Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

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Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

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Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!

Please enter your first name
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Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good

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Divisional Music and Arts Image

Divisional Music and Arts

Divisional Music and Arts Image

Divisional Music and Arts

Divisional Music and Arts Image

Divisional Music and Arts

Divisional Music and Arts Image

Divisional Music and Arts

Divisional Music and Arts Image

Divisional Music and Arts

Divisional Music and Arts Image

Divisional Music and Arts

What is DMA?

DMA (Divisional Music & Arts) is the Potomac Division's monthly gathering of musicians, creative artists, and all the leaders who support them. Coming from Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., they join together to form bands, dance ensembles, choirs, and more. An important time of fellowship, discipleship, and musical growth for all involved; it is also the largest regular gathering of Salvation Army Soldiers in the Division.

Participants are age 8 & older. Arrival is typically Friday evening between 7-8 p.m. (dinner not provided). Friday night consists of a fun activity and a short devotion, with rehearsals beginning Saturday after breakfast and running til 3 p.m.. DMA is a year-long commitment (Sept-April), culminating in our Spring Concert.


2023 - 2024 Dates

Sept 22 - 23: DMA weekend ✓

Oct 27 - 28: DMA weekend ✓

Jan 26 - 27: DMA weekend

Feb 16 - 17: DMA weekend

Mar 1 - 2: DMA weekend

Mar 13 - 17: Youth Councils

Apr 12 - 13: Spring Concert & Competition

 

DMA is for any musicians & artists (8 and older) in the Potomac Division who are already actively involved in their corps music programs. DMA is really just an extension of your local corps programs: multiple corps come together in ways they can't individually, and groups are led by corps leaders. Participants must exhibit maturity and responsibility; being respectful towards others and serious about growing their craft. If an officer or leader thinks a members of their corps might not have the maturity to handle DMA (whether in rehearsal or in the cabin), then they aren't ready for DMA yet. Behavior issues aren't an issue at DMA.

DMA classes (majors) encompass a instruction in a wide number of ensembles. Participants will choose one for the entire season. 

Band (Includes both brass and percussion).

Dance

Art

Acting

Guitar (Age 12 & older, limit of 10 students)

Piano (Limit of 8 students, must be taking weekly lessons & practicing outside of DMA)

Timbrels (Must be Youth Councils age; 12 & older)

Pack light! It’s just a quick overnight in the cabin. Besides, it's a busy weekend and you'll already have your hands full.

  • Change of clothes for Saturday
  • Towel & toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.)
  • Sleeping bag, blanket, or bedding (twin beds)
  • Instrument (if applicable)
  • Appropriate clothes for weather (snow, rain, etc)
  • Occasional special activities (swimming, costume party, etc.) that you'll know about in advance.

Come to camp between 7-8 pm Friday night. Plan for traffic- you'll want time to get your crew settled in before auditions & the evening program! Dinner is NOT served, so eat before you arrive. We often have snacks Friday night, but it is not a full meal.

The fee is $25 is per person, per weekend. Essentially, the fee is $150 total per person for all 6 weekends. It is billed to corps directly, not to individual participants.

For many years DMA has operated as a free ministry in the Division. In fact, it's long been the only major divisional event (unlike Youth Councils, Summer Camp, etc) without a fee. We recognize that sometimes just getting to DMA can be a huge burden on corps and we want to do everything we can to make the process smooth. However, we all know that nothing's really free; DMA is a huge expense! The food alone (2 meals plus snacks and canteen) adds up. Then of course there's the use of the camp facilities plus the staff that serves & cleans after us!

For corps concerned with any of this, don't hesitate to reach out!

 

Auditions are not always fun, but it's important for performers to...well...perform! Auditions perform a few great functions for DMA:

  1. Auditions get people playing their instruments well before the 1st DMA! If you're playing your horn every day for a month before the September DMA, you're going to have a very successful season. It's a great motivator, just like the solo competition.
  2. The audition experience itself is excellent preparation for nerves, stage-fright, confidence, and everything else. Even the sense of disappointment of an audition that didn't go so well is an important life lesson and causes us to strive for more.
  3. We want every DMA participant to be placed right where they need to be. The judges have a chance to evaluate every individual and determine where they will be most successful. For instance, if a cornet player gets placed too high they may struggle and become discouraged. But if placed too low, they may get bored and become discouraged. Auditions help us achieve this balance.