Brandon Arvay plays the timpani drums in the 2006 encore performance of the Carolina Drum Corps. Photo by Russ Kafka Those who've been fortunate enough to have been a member of their high school marching band know what it takes to survive. Pounding the asphalt parking lot at a high school in the South Carolina heat is a test of endurance, even for the young. Endless marching, practicing the same piece of music 100 times that day until it is exactly right, and all this voluntarily.

The temperature on the asphalt in July in Columbia, SC, can reach 124 degrees. "Believe me, it really does", says Brandon Arvay. While marching tenors in the Ridge View High School Blazer Band, Arvay and several others laid thermometers on the asphalt.

"My love for music made the grueling schedule for high school band practice and now drum corps easier," Arvay says.

Now in his first year with Carolina Crown Drum Corps, Brandon has managed to survive summer camp. "Our daily corps schedule was to wake at 7:15 am and practice from 9 am until 10pm. The lights didn't go out 'til midnight. Next day, start all over again for 34 days straight. Then it's time for the tour," he said.

His family has always been there for his musical events. "My father was a Ridge View 'pit dad' pushing and pulling equipment on and off the field or making repairs or improvements to the band's golf cart. My mother would chaperone and even make up goody bags for the entire band. My sister Jacqueline has attended just about every performance I've ever had," he continued.The members of the corps become a close family. "Once dressed for the show, the excitement builds, and everyone is thrilled to be able to play and perform again. Knowing we have all done our very best is all we can ever ask for. It is then up all to the judges," said Arvay.

Drum corps is judged on nine different aspects from the visual of the color guard to the individual music sections, made up of brass, front ensemble, and marching percussion

With all the hard work and discipline these young people must endure, also comes pain. Pain and injuries ranging from extreme sun burn to sprained ankles, broken noses, to ham string injuries. Every day there are wrapped ankles, arms, and legs. Too much love, time and effort has been invested, and the show must go on.

The Carolina Crown, now in their 17th season has already embarked on a two month national tour. This collection of the world's finest musicians, 134 in all, plus 30 staff members from across America, began their national tour here in the Midlands.

Arvay feels extremely fortunate to have earned a seat in the corps.

The first show every year for the Crown is held at W.C. Hawkins stadium at Irmo High School. Carolina Crown will travel to 38 cities, up and down the East coast and all of the Midwest, ending in Madison, Wis. for the Drum Corp International world championship competition in August. Here they face 16 corps from Division I.

Carolina Crown will perform at the Georgia Dome on Saturday, July 29th and in Charlotte on July 30th. Check their website for these and other upcoming performances at carolinacrown.org.