men and women can have a summer that they will never forget.