James Moore is the percussion Caption Head of the Kidsgrove Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. Having joined the corps in 2003, James also writes for the drumline. Kidsgrove are an open-age British drum corps and in 2010, celebrate 100 years. James is married to Kelly and they are expecting their first child.

As a professional drummer and educator; did/do you have a day job and how does this affect you?

I work a regular job as a builder. As the activity has been a hobby since I was 8 years old, it has always been a part of my life. My wife and I are both involved so it really doesn't affect us as we don't know any other way.

How and when did you get into marching percussion?

I started in a local marching band in my home town of Gloucester in 1988. Although I loved the hobby, I didn't take a serious interest in marching drums until a few years later.

What was it about marching percussion that attracts you to it instead of rock or jazz drumming?

I guess I just stumbled on it really. I have a passion for music generally, but being part of the marching percussion scene from such a young age has meant that it was the style I grew up with.

Who would you consider your favorite or most influential percussionists, marching or otherwise and why?

I don't tend to have a favourite individual, or someone that has been the sole inspiration for the percussionist that I’ve become, but I would say that the funk and rock genres weigh heavily with me. As far as marching percussion, my influences change frequently, but a few of my favorite arrangers in recent years have been Jim Casella, Murray Gusseck and Paul Rennick. I love the sounds they produce, their musical styles and the production of the ensembles they teach.
 
Which events would you consider ‘defining’ moments in your career and why?

Pretty obviously, joining my first marching band was important, but i would say the major defining moment in my career was joining The Sunrisers Drum and Bugle Corps from Birmingham in 1998. It was here that I learnt most of what I know from some of the best marching percussionists the UK. These "mentors" have now become great friends and to this day support me with their help and knowledge.

What’s your current corps set up and why do you choose it?

We currently use Premier Revolution Series drums. The guys enjoy playing them and people seem to enjoy listening to them. We get a real good quality of sound from the drums with not a lot of effort, which is important to us because we don't want to spend all our rehearsal time trying to make them sound right. We like working with a British company with a strong heritage that reflects the corps own values and dedication to quality and innovation.

What are your plans during the coming months?

We've just completed learning this years competitive programme at Kidsgrove. We're also moving forward with plans for the next couple of years to take both the drumline and the corps to new and improved levels, and to take on some new and exiting challenges. The corps will be in competition shortly competing in DCUK and DCE. We will also be exhibiting at forthcoming BYBA events.

What are your feelings about the future of marching percussion in general?

I think where drum corps/marching band percussion is concerned, the future is bright. There has been an increase in the junior activity in recent years so membership looks better all the time. Also, the European circuit is becoming more accessible to UK based units, both on the drum corps side and the indoor drumline side. This can only serve to make the activity more appealing to prospective members.

Do you have any advice for aspiring marching percussionists out there?

The best advice I could give is to learn right; get a book/video/dvd or a good teacher/instructor and practice good habits. Once you learn bad habits, they are a nightmare to correct. But most of all get into the groove and enjoy it.