7th Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps
Newsletter Vol. 2.2 | May 2016
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Table of Contents
Letter from the Editors
NEWSLETTER STAFF Jamil Jorge Erick Mancebo
To our 7th Regiment community,
Letter from the Editors........2 Kitchen Equipment Fundraiser..........................3 Drum Major Announcement..................4 7th Members Join Patriot’s Drumline...........................5 Drum Major’s Update .......6 Jordan Kaiser Profile..........6 Joey Gaudet Profile............7 Andrew Gerke Annual Fundraiser..........................7 2015 Age-Out Spotlights.......................8-9 Alumni News..................10
We hope you enjoy this current newsletter! It’s full of updated information, alumni news, and recent age-out profiles, among many other things. We also apologize for being late. Some of this material comes from the newsletter that was supposed to be out at the end of last year, but school and life overwhelmed us. Hopefully, we haven’t kept you waiting for too long. In our next newsletter, we hope to tell you more about 7th Regiment’s show, members, and provide the full summer schedule. If anyone in our community feels inspired to contribute news, write an article or column, contribute ideas for our future newsletters, or just wants to help, feel free to send an email to 7thalumni@gmail.com. It would be an honor to hear more from our community. Rise as one, Jamil Jorge Erick Mancebo
Send us an email and ask to join our mailing list, ask questions, give feedback, or to get more involved! We send regular emails that include 7RAA news, events, newsletters, events, volunteering opportunities, and more! For more information, check out 7thregiment.org! There, you can find recent news and rehearsal schedules, staff biographies, member information, and make donations to the corps. 7th Regiment Youth Performing Arts Association P.O. Box 64 New London, CT 06320 director@7thregiment.org
7TH REGIMENT YOUTH PERFORMING ARTS ASSOCIATION 2016 EXECUTIVE BOARD Arminder Singh Christina Nadeau Kerry Valley Daisy Johnson Tim Rall Jim O’Neil Erick Mancebo
President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Corps Director Assistant Corps Director Member at Large
Do you have something to share? If you are a member of the 7th Regiment or Surfers alumni community, let us know! We love to keep our community updated on engagements, marriages, kids, new jobs, internships, awards, education, graduation, big moves, photos, stories, or whatever you might think of! Email 7thalumni@gmail.com.
/7thRegiment @7thRegiment
@7thRegiment
7thregiment.org
Copyright 2016
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Kitchen Equipment Fundraiser 7th Regiment is growing at an exciting pace — unfortunately, that means some of our old methods of operating are no longer feasible. Currently we function with the use of a five-foot griddle while on tour, and two portable gas burners. In order to feed all of our members on the road and during camps, we need to purchase a convection oven alongside a griddle to make meal prep feasible for a growing corps. That means we need to raise $10,000 in order to reach our goals. 7th Regiment Youth Performing Arts Organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, making your contribution a tax-deductible donation! Help us keep pace with the growth of our membership! Thank you, 7th Regiment
Visit 7thregiment.org to donate
7th Regiment Youth Performing Arts Newsletter | May 2016
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2016 Drum Major Announcement
New London, CT – 7th Regiment
because I love the excellence that
season with the UConn Marching
Drum & Bugle Corps has announced
drum corps makes you strive for,” she
Band, one season with the University
its 2016 Drum Major with the selection
declared, adding, “Drum corps has
of New Haven Marching Band, and
of three-year veteran Leslie Prunier.
taught me to attack challenges, push
one season playing cymbals in the
my own limits, fix my mistakes without
UConn Winter Drumline. Leslie is also
being told twice, and persevere
a member of the University Scholar
marching arts through the marching
though the toughest situations.
research program at the University of
band at Putnam High School in
Beyond that, 7th Regiment is like
Connecticut, where she is creating a
Putnam, CT, where she spun in the
family to me, and I wouldn’t trade the
plastic baritone through 3D-printing.
colorguard in 2009 and 2010, before
time I’ve spent here for anything in the
moving to the brass section to play
world.”
Leslie entered the world of the
the baritone in 2011 and 2012. Leslie joined 7th Regiment in 2013,
Mark Maguire, staff coordinator, expressed excitement at the decision,
Outside of drum corps, Leslie is
remarking, “Leslie has been the model
completing three successful seasons
a junior attending the University
corps member for the past three years
playing baritone, and is excited to
of Connecticut where she studies
and we’re confident Leslie will lead
spend her 4th season as Drum Major:
Mechanical Engineering. During the
the corps to success in 2016!”
off-season, Leslie has held fast to “I keep coming back to 7th Regiment
her marching roots, marching one
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7th Regiment Members Join Patriots Drumline
Four members of the 2015 7th Regiment have been hired by Gallant Entertainment Inc. (GEI) who in turn have been hired by the New England Patriots to provide drumline entertainment! Dalton Gyorda (Drum Major ‘14’15) plays cymbals, Peter Oliver (Battery ‘12-’13, ‘15) plays bass, Matt Randall (Front Ensemble ‘15-’16) is on Snare, and Aaron Saraiva (Battery ‘11) plays the company after attending two audition the quads. Dalton explains, “Our dates, and then had three primary gigs are Patriot’s rehearsals and now “as games, but the company professionals” it is our responsibility to come also provides additional opportunities to perform. to our assigned games and other performances. For example, Matt has already performed at two We have a large book additional gigs including that includes 23 regular a performance at Fashion charts plus any other additional music assigned Week in New York City. We were hired by
for performances with the Patriot’s cheerleaders. The most important thing we do happens before the game when we spend a couple of hours playing for tailgaters. Leading up to the game, we sometimes have the opportunity to play for the players or cheerleaders tunnel entrance (the drumline is mic’d so we can
be heard throughout the entire stadium). Throughout the game, we play several times during timeouts or quarter breaks, either by ourselves or to a track with the cheerleaders. In between performances, we watch the game from the comfort of the Patriot’s executive conference room.”
7th Regiment Youth Performing Arts Newsletter | May 2016
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Drum Major’s Update
“
Our March camp was my first time being in the Drum Major role at 7th Regiment. Something new for me personally was getting to spend most of the camp with the drumline. As is expected during the early season, members trickled in from their winter percussion shows as the weekend went on. There is a lot of new talent in the battery section, with some great returning members to lay the foundation of how we do things at 7th. That foundation includes working hard in rehearsal, but getting to know each other during breaks and developing bonds that will carry us through the season. Considering how early in the season we are, the hornline is sounding great. It was incredible to be in front of the group, hearing a glimmer of what’s to come once we get further into the season. Our hornline has been very loud for its size in the past few years, and I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition. Our next camp is May 13th, and I can’t wait. All the members have been practicing hard and submitting video assignments, and the camps are when we get to see everybody’s individual work come together. We’re going to keep refining our musical and visual technique, delve further into the show material, and continue to get to know each other in preparation for our journey as a corps this summer. Leslie Prunier
”
Leadership Profile: Guard captain Jordan Kaiser Jordan discovered color guard
“I keep coming back to
the color guard that helped shape
in 2010 with her Plymouth High
7th, because it’s an amazing
School’s Marching Band from
community and a family. I have
Plymouth, MA. Ever since then
made life long friends from
sophomore Printmaking major
she has been in love with the
this activity and I could not be
at the Hartford Art School in
activity. Since then she has spun
anymore grateful. Every year this
the University of Hartford in
with her high school’s marching
corps amazes me. It’s different
Hartford, CT. She then plans
band, winter guard, Blessed
every year and grows in new
on getting her degree in Art
Sacrament Open, and, of course,
ways with each season. Each
Education. On top of her
7th Regiment. She has been with
season presents new challenges,
schooling, Jordan also instructs
7th since 2012 and has loved
new faces, and holds a different
color guards at both Newington
every second of it! With this
place in my heart. This season
and Wethersfield high schools.
being her fifth season with 7th,
holds so much potential for us. I
While home from university she
Jordan is beyond excited to get
can see this being one of the best
also installs flooring at local home
out on the field again and tear
seasons for the color guard. I am
improvement store in Plymouth,
it up!
beyond honored to be leading
MA.
who I have become as a human.” Outside of 7th Jordan is a
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Leadership Profile: Guard captain Joey Gaudet Joey Gaudet will serve as one of
technique/ equipment improvement aside,
the captains of the 2016 Colorguard. A
7th has taught me many valuable lessons
junior at Wethersfield High School in
that have shaped me into the person I
Wethersfield, Connecticut, this will be
am today; specifically, my ability to push
his third year with 7th Regiment. After
through adversities and keep sight on
joining 7th in 2014, Joey says he “gained
your ultimate goal. Over the summer,
so much valuable information; much of
what’s so special about the members’
which pertained to how i could better
connection is our mutual desire for
manipulate my equipment.”
greatness. Each member works with and
After the season, Joey joined his high
beside one another, constantly verbalizing
school’s marching band, completing two
encouraging reminders of our goal. With
marching seasons as well as a season of
this teamwork, we walk away from this
winter guard spinning with Brookfield
experience with new information, new
Independent. This winterguard
experiences, and new friends. I am
season, Joey marched with Alter Ego
more than excited to be a member and
Independent World out of Trumbull,
a captain of the 2016 color guard, and
Connecticut.
i am anxiously awaiting these positive
Joey writes, “with all the obvious
experiences again.”
Andrew Gerke Annual Fundraiser The family of 7th Regiment alumnus Andrew Gerke is hosting their 7th annual fundraiser for the Andrew Gerke Memorial Scholarship, which helps provide scholarships for South Portland High School and 7th Regiment. The event will take place on May 19, 2016 at Easy Day Restaurant and Bowling Alley in South Portland, Maine, beginning at 5 pm. There will be a silent auction, raffles, and food.
7th Regiment Youth Performing Arts Newsletter | May 2016
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2015 Age-Out Spotlights Drum Corps has changed my life in more
message, and I’m proud to leave a lasting
ways than I can count. It has made me a better
impression in the history of this very young
person to others and to myself. It has allowed
corps.
me to see places I’ve never seen and probably
there are many things that I will miss dearly.
last me 4 lifetimes.
But the most important part of the drum
It has given me friends that, despite being
Name: Bianca Doone Hometown: Billerica, MA School: University of Massachusetts, Amherst Years: 2015 Sections: Cymbals
Even though I only marched one season,
won’t see again. It has given me memories to
corps experience to me is the people, and the
hundreds or thousands of miles away, will
people that are a part of this organization are
always share the bond of blue and black. I was
like no other. If you have any affiliation with 7th
lucky enough to have the honor of leading
Regiment or the Surfers Alumni Association
7th Regiment’s inaugural cymbal line, creating
(now 7th Regiment Youth Performing Arts
new traditions and more opportunities for the
Association), I would like to express my thanks
years to come. As an alumnus, I can’t wait to
in allowing myself and 109 other people to
see what 7th brings to the table next year, as
have this opportunity. I’m excited to start the
well as where the cymbal line will go. I chose
next chapter in my life, and I can’t wait to see
to march 7th because of one simple Facebook
what the drum corps world will bring.
Drum corps taught me that no matter how difficult life may get, there is always a way to push through. Adversity is something that we all face and through my summers spent with the Regiment I learned how to conquer the adversity and become a stronger person through it. I made the decision to come back to 7th for my age out year because of the
Name: Neil Murray Hometown: Fernandina Beach, FL School: University of North Florida, Major: Transportation and Logistics Years: 2014-2015 Section: Bassline
relationships that I made during the 2014 season. I was proud
field. I am so thankful to be able to call The 7th
to be a part of a percussion section that didn’t settle and
Regiment my home and I look forward to seeing
especially proud to be a part of a bassline that was setting a
what this wonderful organization will put on the
new precedent for the drum corps. My age out season was
field in the future! Also as an alumni I look forward
full of challenges and through it all the people I now call my
to seeing the bassline continue to grow and set
family stuck by me and encouraged me to leave it all on the
new precedents for excellence. 7RB for life!
Name: Derek Sexton Hometown: Rome, NY School: Oswego State University Major: Journalism; Minor: Music Years: 2013, 2015 Section: Trumpet (‘13), Baritone (‘15) Marching in a drum corps helped me live a childhood dream. Being a part of 7th Regiment for
time, I was surprised that the staff wanted me to play. As many times as I thought I would not make it to the end of the season, I remembered the words of my high school band director: “It’s not going to be easy, but it wouldn’t be worth it if it was.” That phrase alone was what helped me get through my first year and I was able to become a stronger musician and individual as a result. My age-out year meant the most to me. After all the
two years means so much more to me than that,
personal struggles I had been battling with in the months
though. The Regiment gave me a sense of family
leading up to the summer, the staff and performers
and something to be proud of.
helped me fight back and I was able to feel like I could
Growing up, I could only dream of marching
conquer anything. I gained a stronger sense of family in
alongside some of the best young musicians in the 2015 and I cannot imagine marching with anybody else world on a drum line. In 2013, I had the chance
than with my family and a corps that made my dream a
to be a part of 7th and was put on trumpet. Even reality. I cannot thank 7th enough for all they have done though I had been playing trumpet for just a short for me as a musician and as a person.
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2015 Age-Out Spotlights Name: Adam Twombly Hometown: Middlefield, CT School: Central Connecticut State University Years: 2013-2015
My journey to drum corps was rather unique. My high school doesn’t have a marching band, so I didn’t discover 7th Regiment (or the whole drum corps activity) until college. I’ll never forget the day a friend showed me some drum corps videos after classes. My reaction was along the lines of, “What is that and where do I sign up?” I was mesmerized. 7th Regiment has opened up an entirely new world for me. It has been nothing short of life changing. I have met (and lived with) some of the best people you could ever meet, performed in some amazing places with great audiences, and I had the three best summers of my life. Adjusting back to the “real world” after days upon days upon days of rehearsals and shows is never easy, especially as an age out. I can no longer have the plan of marching next summer, and that’s just plain weird. Drum corps life is far and away simpler than “real life.” Someone wakes you up, someone else makes your schedule for you, and you only
all the memories we made and the great friendships we have with our
have to worry about what’s going to happen during the next rep. Even
fellow members. It will be great to watch the corps continue to grow and
though those days are now in the past for us age-outs, we can think of
thrive in the coming years. Rise as one, 7th Regiment.
Name: Alexis Waller Occupation: Colorguard Caption Head, Rockville High School; Insomnia Cookies Years: 2009-2012, 2014-2015 Section: Colorguard Drum corps is the most challenging and
Looking back, I know these are the years
rewarding activity I’ve participated in . I’ve
I will remember forever. Every moment
learned to preserve through obstacles
is precious and I hold each of them dear
while keeping a positive attitude. Marching
to my heart.If I had to give one piece
has helped me become a leader and a role
of advice it would be to seize every
model allowing me to pass on advice and
opportunity and give it everything you’ve
knowledge to newer members.
got because one day it will be your last
What I love most about drum corps is that it’s comprised of so many diverse
chance. Every drum corps is a family and I’m so
individuals and while each member is
glad to have been welcomed into 7ths. To
tasked to improve themselves, we are
have such a strong bond between. So many
all working toward perfecting one single
individuals is amazing and to know you
production. It’s a humbling experience in
have such a vast support group brings so
a way that one person could not pull this
much comfort. The friendships I’ve made
off alone. It takes 100% effort from every
through drum corps will last a lifetime.
member for a corps to be successful.
Alumni News Adam Twombly (Baritone ‘13-’15) will be joining the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps staff this summer as a baritone technician. Andrew Dressler (Battery ‘08, Front Ensemble ‘09-‘10) passed the Florida Bar Exam in September and was sworn in as Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County, FL. His first jury trial was in November. Bianca Doone (Cymbals ‘15) is teaching 7th Regiment’s Cymbal Line this year after aging out last season. Brandon Chapter (Front Ensemble ‘14-’15) spent the last year operating a DYI record label called Santapogue Media, putting out cassette tapes and CDs for small bands. His first vinyl release is now available for pre-order at http://santapogue. storenvy.com. Brandon hopes to attend college for record label management in the near future. Erica Dozier (Colorguard ‘04-’11) graduated from the United States Army Army Logistics University in Fort Lee, VA in the Basic Officer Leaders Course (BOLC). The BOLC “is approximately 16 weeks long and divided into the areas of Professional Development, General Supply, and Quartermaster Sustainment Operations, as well as operational and technical training with an emphasis on ensuring the combat readiness of today’s Quartermaster Officer in the field.” Erick Mancebo (Front Ensemble ‘12) began a new role as a Legal Assistant at a law firm in New York, NY. Erick also currently serves as the Communications Director and Tour Manager for 7th Regiment, and as of last August, serves on the Board of Directors for the organization. Chris O’Neil (Front Ensemble ‘05-’06, ‘09-’11) recently earned his Bachelor’s degree in Theatre at Central Connecticut State University and is now working at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, CT. Maddy Ventresca (Colorguard ‘11-’14 ) is studying fashion design in Paris this summer at the Paris Fashion Institute Summer Seminar.
10 Caitlin Kenney (Colorguard ‘08-’12) was recently promoted to Zoological Manager at the Lemur Conservation Foundation (LCF) in Myakka City, FL. Caitlin started as an Animal Husbandry Intern at LCF in February 2014 and was hired as a Primate Keeper at the end of her internship in September 2014. As manager, Caitlin is responsible for coordinating the daily care of 50+ lemurs, including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, and veterinary treatment. Emily Milner (Assistant Drum Major ‘10-’11, Front Ensemble ‘13) currently has an internship with Middle Way House in Bloomington, IN. She’s managed to turn the internship into a full-time position, and will work as the Donor Relations Manager and the Head of Fundraising. Gage Brown (Baritone ‘09-’12) started school at the New England Institute of Technology to become a surgery technologist. Jamil Jorge (Tuba ‘10-’11, Drum Major ‘12) and Rachel Timmons (Colorguard ‘05-’11) were engaged in October of 2015. They started dating in July of 2010, and are 7th Regiment’s first engaged couple! Jani Springer (Colorguard ‘06-’08) will be touring with Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps this summer as their athletic trainer. Kellie Clancy (Colorguard ‘09-’10) was invited to join the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Middlesex Community College. She’s also been accepted to nursing programs at Capitol Community College and Central Connecticut State University. Kyle Conrad (Trumpet ‘12-’14) is adjusting well to his new job as a Software Engineer at Greenway Health in Georgia. Pamela Wasko (Battery ‘10-’11, Front Ensemble ‘12) graduated in December from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor’s Degree in percussion performance. She was also accepted into master’s programs for percussion performance at the University of Kentucky and Boston University. Michael Vita (Trumpet ‘09-’14 ) graduated from Central Connecticut State University in December with a Bachelor’s degree in music education, along with earning Magna Cum Laude. He will also be joining 7th Regiment’s staff this summer as a visual technician. Victoria Smolenski (Colorguard ‘09-’12) will attend Quinnipiac University in the fall to begin her Master’s degree in medical laboratory services.