Lanah Kopplin will be contributing columns to DCI.org each Tuesday. Here's her seventh installment. Stop. Did you vote? Unless the answer is "Yes," stop reading. Go vote. Don't worry, I'll still be here when you get back! Ah, November. At long last, this wonderful, wonderful month has arrived. That means that audition camp is right around the corner! Are YOU ready? I can't wait for audition camp to arrive. It's been way too long since I've seen some of my friends, and I'm more than ready to make some new ones. But mostly, I'm ready to start writing the next chapter of Phantom Regiment history. I can't wait to stand in horn arc and watch as yet another legendary horn line comes to life once again. But first comes preparation. Unlike other years, the audition music for the horn line has been standardized. We have one etude that displays our technical abilities and one etude that displays our musical abilities. At Phantom Regiment, every spot is available at the beginning of every season. That is, everyone must audition for his spot, including the vets. And yes, that includes me. So, if I would like to continue sending in weekly installments, I'd better make sure that I can perform these etudes in my sleep. But the music audition is only a fraction of the overall audition process. We also are rated on our visual performance, in basics block and in horn arc. This is especially important to euphonium players, because that horn is a beast. Regardless of how well a person can play the horn, if he can't hold it up, he won't make the field. Unfortunately for me, I have some of the skinniest arms in DCI. That being said, preparation is a major necessity. Push-ups, sit-ups, weight training, and overall aerobic training are a staple in my daily routine. The most important portion of the Phantom Regiment audition involves attitude. Being open to instruction, getting along with others, and showing improvement are major factors in deciding who will get to wear the white superman uniform. This being my fourth and final audition camp, I've come to know what to expect from the staff. I'm ready to be pushed to my limit, and then a little farther. I'm ready to work hard, and maybe even break a sweat. And throughout it all, I'm ready to show the staff that I will never give up. Audition camps are my favorite camps of the season. I love seeing new faces, and getting to know the people behind them. Last year at audition camp, I ended up sharing a stand with a redheaded boy from Tennessee. It was his first time auditioning for a corps, and he was full of excitement and questions. I took him under my wing, and did my best to help him out whenever possible. On Aug. 7, 2004, I stood with him in retreat block at INVESCO Field. In fact, he's one of the many friends that I'm looking forward to seeing in the not-so-distant future. This is the last time that I'll ever audition for the Phantom Regiment. It will be the first of many lasts, and it's my hope that they're all filled with positive, enjoyable experiences. I want to be able to look back on my age-out year and smile, because it was everything that I thought it could be. But, as cliche as it sounds, it all starts with me. So now I must do my part to make sure that I am a part of the 2005 Phantom Regiment. By the way, I'm nearly dying with anticipation over the show announcement. Let's hear it already! Lanah Kopplin is a third-year euphonium player in the Phantom Regiment, and previously spent a year with the Pioneer. Lanah is a political science major at the University of Wisconsin (she's a Milwaukee native), and will age out in 2005. Past columns by Lanah Kopplin: Get out there and vote Reflections from Whitewater Methodical hard work and passion Here's to the behind-the-scenes people Drum corps friendships A new column by the Phantom Regiment's Lanah Kopplin