Oct. 19, 2022鈥擡ach year, thousands of high school- and mostly college-age marching band performers from across the country audition for the chance to be offered a contract with Drum Corps International (DCI). If offered one of these elite contracts, the performer travels to spring training in preparation for a summer tour, where Corps perform and compete at various venues across the country, sometimes even a new venue each night. The touring and competitions ultimately lead to the DCI World Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where performers compete in front of a crowd of more than 30,000 people.
High 乐鱼体育 South Drum Captain A.J. Moreira鈥攍ast seen performing as part of the All-Shore Jazz band鈥攚as, in fact, offered three such contracts, following a rigorous audition process this past year. Moreira accepted one, a Rack 1 contract with Jersey Surf World Class Drum Corps. He attended training at Delaware State University in June, and then hit the road.
Moreira toured the country working with outstanding music professionals and meeting what he believes will be lifetime friends. As a 鈥渞ookie鈥� with Jersey Surf, he was recognized for his remarkable growth throughout the tour and his relentless work ethic. Jersey Surf made it to the semifinals at the DCI World Championships, where they were a crowd favorite performing their show, "Meet me in Atlantic City," which included iconic hits by The Four Seasons, and a taste of Bon Jovi. It proved to be an extraordinary and life-changing experience.
鈥淎.J. is an incredible example of success for our Toms River Regional 乐鱼体育s鈥� music program,鈥� said Toms River 乐鱼体育 Board member Anna Polozzo.
In addition to his role with Jersey Surf World Class Drum Corps and All Shore Jazz, Moreira plays snare drum for High 乐鱼体育 South鈥檚 marching band鈥攖he best in Ocean County, for what it鈥檚 worth鈥攁nd is the set player Maroon Fusion. A band unto himself, Moreira also plays guitar, bass, and is even learning the Marimba. He plans on auditioning for DCI Corps again this year, and if successful, he鈥檒l no longer be a rookie.
鈥淎 great kid,鈥� is how his former HSS principal and current Superintendent Mike Citta describes Moreira. 鈥淎 great talent鈥� seems equally indisputable. Way to go, A.J.!