I've taught mostly corps style lines but have an opportunity to work with a show style line...those of you who have had experience in both...what are some of the differences to watch for when working with a showstyle line vs a corps style line.

In my limited experience, only the marching changes between the two styles. Most of the same playing fundamentals are applicable to all drumming and will improve the quality of any style of drum line from DCI to anything.

Teach them what you know best, and if you need help teaching the something else try and find someone willing to physically come in and teach that segment for you.

Any other takers besides Greg? (Thanks Greg)

I'm interested in finding out "What I should expect."

Straps vs. carriers...yeah I got that one already.
Leg Tenors...not a problem.
Unison bass parts. Wide open tuning on basses. Black dots...yeah yeah yeah.

How about rehearsal technique, learning styles, teaching by wrote when you're used to teaching off sheet music. Terms and phrases specific to "Show style culture" (probably regional) etc.

Honestly, I don't think there is anything all that different than in corps style, except the fact that some showstyle lines use different equipment. Also, don't assume since you're looking at a showstyle bass line that all they do are unisons. Granted, a lot of lines will, but hey, there are some good bass lines in the show style world that can put on the heat with insane runs.

In my opinion, NOTHING is different with rehearsals (except the amount of time you have to work with), learning, reading sheet music (regardless of what 'Drumline' shows). It's all about the PERFORMANCE aspect. Don't try to approach it differently! Drumming is drumming - if they have the drive to be "Better than the best ever", challenge them to the best of your abilities. Showstyle is not a handicap; only a different way of presentation.

I love how everyone chimes in for Show style vs Corps style but when theres a legitimate querry, the only guys who weigh in are two white guys from Ohio. (No offense Greg and Shawn, while both OU and OSU ARE technically "show style" bands I'm looking to get my funk "un-cut")

Anyone else?

i would say it all depends on the band. the type of music they play that's what you need to look at.also with my H.S. we used styles from a list of college lines and mixed them to make our own,and also you have to find their level of music.

Idiotic post alert

well start with basses its best to get 3 32in and 2 26in get them all silver dots there way louder than black dots and its better to get tenors on shoulders looks better the form good to. quads Pearl 8, 10, 12 and 13 inch drums, snares go with black max heads cymbals go with 18 in zildgian stadiums all straps except quads of course

...what? lol

Showstyle boy, you only had one period in that entire statement, and it wasn't at the end. Try to use your punctuation a little better so we can understand you, thanks!

As for teaching the lines: Your only hindrance (that I can think of) as of now is the style of writing. You're probably should be geared toward a more rhythmically-centered style of writing rather than a technically-centered style. It's like writing for a drumset, only a lot of different people with a lot of different parts. Try to think of the writing in a drumset way when you can - Too much takes the attention away from the music, and too little leaves it feeling empty. And best of all, groove when you need to. If you write something funky, don't hesitate to incorporate it into your show. Getting those heads bobbin' and feet stompin' is what it's all about in the Show Style world. Hope that helped just a bit.

You will focus a lot more on visuals. A large portion of practice is physically challenging such as running and excercising. Lets see what else...rolls aren't like corps, lots of times the double strokes can be as slow as 16th notes when 1/4 note = around 146. Dynamics play a very large roll in cadences. Don't be afraid to have a boring part for the tenors or snares or basses at any part of a cadence, they don't have to be busy the whole time. Fill in those gaps with visuals. And one thing that is also very important is the dramatic stick heighs. You can be playing at mf and have the sticks coming up to your eyes. Arm movement is also tolerable and often asked for. Thats about all I can think of right now, hope I helped.