YAKIMA, Wash. -- Wherever they go, they're watched.

They're critiqued on the way they hold their instruments, their footwork, their poise. If they march too fast or too slow, someone notices. And if they lose their focus -- even for an instant -- someone is sure to tell them.

But as members of the Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps, the performers have developed thick skin. They want to be great, and they know their instructors share this goal.

"Everything is challenging, but it's really rewarding at the same time," said 19-year-old Erica Buege, one of the group's two drum majors and a West Valley High School graduate. "The best part is the payoff as everything develops and comes together."

For about two weeks, 87 corps members have converged at Davis High School to practice their skills.

Between the ages of 14 and 22, the musicians and performers hail from throughout the Pacific Northwest -- in addition to Illinois, California and the Netherlands. About five are from the Yakima Valley.

The Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps is a part of Drum Corps International and is among about 20 groups ranked at the top, world-class level in the United States.

The teams will spend the summer performing throughout the country, ultimately competing against one another in Indianapolis for the title of world champion. The 2008 champion was the Phantom Regiment from Rockford, Ill.

In Yakima, the color guard, brass and percussion sections are nearing the end of "boot camp," spending nine hours a day rehearsing music and choreography that make up an 11-minute routine, said director Sal Leone.

When they compete, they'll be judged on everything from their creativity and musical ability to marching skills and synchronization.

Participants pay about $2,000, just under half of the cost of the summer tour. The rest of the expense is funded through grants, donations and other sources.

"This group of kids, to me, are fanatics," said Leone in a telephone interview from Woodinville, Wash. "They're totally committed to this thing. If you aren't totally committed to it, you'll be miserable."

Once the touring begins, the group will travel with three motor coaches, two support vehicles and two semis holding their equipment and a full-service kitchen. They'll practice and compete from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., spending their evenings on buses and gym floors, Leone said.

"Once a person does their first year, they come back because they feel like they've made a family," Leone said about the rewards. "They make friends forever."

Eric Burns of Collinsville, Ill., has decided to spend the next five summers with the corps. He said it's proven to be professional, committed and talented, and he's proud to be a part of it.

"I'm having the best time of my life out here," said 17-year-old Burns, who plays the mellophone. "It's a lot of work, but it's all worth it."

Buege agrees, saying the musicians help one another achieve their personal best. Although the schedule may be mentally and physically grueling, she never considers giving up. She doesn't want to let down herself or her team.

"A lot of focus and energy goes into this thing -- which is working on the show," she said. "You develop a strong work ethic."

For program director Ron Comfort, excellence and entertainment are his top priorities. To make this happen, he said he and his staff keep themselves motivated and spread that energy to others.

"I'm the most enthusiastic person in the morning, even though I hate mornings," he said. "When you rehearse for nine hours a day, everything becomes more magnified. ... We teach them to push through those things, to strive to always be better."

Ironically, Comfort said the biggest challenge among the performers isn't personality clashes or lack of drive. It's the overabundance of text messaging and phone calls. A few days ago, Comfort banned the use of cell phones during rehearsals. Violators will lose the use of their phones for a week.

"They have to depend on each other," he said. "We all are successful together or we all sink together."

Due to funding and organizational challenges, the Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps took last year off. This year, it's out to prove it has the talent and resolve to succeed.

"We are really proud of them," Comfort said. "They took a chance with us. We are definitely 100 percent invested in them."

* Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 509-577-7684 or esnelgrove@yakimaherald.com.

If you go

WHAT: Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps dress rehearsal

WHEN: 6:45 p.m., Wednesday

WHERE: West Valley High School, 9206 Zier Road, Yakima

COST: Free

INFORMATION: The Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps is part of Drum Corps International, an organization formed about three decades ago to showcase the best of the best in terms of artistic and musical talent. To learn more, including the 2009 schedule, visit www.seattlecascades.org or www.dci.org.