World Class Corps Repertoires-2009
1) Cadets - Music of Leonard Bernstein: Rumble, Cool; I Have A Love & Tonight from West Side Story
Carolina Crown - The Grass Is Always Greener - music from Aaron Copeland to Elvis Costello. -
2) Cavaliers - The Great Divide - Extreme Makeover by Johan De Meij - Pampeana No.3-Impetuosamente by Alberto Ginastera - The Engulfed Cathedral by Claude Debussy - On the Great Divide by John Adams.
3) Colts - Fathoms (about the ocean).
4) Crossmen - ForbiddeN - Medea's Dance of Vengeance by Samuel Barber - My Immortal by Evanescence.
5) Madison Scouts - Relampago: Mvmnt. 1. The Forces of Nature-Original Music by Vince Oliver and Malaga by Bill Holman. Mvmnt. 2. Two Left-Footed Mambo-Baron Cimetiere's Mambo by Donald Grantham. Mvmnt. 3. Love is in the Air-Original Music by Vince Oliver. Mvmnt. 4. A Turn to the Dark Side-Candela by Gabriela Ortiz
Mvmnt. 5. Relampago's Triumphant Return-Margaritenia by Inocente Carreno.
6) Phantom Regiment - The Red Violin.
7) Santa Clara Vanguard - Ballet for Martha (a ballet score commissioned in 1942 by Aaron Copeland for his friend and dancer Martha Graham; it includes Appalachian Spring).
8) Spirit of JSU - "Live...In Concert!".;
9) Troopers - Western Side Story.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
The Cavaliers 2006 "Machine" performance tops it all!
I first saw this performance at a DCI Countdown theatre last year and was blown away. Now that the newest installment of the DCI Countdown is coming to a theater near you I thought I would post this before I forget it.
It is a very percussion-oriented show, and the drill is just impeccable. The show tells a story of machines and the world of automation: robots, metal and impersonal Borg-like beings (from Star Trek The Next Generation) who try to assimilate new sections of the corps (Invasion of the Body Snatchers-style) into their "collective" consciousness. Maybe I am reading too much into this since I am such a fan, but it was an awesome reminder of the Trek universe. The physical body-language, acting, and poses, especially the guard-work, were creative and
sharp. It all comes to a head at the end when the colorguard "robots" finally assimilate the last straggler: a snare drummer. But he gets the last word by playing the last note of the show.
It is a very percussion-oriented show, and the drill is just impeccable. The show tells a story of machines and the world of automation: robots, metal and impersonal Borg-like beings (from Star Trek The Next Generation) who try to assimilate new sections of the corps (Invasion of the Body Snatchers-style) into their "collective" consciousness. Maybe I am reading too much into this since I am such a fan, but it was an awesome reminder of the Trek universe. The physical body-language, acting, and poses, especially the guard-work, were creative and
sharp. It all comes to a head at the end when the colorguard "robots" finally assimilate the last straggler: a snare drummer. But he gets the last word by playing the last note of the show.
The Cadets 2006 "the zone"
This show is amazing! It has only a few lapses in the brass and minor timing problems with percussion, but the creativity, originality and expression and overall execution of the show make up the difference. The story that is told has many elements: beauty, playfulness, technical virtuousity, lush dreamlike sequences and a kickin' ending that gives me goose-bumps and quite a rush every time I listen to it.
The opener has a mysterious bit of pit percussion with the notes from "The Twilight Zone" theme song (you know, doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo-doo...). Then what follows is the verbal monologue we all remember from the series. Then comes an explosion of brass and movement like we've not heard in awhile (are you awake now? I know I am.)
Then there is some quotes from "Alice in Wonderland", with a singsongy piece... very playful and evocative of a rollercoaster ride, cotton candy in hand. :)
The ballad is so powerfully emotionally to me that I cease to be my usually
objective self! By utilizing a female voice as an instrument: not singing words but
syllables (almost like scat singing), the Cadets may have added a new tone color
to drum corps. I think George Hopkins was onto something when he suggested
this rule change. The activity has taken a new direction with all the vocalizations
that have been heard during DCI performances in recent years. Anyway, I vote this the best arranged, best sounding ballad ever!
And then, a classic Cadets ending: starts out slow, then it picks up speed, until finally, they are fast and furious and unrelenting. Such range, such power, such joy at the end when you hear the Cadets version of the "Twilight Zone" theme, with mellophones leading the final
charge. And then the final chord: rich, satisfying, full of vigor and some loud percussive beats top it off!
There you have it. My verbal take on a very visual and musical experience that takes my breath away, every time.
The opener has a mysterious bit of pit percussion with the notes from "The Twilight Zone" theme song (you know, doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo-doo...). Then what follows is the verbal monologue we all remember from the series. Then comes an explosion of brass and movement like we've not heard in awhile (are you awake now? I know I am.)
Then there is some quotes from "Alice in Wonderland", with a singsongy piece... very playful and evocative of a rollercoaster ride, cotton candy in hand. :)
The ballad is so powerfully emotionally to me that I cease to be my usually
objective self! By utilizing a female voice as an instrument: not singing words but
syllables (almost like scat singing), the Cadets may have added a new tone color
to drum corps. I think George Hopkins was onto something when he suggested
this rule change. The activity has taken a new direction with all the vocalizations
that have been heard during DCI performances in recent years. Anyway, I vote this the best arranged, best sounding ballad ever!
And then, a classic Cadets ending: starts out slow, then it picks up speed, until finally, they are fast and furious and unrelenting. Such range, such power, such joy at the end when you hear the Cadets version of the "Twilight Zone" theme, with mellophones leading the final
charge. And then the final chord: rich, satisfying, full of vigor and some loud percussive beats top it off!
There you have it. My verbal take on a very visual and musical experience that takes my breath away, every time.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The basic elements of a quality drum corps show...
One thing that should always be present in a drum corps performance is the entertainment factor. Are the members enjoying themselves? Is their performance serious, dramatic, emotional, comedic, exciting, aggressive, or mysterious? Is this conveyed to the audience?
This ties in to a previous theme about shows telling a story. One of the best at this is The Cadets. Their ballads are full of drama and tell a story better than no one else. My favorite is the 1991 show The ABC's of Modern Music (I think...). The midpoint of the show has a neighborhood baseball game being played in ballet form (by the colorguard), then the girls come out and set up a picnic. Everyone gets paired off but one kid who sadly is on the outside looking in at all the fun the other's are having.
His expressions (it helps to have TV cameras up close) really sell the show, and the
delicate arrangement definately tell a story.
Some of the best "packages" include songs with different emotional "hooks". A great
case in point is the 1989 performance "The Phantom of the Opera" by the Santa
Clara Vanguard. This show is considered one of the best shows of all time. It had
lots of drama, revelry, somberness, excitement, sorrow, aggression, and of course
subtlety. They chose wisely to go with a soft, slow ending instead of the loud and
brash endings that are so common. It was dripping with drama and beauty, as the
"Phantom" dissappeared along with the corps itself. It was a complete show with the elements needed for victory. And win they did that year, with a record high score,
98.7!
Another element needed for victory is perfection. Yes, that's right. Although it is not
really possible, with much practice, appearances can be deceiving. One of corps that
achieves perfection more than any other, I think, is the Cavaliers. I have always
appreciated their shows. Not a note is wasted, every chord is perfect and balanced.
They are the true professionals in the drum corps community and have a good
reputation. It is also interesting to note that they spend less time in rehearsal than
most other corps!
This ties in to a previous theme about shows telling a story. One of the best at this is The Cadets. Their ballads are full of drama and tell a story better than no one else. My favorite is the 1991 show The ABC's of Modern Music (I think...). The midpoint of the show has a neighborhood baseball game being played in ballet form (by the colorguard), then the girls come out and set up a picnic. Everyone gets paired off but one kid who sadly is on the outside looking in at all the fun the other's are having.
His expressions (it helps to have TV cameras up close) really sell the show, and the
delicate arrangement definately tell a story.
Some of the best "packages" include songs with different emotional "hooks". A great
case in point is the 1989 performance "The Phantom of the Opera" by the Santa
Clara Vanguard. This show is considered one of the best shows of all time. It had
lots of drama, revelry, somberness, excitement, sorrow, aggression, and of course
subtlety. They chose wisely to go with a soft, slow ending instead of the loud and
brash endings that are so common. It was dripping with drama and beauty, as the
"Phantom" dissappeared along with the corps itself. It was a complete show with the elements needed for victory. And win they did that year, with a record high score,
98.7!
Another element needed for victory is perfection. Yes, that's right. Although it is not
really possible, with much practice, appearances can be deceiving. One of corps that
achieves perfection more than any other, I think, is the Cavaliers. I have always
appreciated their shows. Not a note is wasted, every chord is perfect and balanced.
They are the true professionals in the drum corps community and have a good
reputation. It is also interesting to note that they spend less time in rehearsal than
most other corps!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The basic elements of a quality drum corps show...
Then there is the visual part of a show: does the colorguard enhance the picture or muddy-up the show? The visual part is really what makes drum corps what it is, and not just some glorified concert band. You can see that anywhere. But the proper venue for drum corps is a good, old fashioned football field. Even a soccer field will work if you know your drill.
The colors, drama, lines, shapes, wave forms, scatter drill and other marching elements make for an eye-pleasing panorama. In most good shows you can look all over the field and see things going on that enhance the show. Most people need to see a show several times in order to catch it all.
There is much said about the closer in a drum corps show. Many corps will spend much time and effort to craft the right ending. Some constantly change it during the season, trying to tweak it and get it just right. The common thread with closures is that they are loud, usually quadruple forte, and long, with a resolved chord that finally relaxes the tension musically built up during the last few phrases. This is all too common and seems like a good idea, in that a group gets the chance to make a strong and lasting impression ok the audience.
Some groups also put in alot of fast drill toward the ending. This of course increases the difficulty level and keeps the audience (and judges) on their toes, paying attention for that original nuance that may increase the GE just a tad. Just a tad may be enough to propel a corps from the middle of the pack to the top nowadays.
I have seen corps change chords, as well as drill during finals week, ultimately breaking out their last visual scene, prop, gimmick or drill form just to get that edge. The video you may own of finals night may not be the whole story. I have seen YouTube footage of corps in their early season and you would be surprised what kind of editing occurs in the drill book...
The colors, drama, lines, shapes, wave forms, scatter drill and other marching elements make for an eye-pleasing panorama. In most good shows you can look all over the field and see things going on that enhance the show. Most people need to see a show several times in order to catch it all.
There is much said about the closer in a drum corps show. Many corps will spend much time and effort to craft the right ending. Some constantly change it during the season, trying to tweak it and get it just right. The common thread with closures is that they are loud, usually quadruple forte, and long, with a resolved chord that finally relaxes the tension musically built up during the last few phrases. This is all too common and seems like a good idea, in that a group gets the chance to make a strong and lasting impression ok the audience.
Some groups also put in alot of fast drill toward the ending. This of course increases the difficulty level and keeps the audience (and judges) on their toes, paying attention for that original nuance that may increase the GE just a tad. Just a tad may be enough to propel a corps from the middle of the pack to the top nowadays.
I have seen corps change chords, as well as drill during finals week, ultimately breaking out their last visual scene, prop, gimmick or drill form just to get that edge. The video you may own of finals night may not be the whole story. I have seen YouTube footage of corps in their early season and you would be surprised what kind of editing occurs in the drill book...
The basic elements of a quality drum corps show...
I consider myself a drum corps connoisseur, and so would like to put out there what my favorite shows contain. As far as quality goes, every show should have tell a story somehow. Not just fill the music and percussion book with unneccessary notes and fillers. Sometimes, less is more.
I can often tell how elite a corps just by listening to the arrangement of the music and notes. A less established corps will often have more filler material: like snare drum rolls between phrases and passages, percussion booms coming out of nowhere and the all too familiar brass shoutout and blasts without reason.
I have seen that there is and can be a quality sound at all levels of drum corps, but
if the arrangement itself suffers, it is almost a lost cause. In short, a corps sound
is only as good as it's music book. 'Nuff said...
The next major element that has to be heard is the intonation. Those without "musical ears" can go ahead and skip this section, but intonation is key for me. When a particular section is out of tune, either in relation to the corps itself, or to the pit section (my biggest pet peeve), than you got trouble. It is distracting to say the least, and if not fixed may cause a drop in music scores or general effect. GE can be affected because the intended and appreciated nuances designed into the show are missed because of blatant intonation problems.
I remember one show in particular. It was a rising corps, trying to break into the top 12, and something happened during quarter-finals and their tuning went way off. They were actually in tune to themselves except for their pit instruments.. and so you can imagine, the clashing sounds heard all across the field...
I can often tell how elite a corps just by listening to the arrangement of the music and notes. A less established corps will often have more filler material: like snare drum rolls between phrases and passages, percussion booms coming out of nowhere and the all too familiar brass shoutout and blasts without reason.
I have seen that there is and can be a quality sound at all levels of drum corps, but
if the arrangement itself suffers, it is almost a lost cause. In short, a corps sound
is only as good as it's music book. 'Nuff said...
The next major element that has to be heard is the intonation. Those without "musical ears" can go ahead and skip this section, but intonation is key for me. When a particular section is out of tune, either in relation to the corps itself, or to the pit section (my biggest pet peeve), than you got trouble. It is distracting to say the least, and if not fixed may cause a drop in music scores or general effect. GE can be affected because the intended and appreciated nuances designed into the show are missed because of blatant intonation problems.
I remember one show in particular. It was a rising corps, trying to break into the top 12, and something happened during quarter-finals and their tuning went way off. They were actually in tune to themselves except for their pit instruments.. and so you can imagine, the clashing sounds heard all across the field...
And now for something completely different!
I attended auditions for Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps in 1993-1994 but made it as far as alternate. It was a humbling experience as I was around the corps environment full-time on those weekend rehearsals and yet had trouble keeping up. My reflexes were kinda slow, I was outta shape and slow at learning drill.
On the high school level I did alright, this corps at this time and place WAS GOING PLACES! I mean this was the year Crown broke into the top 12. I guess they had little time for remediation. I understand.
Also, during this time my father died, I moved out on my own, things began happening. I got distracted and stuff. I realized later it wasn't a good fit.
But anyway, during one rehearsal, the band director of the local high school hired me on the spot to be one of their colorguard instructors. That was cool. I came to a rehearsal and taught them all I knew about a proper warm-up (which I learned while at Crown) and soon realized it was way over their heads!
I later had car trouble and couldn't make it to their summer band camp and had to quit the job.
The next year I got hired by a local high school marching band for their band camp. I worked with all the sections: drum majors, percussion, brass and of course colorguard! It was a great experience. Even got a bonus check from the director.
I soon got involved in school and work and, again... put marching band and drum corps on the back burner...
On the high school level I did alright, this corps at this time and place WAS GOING PLACES! I mean this was the year Crown broke into the top 12. I guess they had little time for remediation. I understand.
Also, during this time my father died, I moved out on my own, things began happening. I got distracted and stuff. I realized later it wasn't a good fit.
But anyway, during one rehearsal, the band director of the local high school hired me on the spot to be one of their colorguard instructors. That was cool. I came to a rehearsal and taught them all I knew about a proper warm-up (which I learned while at Crown) and soon realized it was way over their heads!
I later had car trouble and couldn't make it to their summer band camp and had to quit the job.
The next year I got hired by a local high school marching band for their band camp. I worked with all the sections: drum majors, percussion, brass and of course colorguard! It was a great experience. Even got a bonus check from the director.
I soon got involved in school and work and, again... put marching band and drum corps on the back burner...
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
There is nothin' like the smell of diesel fuel in the morning!
After graduatingn I had a stint with my high school marching band as colorguard instructor. It was more-like colorguard chaperone and overall equipment handler. I didn't get to teach any new routines just help to fine-tune them. They had a choreographer during band camp and I was just helping out--for free. At one point I noticed a real gap in the show and came with about 24 counts of work. The colorguard captain said no...maybe after the next show. I obviously had little clout or push to get things done.
It was a new director too. I was brought in to help keep the kids out of trouble. :) I say that, but I was just a little older than they were. I got to do little more than clap hands during rehearsals to convey the counts and show up at competitions and take notes, check out the competition. I got a little prestige being treated like staff. That was pretty cool.
Soon I was busy being an adult: having to make real money and pay the bills. I dropped out of the activity for a while. Sometimes regular life intrudes in for a while. That's what happened. More later, bye.
It was a new director too. I was brought in to help keep the kids out of trouble. :) I say that, but I was just a little older than they were. I got to do little more than clap hands during rehearsals to convey the counts and show up at competitions and take notes, check out the competition. I got a little prestige being treated like staff. That was pretty cool.
Soon I was busy being an adult: having to make real money and pay the bills. I dropped out of the activity for a while. Sometimes regular life intrudes in for a while. That's what happened. More later, bye.
My Obsession
What do you get when you combine an athletic contest based on musicality, artistry and marching skill, a kaleidoscope of colors, pageantry, the ooohhs and aahhhs of a surging crowd's excitement, and top it off with family friendly entertainment? You get drum and bugle corps competition! I know the previous question was a run-on sentence but this activity really does have all these things, and more. Many families during the summer time of year are at little-league games, traveling across country on vacation trips, or spending time at summer camps.
All of these things are experienced in one way or another in a drum and bugle corps. Whether you are a participant, a volunteer, a staff member, a parent or fan in the stands, you can experience drum corps. You can make memories that will
last a lifetime.
I first saw a DCI (Drum Corps International) show on PBS back in 1986 or so. I
was struck by the drama, the musicianship, ohh the sheer volume the brass line
could create, the heights that the rifles could be tossed. Also, the precision and
poise that could be maintained even in 95+ degree heat! All of people on the TV
set were performing for free, and I later learned that these kids had to pay big
bucks to do it.
I soon went into high school, learned to perform in the colorguard, switched from
clarinet to trumpet in the band, and learned what marching band was all about.
Yes, marching band is drum corps but on a smaller scale. Smaller budgets,
smaller fan base, but more kids. Yes, less talent. staffing and probably poorer equipment.
It doesn't mean that you can't have fun in marching band, because you can... and
I did.
While in colorguard, I learned how to spin and toss a rifle and flag. Hours and
hours were spent in rehearsal and at home perfecting these basic movements. I
got bruises and sometimes cuts on my fingers from tossing and catching the rifle. It hurt some too!
Why did I do this? Well, I don't know. It took alot of courage being the only male in a colorguard unit. I endured much ridicule from some rednecks on my bus. I held my head up, kept at it, and eventually saw them root for me when we performed during pep rallies and games. I guess I was more in-touch with my "feminine-side" with the dance aspects of colorguard. I was probably the first person they could relate to in a colorguard. I started out as one of the "f*gs and rifles" and eventually they saw me for who I was.
It wasn't that I was unsure about my sexuality. No, not at all. In fact I was so sure of my identity as a heterosexual male that I could put myself in that environment. I mean I liked girls, and this was where some of the cutest girls were! And I get to dance with them! Okay, I have finally divilged my secret. :)
Anyway, despite the typical adolescent hang-ups, I got through high school with plenty colorguard knowlege, some trumpet talent, and alot of desire to teach in marching band, to return what I learned.
This I eventually did...
All of these things are experienced in one way or another in a drum and bugle corps. Whether you are a participant, a volunteer, a staff member, a parent or fan in the stands, you can experience drum corps. You can make memories that will
last a lifetime.
I first saw a DCI (Drum Corps International) show on PBS back in 1986 or so. I
was struck by the drama, the musicianship, ohh the sheer volume the brass line
could create, the heights that the rifles could be tossed. Also, the precision and
poise that could be maintained even in 95+ degree heat! All of people on the TV
set were performing for free, and I later learned that these kids had to pay big
bucks to do it.
I soon went into high school, learned to perform in the colorguard, switched from
clarinet to trumpet in the band, and learned what marching band was all about.
Yes, marching band is drum corps but on a smaller scale. Smaller budgets,
smaller fan base, but more kids. Yes, less talent. staffing and probably poorer equipment.
It doesn't mean that you can't have fun in marching band, because you can... and
I did.
While in colorguard, I learned how to spin and toss a rifle and flag. Hours and
hours were spent in rehearsal and at home perfecting these basic movements. I
got bruises and sometimes cuts on my fingers from tossing and catching the rifle. It hurt some too!
Why did I do this? Well, I don't know. It took alot of courage being the only male in a colorguard unit. I endured much ridicule from some rednecks on my bus. I held my head up, kept at it, and eventually saw them root for me when we performed during pep rallies and games. I guess I was more in-touch with my "feminine-side" with the dance aspects of colorguard. I was probably the first person they could relate to in a colorguard. I started out as one of the "f*gs and rifles" and eventually they saw me for who I was.
It wasn't that I was unsure about my sexuality. No, not at all. In fact I was so sure of my identity as a heterosexual male that I could put myself in that environment. I mean I liked girls, and this was where some of the cutest girls were! And I get to dance with them! Okay, I have finally divilged my secret. :)
Anyway, despite the typical adolescent hang-ups, I got through high school with plenty colorguard knowlege, some trumpet talent, and alot of desire to teach in marching band, to return what I learned.
This I eventually did...
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