DCI Magazine Winter, 2007

DrumCorps WInter 2007 | Vol. 1 No. 2

The Magazine of Marching Music’s Major League™

International

Winter Guard’s CORPS CONTINGENT

MUSIC SCHOOL

Corps Alums

Marching

Masters

IN THE COMMANDANT’S OWN

when marching’s all in the family gearing up for spring summer tour schedule

Space Cadet:

CHRIS FERGUSON

DCI

PERCUSSION CHAMPIONS P H A N T O M

R E G I M E N T

Winners of the 2006 Fred Sanford High Percussion Award

Congratulations to the entire Phantom Regiment percussion section on their hard work and first place victory.

The Phantom regiment use Pearl Carbonply drums and Adams Musical instruments exclusively.

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DrumCorps International

WINTER 2007

Spirit from JSU

4 From the Top

FEATURES 16 Winter Warriors Participating in winter guard and winter percussion ensembles give corps members opportunities to stay in shape and improve their skills in the off season.

Be the music!

7 Sidelines DCI’s Major Events schedule… Things to do in Pasadena… Percussion goes Xtreme… From the drum line to the book store... The Commandant’s Own... Online resources, and more!

23 Corps Curriculum Many students from collegiate music programs are looking at drum corps as an important part of their education. Learn why Drum Corps International is scoring an A in academics.

12 Commitment to Excellence Since becoming executive director of Spirit from JSU, Ken Bodiford has rebuilt the corps into a Division I force.

29 Brass Lesson Sam Pilafian and Patrick Sheridan of the Academy teach you to breathe your way to better sound.

14 Free Day Cavaliers Alum Marco Buscaglia reflects on parenthood and drum corps memories.

30 Percussion Lesson Hit the right spots with this tutorial on tenor drumming. By the Boston Crusaders’ Omar Carmenates.

36 Gearing Up The latest gear for marching musicians.

32 38 Age-Out Former Philadelphia Cadet Chris Ferguson works for NASA, but still makes space for drumming.

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Movement Lesson Get your mind and body ready for rehearsal days with the Blue Stars’ Chad Greife.

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DrumCorps International THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MARCHING MUSIC’S MAJOR LEAGUE Volume 1 Issue 2

Dan Acheson Executive Director Ed Dempsey Strategic Alliances Manager Chris Weber Communications Manager

Be the Music! any are engaged in the day-to-day aspects of learning and/or teaching the fundamentals of making music.

As important as it is to master the basics, the very thing that brings the music alive (and one which can be set aside all too often in the educational process) is the power of human emotion in performance.

“Getting the notes right” is indeed essential, but there is far more going on inside all who perform the music, and those who consume their performances, which needs to be embraced.

After several years in various roles in the marching music business, I have found that whether you are involved with a high school marching band, indoor percussion ensemble, fife and drum corps or one of the world’s most exclusive and elite Drum Corps International units, there is a common thread that is shared by all participants: a deep-rooted passion for the joy of performing. As students of music we just can’t get enough of what it feels like to achieve excellence in a musical performance. As members of the audience, we are thrilled as we witness such excellence. Beyond the joy of music making are the life lessons which bring people together from diverse backgrounds, ultimately forming a universal bond that is everlasting.

Rather than revel in the values and joy of music making by ourselves, I propose that we celebrate a New Year by living and applying what we have been so blessed to learn and achieve beyond the stadiums, gymnasiums, and concert halls we’ve experienced in our lives. We must do more than play the music, teach the music or master the notes; we must dig down deep every day and in everything we do and BE THE MUSIC! May you have a safe and happy New Year filled with opportunities to realize all of your dreams.

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Dan Acheson Executive Director/CEO Drum Corps International

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Bob Jacobs Marketing Quarterback Custom Published By: In Tune Partners, LLC Irwin Kornfeld CEO Will Edwards President Angelo Biasi Publisher Emile Menasché Editor-in-Chief Sarah Walker Assistant Editor Don Helsel Operations Director Mike Amaditz Creative Director Aimee Zaleski Art & Production Director Trevor Johnston Illustrations Photography Johnny Gilbert, Sid and Linda Unser Contributors Marco Buscaglia, Omar Carmenates, Debbie Galante-Block, Chad Greife, Bob Gulla, Sam Pilafian, Patrick Sheridan Drum Corps International is the world leader in producing and sanctioning competitive marching music and related stadium events for the world’s most elite marching music ensembles. Editorial and business offices are located at 470 South Irmen Drive, Addison, IL 60101, phone: 630-628-7888, fax: 630-6287971. Drum Corps International Magazine is published in Fall, Winter and Summer each year. Nonprofit organization U.S. postage paid at Lebanon Junction, KY, permit #2223.

Copyright ©2006 Drum Corps International.

All rights reserved.

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News and Notes from Drum Corps International

DCI Announces 2007 Major Events Drum Corps International has announced the lineup for its 2007 series of major regional events. Hosted in 13 states and kicking off in Annapolis, MD on June 16 with “DCI Salutes America” (see right), the major events will anchor the 2007 Summer Music Games Tour, which is made up of more than 135 events. For a complete schedule, visit DCI.org/calendar. For ticket info, visit DCI.org/tickets.

DCI Salutes America Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium Annapolis, MD Saturday, June 16

DCI Indianapolis RCA Dome Indianapolis, IN Saturday, July 28

DCI Chicagoland The Sports Complex at Benedictine Univ.

Lisle, IL Sunday, June 24

Drums Along the Rockies INVESCO Field at Mile High Denver, CO Saturday, July 28

DCI Central Illinois Illinois State Univ.’s Hancock Stadium Bloomington/Normal, IL Friday, June 29

DCI Columbia University of Missouri’s Memorial Stadium Columbia, MO Sunday, July 29

DCI Kalamazoo Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI Saturday, June 30

DCI West Texas Jones AT&T Stadium Lubbock, TX Wednesday, August 1

DCI Eastern Classic J. Birney Crum Stadium Allentown, PA Saturday & Sunday, July 7 & 8

DCI Phoenix Phoenix, AZ Saturday, August 4

DCI Louisville Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium Louisville, KY Wednesday, July 11

DCI West Championship Stanford Stadium Stanford, CA Saturday, August 4

Masters of the Summer Music Games Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN Friday, July 13

DCI Division II & III World Championship Pasadena City College Pasadena, CA August 7, 10 & 11

DCI Atlanta The Southeastern Championship Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA Saturday, July 14

Individual & Ensemble Competition Pasadena, CA Wednesday, August 8

DCI San Antonio The Southwestern Championship Alamodome San Antonio, TX Saturday, July 21

DCI Division I World Championship Rose Bowl Stadium Pasadena, CA August 9-11 Dates and locations subject to change.

DCI Salutes America Drum Corps International is teaming up with MENC, the National Association for Music Education, to salute America on Saturday, June 16, at the historic Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD. The first Drum Corps International competitive event of 2007 will provide the backdrop to the grand finale of MENC’s widely publicized “National Anthem Project.” On Flag Day, June 14, bands, choirs and orchestras representing every state in the nation will gather on the National Mall in Washington, DC, for the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” This gathering will create the largest school music ensemble ever assembled in one location, with some 8,000 students joining in the event. Learn more about the National Anthem Project finale and DCI Salutes America at MENC.org and DCI.org. www.dci.org 7

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Mount Wilson Observatory is an attraction for visitors to Pasadena

Pasadena Pastimes

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t’s not too early to start planning your trip to the 2007 DCI World Championships at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif. One of the most historic towns on the West Coast, Pasadena may be best know for the Rose Bowl, but offers plenty to do away from the stadium.

To get a feel for the town’s historic architecture, you can choose from among 10 walking and bicycling tours. Contact the visitor’s bureau at 800-307-7977.

For shopping and dining fun, there’s Old Pasadena, a trendy 22-block area filled with 200 boutiques, art galleries, retail stores, restaurants, cozy outdoor cafes, cinemas and clubs.

If you really want to step into history, check out the San Gabriel Mission District, where the Los Angeles region was first settled 232 years ago. You can tour the Old Mission, take the historic walk and enjoy entertainment, shopping and dining opportunities.

No trip to Pasadena is complete without a visit to the Norton Simon Museum, home to a world-class collection of art dating back more than 2,000 years. Highlights include 19th century masterpieces by Cezanne, Degas, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Renoir and other Impressionist giants, as well as 20th century works by Kandinsky, Klee, Picasso and others. The Huntington Library houses a collection of priceless books and art masterpieces and features 120 acres of botanical gardens, divided into thematic areas such as the Rose Garden, Desert Garden, Japanese Garden, Australian Garden, Subtropical, Jungle Garden and more. Museum goers also will enjoy the Pacific Asia Museum, housed in the historic Grace Nicholson mansion and dedicated to the preservation, promotion and understanding of the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific.

Mount Wilson Observatory, located high atop Pasadena, is home to the world’s most powerful optical telescope array, and the town also hosts the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a world-renowned research and development facility and NASA flight center. Tours are available by calling 818-354-9314.

Finally, no sports fan or athlete should pass up the Robinson Memorial, across from Pasadena City Hall. The memorial honors the accomplishments of local hero Jackie Robinson and his brother, Mack, with two nine-foot bronze sculptures.

Learn more at Ci.pasadena.ca.us and at Pasadenacal.com.

DCI Hall-of-Famer Wayne Downey—Music Director of the 11-time DCI Champion Concord Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps—has announced the launching of XtremePercussion. com, companion to his XtremeBrass website for students and educators. There, you’ll find an “Internet showcase for industry-leading composers and arrangers featuring shows designed for Indoor Percussion.” The site offers show designs, lessons, resources for teachers, chops builders and more—developed by some of the leading figures in the industry. Check it out at XtremePercussion.com and XtremeBrass.com

MICHAEL BUPP

Going to another Xtreme

that he’d someday write a book to help other folks in his predicament. The 27-year-old says that his book The Student’s Guide to Marching is “designed to empower students” by teaching essential marching music skills. Learn more at Marchingedu.com and at Jerseysurf.org.

2006 DCI World Championships DVDs Now Available at the DCI Store

Marching by the Book Drum corps and other marching activities are extremely demanding, mentally, physically, and musically. And for people new to the activity, it can seem like trial by fire. Jersey Surf staff2006 member Chris Previc (who, in addition to marching in the Surf marched with The Cadets, Blue Knights and Blue Devils, and appeared in the London cast of Blast!), faced a steep learning curve when he started marching as a teen. It was then that he decided

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Now, you can relive all of the action from the exciting 2006 DCI World Championships.

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The Commandant’s Own The Corps of The Corps

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he drum corps activity traces its roots back to the marching drum & bugle corps that former soldiers participated in after their military service. And while today’s shows display a pageantry that those early marchers may never have imagined, the training and commitment to excellence of today’s Drum Corps International members are the legacy of those early days. That commitment is probably no more evident than in The Commandant’s Own, the Drum & Bugle Corps of the Marine Corps. Through the years, DCI drum corps alumni have been able to serve by march-

ing in The Commandant’s Own. Started in 1934—when it was called the United States Marine Corps Drum & Bugle Corps—The Commandant’s Own is truly one of the world’s elite marching corps.

To gain entry into the 80-member corps, hopefuls have to pass a rigorous audition process prior to enlisting—and then go through recruit training and combat training.We asked some drum corps alumni now in The Commadant’s Own about their Drum Corps International connections. Learn more about the Commandant’s Own at Drumcorps.mbw.usmc.mil.

Gunnery Sergeant William Rulapaugh

Sergeant Clint Owens

Magic of Orlando ’91 – ’92, Crossmen ’94

Phantom Regiment ’96 – ’98

“I saw the Drum & Bugle Corps at Hershey Park, Pennsylvania, during the summer of ’93. I love doing this activity and saw it as a vehicle to a promising career.”

Staff Sergeant Leland Jordon River City Railmen ’87 – ’92, (On staff: ’92 – ’95)

“Working with different size groups all taught me the same thing—the importance of the individual contribution to the corps. It applies to any military unit and any professional work environment.”

Sergeant Joshua Dannemiller Bluecoats ’01 – ’02

“Marching in civilian drum corps prepared me mentally to deal with the separation from my family and loved ones. It taught me focus through long days and continuous training and physically prepared me for basic training.”

Sergeant Ralph Galyean Madison Scouts ’93 – ’94, (On staff: Lonestar ’98; Blue Stars ’99 – ’00)

“It’s a great opportunity to serve my country through music and to inspire others. I hope to motivate through my work.”

“Hard work and attention to detail can allow you to achieve greatness. Drum corps enabled me to see deep inside myself and understand just exactly what I could accomplish.”

Sergeant Alexandra Perkins Glassmen ’01

“It is a huge privilege and honor to serve the military through music and be able to influence not only the military, but everyday people as well.”

Sergeant Clifford Peters Blue Knights ’99, The Cadets ’01

“I went to the recruiting office to see an Army recruiter who wasn’t in his office. A Marine recruiter came out and told me about the Drum & Bugle Corps. Being here has taught me to get along with people from different cultures.”

Sergeant Randy Rivera Velvet Knights ’89 – ’95, Blue Devils ’96

“Civilian drum corps is all about work ethic, and just like close order drill in the Marine Corps, it instills discipline. Civilian instructors have a great part to do with my self-discipline and work ethic.”

Private First Class Mason Petty Glassmen ’99 – ’00, Phantom Regiment ’01 – ’02

Sergeant Jason Mosser Santa Clara Vanguard ’92

“Knowing the corps style of marching that we use helped me. I learned to take pride in the group that I was marching in.”

“After talking with my dad about the military, he thought that joining the Drum & Bugle Corps would be my best way to serve.

Naturally I followed my father’s guidance and spoke with a Marine recruiter who set me up with an audition.”

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Commitment to Excellence

By Debbie Galante-Block

Building on a Legacy Jacksonville State University’s Ken Bodiford has brought “Spirit” back to the corps.

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the band and as we accomplished each of them, the students’ confidence and pride began to grow, and audiences began to grow.

Many of those students today are very successful band directors and music teachers in various parts of the country,” Bodiford says.

After his stint in Kecoughtan, Bodiford moved to his current position at JSU. When he arrived in 1994, 144 students took part in the Marching Southerners.

Today, that number is 372. “We just celebrated our 50th anniversary in November and had over 1,400 alumni on the field during the half-time show,” Bodiford says proudly.

In 1995, the Spirit of Atlanta needed a space to rehearse, so Bodiford worked with his colleagues to offer a place for weekends. In exchange, JSU was able to use some of Spirit’s equipment in its marching band program. The relationship grew until the Atlanta group ran into numerous challenges. When their director left, Bodiford came up with the idea of combining Spirit with the college program, essentially making Spirit the college marching ensemble for the summer months. With full university support, the name was changed to Spirit from JSU and Bodiford became the director.

It does not end there. Bodiford also commits time to the Southerners Honor Band. In May, JSU takes nominations of top students from band directors all over the southeast.

If selected, a student can participate in one of five different concert bands. Conductors are brought in from all over the country to serve as clinicians and, at the end of a three-day event, the bands put on a big concert.

Bodiford also initiated the Drums Across America drum corps competition, a summer camp program that brings approximately 10,000 high school students onto the campus each summer.

Why is the corps so important to Bodiford? “Kids learn the true meaning of teamwork. Every single person on the field is so important to the overall success of the whole.”

n addition to his boundless energy, perhaps what makes Ken Bodiford such an amazing educator is his complete commitment to music and the students in his charge. In fact, things have come full circle for Bodiford, who did his undergraduate work and was drum major for three years at Alabama’s Jacksonville State University, where he now is an assistant professor, director of bands, and is the Executive Director of the Spirit from JSU. Bodiford started playing piano in the third grade and added the tuba in fifth, but it was his love of marching bands that drew him to JSU. Bodiford later earned his master’s degree in education and wind ensemble conducting at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.

Bodiford began to make his mark as band director at Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, Virginia. During his four-year tenure, he built the band from 75 members to about 250. After Bodiford’s second year as director, the Want to learn more about DCI’s Commitment to Excellence program? Visit us online state’s governor declared the KHS ensemble a Virginia at DCI.org/excellence. Do you have a great story about your band members and their Honor Band. “We began by setting short-term goals for commitment to excellence? Tell us about it at excellence@DCI.org.

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Free Day

By Marco Buscaglia

The Beat Goes On Amid the Haze of Parenthood, Kids Connect Adults with Their Younger Days

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have four children, two boys and two girls, ranging to the way we connected more than two decades ago. in age from 3 to 10. I know it took a decade to get At no time was this more evident to me than a couple me to this point, but I’ll admit I’m mushy on the of summers ago, when my family spent a few days on details. A few late-night runs to the hospital, an the Jersey shore with the family of a guy I marched occasional broken household item, some parent-teach- with in the 1980s. At one point during the stay, I was er conferences and the blurry haze of diaper changing the butt of rapid-fire insults from Frank’s kids, each and here I am. of them commenting on my hair, my weight and a few That’s kind of how I remember my marching career: other things they could have only learned from their a few cold showers, some late-night singing on the dad, as well as a few they picked up on their own from bus, an awful practice field here and there and the our brief couple of days together. It was like being occasional free day, all merged together in a glowing back on the bus in 1985, only with four Franks—with 12-year chunk of youth. hair—instead of one. Perfect. Of course, since I have a group of friends from they were young, I resisted the tempmy marching days with kids, tation to verbally retaliate—for whether it’s one, two, three a minute or two. or four little mouths to It makes me smile feed. And as we watch when I hear my daughour kids grow up, ter call my friend even if it’s in the Brian “Uncle Chet,” periodic bursts of using his corps nicksummer barbecues name instead of his and winter holiday real name. I get a parties, we start to kick out of watchsee more and more of ing my boys tease their ourselves in our chilUncle Scott about “gas dren and the children of pains,” thanks to a brief our friends. anecdote I shared with them The guy with a big head has a about a rehearsal when we marched kid with a big head. The quiet guy’s The children of a group of Cavalier alumni together in the cadet corps in 1978. say “cheese” at a recent reunion. kids are usually pretty quiet, too. The It gives my kids a connection to my obnoxious guy’s kids tear through the house on a mis- past—and it gives me yet another connection to them. sion. The nose-picker’s kid can’t keep his digits out of Certainly, in this era of alumni and tribute corps, his nostrils. The athlete’s kids already are being scoped there are plenty of chances to relive our youth, but out for scholarships. And the guy with hair on his back I’ve never been too concerned about anything other has a kid with, well, let’s just hope that one doesn’t than observing what is probably just an arrogant belief come to fruition. in my own legacy. It may be in the form of the 3-year In each case, we see a little bit of the guy we rode old casually air-kissing me goodbye before running to with on the bus in his son or daughter, whether it’s in the backroom for ballet or the 18-year-old who rides the way she laughs or the way he organizes his toys the buses, puts on the uniform and takes the field. In by their serial numbers. Of course, not everything is both cases, I know a little piece of me is there, taking a direct trait. The boy who can cut through a defen- care of business while I move forward with the rest of sive backfield like butter may have come from the my life. guy who can barely run a city block without tripping.

But there’s still something there—something we see that Marco Buscaglia works for Tribune Media Services in Chicago. connects us to our friends’ children—something similar He marched in the Cavaliers organization from 1978 to 1989.

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CAN YO U I MAG I N E . . .

The Cadets photographs by David Rice

winning world championships?

"After trying different programs over the past few years, I have found that Sibelius is user-friendly when it comes to writing for the marching percussion ensemble.

Tom Aungst, Percussion arranger for The Cadets

"With Sibelius, our ability to coordinate the show from disparate locations has increased dramatically."

George J. Hopkins, Director of the Cadets

T he Cadets have won a number DCI championship titles, and numerous national championships. Their arrangers are as committed to creativity and execution as they are to developing the abilities of their members.

Sibelius has a similar commitment - providing the world-renowned Sibelius notation program to keep users focused on music rather than computer commands, and a suite of educational software programs to build a strong musical foundation.

Sibelius 4 and Sibelius Educational Products Sibelius offers a complete range of products for teaching music in the classroom..

Sibelius 4 * - Complete software for writing, playing, printing and publishing music notation Sibelius Student - Entry-level notation software specifically for students Sibelius Instruments * - Interactive guide to orchestral and band instruments Sibelius Compass * - Composition lessons, projects and tools - including a unique and easy to use sequencer Sibelius Starclass - Ready-to-use lesson plans to help teach elementary music Auralia * - Comprehensive ear training for all levels Musition * - Complete software for teaching and testing music theory Kontakt Player Gold * - High quality sounds for Sibelius PhotoScore Professional 4 * - The fastest way to scan music Groovy Music - Shapes, Jungle and City - Software for teaching children music To learn more about the Sibelius music education products, go to: www.Sibelius.com *Site Licenses and 5-User Lab Packs Available for Schools

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Winter Guard takes Marching Music indoors for some intense competition

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By Danny Miles

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CCORDING TO THE LAWS OF NATURE, wintertime is supposed to be downtime. Bears hibernate, birds migrate, and baseball players go fishing. The DCI tour may be a summer event, but

that doesn’t mean that corps members need to go into hibernation after daylight savings time has ended.

Nothing compares to the intensity of a summer on tour with Drum Corps International. The long days of drill in the sun; the evenings in front of excited crowds; the nights on the bus; the sleeping on gym floors; the camaraderie built from months as a corps family; the majesty and intensity of the Finals. It all adds up to a unique life-altering experience. So by the time fall rolls around, it can be hard to let go and adjust to “civilian” life.

But off-season does not have to mean “time off.” This is a good time to ask yourself: “How can I improve for next year?” winter rehehearsal camps held by DCI corps, as well as scholastic music and dance programs, are important off-season activities, but there are other alternatives—and they can help you develop your artistry and athleticism while keeping your competitive juices on the boil.

Those alternatives are winter guard and winter percussion, offseason groups that provide a great opportunity to augment the experience of touring with a DCI member corps and compete in an exciting activity that helps build important skills for summer.

Members of top-level Drum Corps International corps say the winter activities help members to develop their technical and performance skills while getting a thorough off-season workout. Scott Johnson, Percussion Director of the Blue Devils, encourages the members of his corps to join in the winter events. “I think it’s vital that they do indoor activity. I think it helps out everybody.”

Valuable Training In fact, many of the top corps from DCI’s Summer Music Games march year-around by participat-

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JUST THE FACTS ■ More than 11,000 individuals participated in WGI’s Sport of the Arts World Championships in April 2006.

■ Founded in 1992, the WGI Hall of Fame has inducted 24 members from 11 different states.

Many members of the WGI Hall of Fame are also enshrined in DCI’s Hall of Fame.

■ The WGI Scholarship Program has provided more than $250,000 to deserving young people since its inception. For this year’s 30th Anniversary, WGI will award an unprecedented 30 separate scholarships to students this April. In addition to donations, the funding for WGI’s scholarship program comes from a 50/50 raffle at the annual World Championships.

ing in events overseen by Winter Guard International (WGI) “Sport of the Arts.”

Several factors make the WGI experience especially valuable to people involved in drum corps.

First, competing in winter insures that training will continue on a high level during DCI’s off season. “We sponsor both winter percussion lines and a color guard,” says Mark Arnold, Executive Director of the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps, which fields one of the top winter guards, Opus 10. “We feel that when our members are involved in Opus 10, their training will be high and that will make them better in the summer.”

The fact that the shows are indoors in smaller arenas can also be beneficial. It means that percussionists and guard members have an opportunity to connect to audiences and enhance their performance skills, both of which can help them when they step out onto the big field in the summer. “They really do ‘percussion theater’ and learn about movement and audience interaction that’s unique,” says Stuart Pompel, Executive Director of Pacific Crest. “The show is five minutes long and they spend hours and hours on it. What makes it compelling as a youth organization is that it teaches kids about interaction and getting outside their comfort zones.”

Pacific Crest’s color guard performed as a winter guard unit for five years and, although they are not

competing officially this season, many members of Pacific Crest’s corps and staff are involved in the activity. Pompel says the skills learned in the more intimate indoor setting “help the performers develop a level of confidence that helps them in their adult lives.”

The experience translates well when the full corps gets together for the Summer Music Games Tour.

“Although we don’t march [as an organization], almost all of us participate in winter activities in one way or another, mostly in Independent World groups,” says the Blue Devils’ Johnson. “It makes our job a lot easier for the summer. [The students] basically ‘run and drum’ all year around. By the time they get to camp, they’re already in great shape and know how to move.”

For some corps leaders, the technical and performance techniques their members develop in winter are opening new possibilities as they create their summer programs. “We’ve taken some of the indoor movement out onto the football field,” Johnson says. “Indoors, you see their faces, and it’s more personal, and that’s helped us out. I think it’s starting to catch on.”

According to Bart Woodley, Marketing Director of WGI Sport of the Arts, wintering with WGI can help push individuals or groups to higher levels of excellence. “Thousands of high schools have started winter lines to keep their members active and improve their skills during the off season,” he says. “Many drum corps participants have already extended their dedication to color guard and percussion.” After spending their entire summer on

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“The Commandant’s Own” THE UNITED STATES MARINE DRUM & BUGLE CORPS

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tour, they choose to “balance school, family and work, while rehearsing during evenings and weekends for winter competitions.”

The Basics WGI is the nonprofit youth organization that oversees winter guard and indoor percussion competitions across the country. “Much like drum corps, winter guard and indoor percussion bring together artistry and athleticism into two incredibly addictive pageantry activities,” says Woodley. The 2007 season marks the 30th anniversary for WGI, which has corps from all over the U.S. and a few international entrants. The season runs from January to April, when the championships take place. This year’s champs will be crowned in Dayton, Ohio, host to the WGI World Championships for the 21st time.

WGI’s format is a little different from DCI’s. First, because its season takes place during the school year, participants can’t train 24/7 the way they do during DCI’s Summer Music Games. They have to march while attending school, working at jobs—or both.

“Most independent units rehearse only on the weekends, making working and going to school possible while marching,” Woodley says.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t show similar commitment to that of drum corps members. “In order to fulfill the goals many performers have, they pick up their lives and move to become a part of that one special winter guard or percussion ensemble that catches their eye at WGI World Championships,” Woodley says. “It is not unusual for young people to transfer schools, find new jobs and leave behind loved ones for a few months to make their dreams of performing come true. These adventures make lasting memories and friendships that performers never forget.”

Dividing Lines Like DCI, WGI combines musical skill with athleticism.

But there are important differences. Since they do not perform on a huge football field, the winter groups are smaller. Percussion and color guard are separated and compete at different times and for different championships. Percussion lines don’t have marching brass lines—brass is not allowed in winter percussion—but they may have guitar, bass, and synthesizer players in their equivalent of the pit, the front ensemble.

Where DCI groups its corps into three divisions, WGI has two sectors—Scholastic and Independent—which are split into several classes. “The Scholastic category consists of groups whose membership comes from the same high school or a school that feeds to that particular high school. Independent groups are not affiliated with any school system,” Woodley explains.

Within these two main categories, groups are divided by size. “WGI further divides the Scholastic and Independent groups into World, Open, or A Class,”

Woodley says. Regional A classes are the entry point for beginning corps. From there, participants can move up to A Class, Open and, for the most committed and talented, World Class.

DCI Connections Although DCI and WGI are separate organizations, there are some overlaps between the two activities.

“Several drum corps keep their members active during the winter by competing in WGI events,” Woodley says. “The Blue Devils, Blue Knights, Santa Clara Vanguard, Spirit from JSU, Fever, Revolution and [others] can currently be found spinning and/or drumming all year round.” Anyone can march, but, as with DCI, there are age limits: “With the exception of the Color Guard Independent World Class, all members of groups competing at WGI World Championships must not be over 22 years of age as of March 31,” Woodley says.

While some DCI corps schedule their winter camps so that they don’t conflict with WGI events, that’s not always the case. DCI corps members or hopefuls who are considering winter guard or percussion as an offseason activity should check to make sure that none of their winter events conflict with their DCI corps’ auditions and camps.

For more information on WGI as well as winter guard and winter percussion events, visit WGI.org.

20 www.dci.org

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You’ve seen and heard the new line of Ludwig marching percussion at the DCI Championships. Imagine the strength, the sound, the impact of the latest designs in Ludwig marching percussion – in your ensemble!

Designed for powerful tone, formidable strength and lighter weight, the new USA Free Floater snares and Challenger tenor and bass drums are primed and ready for the most demanding performances.

The patented Ludwig Free Floater snare drums deliver superior pitch and tone. Other new features: solid higher tension tuning, stronger construction, greater stability, lighter weight, and enhanced comfort and appearance.

Hear the state-of-the-art all-birch Challenger tenor and bass drum shells thunder, with stronger, lighter rail systems, strong support plates, and a new LF200CLW Ludwig bass drum rim guard/mallet carrier that offers both resonance and protection for on-the-rim playing.

Conn-Selmer, Inc. We make legends. A division of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc. P.O. Box 310, 46515 www.conn-selmer.com

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Music majors like Ally Hulihan (left) and Jarett Lipman (below) enhance their educations by marching in drum corps.

Corps Curriculum More students from the country’s top music programs are spending summer break marching in drum corps

By Bob Gulla

C

ollege level music programs are springboards to careers in performance, production and education, but many students are also finding that they can enhance their academic music pursuits by spending summers in a very different kind of classroom: the intensely focused program known as the Drum Corps International Summer Music Games Tour. What makes drum corps such an effecive enhancement to education?

“It’s the work ethic,” says Dr. Cecil Adderley, Chair of the Music Education Department at Berklee College of Music. “Pro musicians in any genre must be focused on their audience. They have to put in the time.

The same thing applies to the amount of time marchers put in to deliver a DCI show to their fans.”

Adderley should know: He was an instructor with Suncoast Sound (1988’99) and Carolina Crown (’90-96), and has seen many DCI members come through the halls of Berklee. “[Percussionist] Fred Emory Smith, who was in Santa Clara Vanguard, graduates this year,” he says. “Rob Vega of the Troopers is a contra bass-tuba player and is teaching here in Boston after having graduated last spring.”

According to Phantom Regiment Director Rick Valenzuela—whose camps have included students from Juilliard and other top programs—Drum Corps is becoming a “must-do” for many students, especially those who intend to pursue an academic career. “Many members see marching in a drum and bugle corps as part of their résumé-building process.” www.dci.org 23

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The numbers bear that out. For example, last year, 45 percent of Phantom Regiment’s 139 members were music or dance majors, as were 35 percent of those that recently auditioned. “Those aspiring to become band directors can learn from their drum corps experience and use that experience in running their marching band program,” he continues. “We also see this as a great opportunity for us to help them achieve that goal.”

Adderley says that, ultimately, it’s the focused on-the-field training that makes parcicipation with DCI corps such an excellent learning experience, especially for aspiring educators.

“For anyone who’s interested in majoring in music education, it’s probably one of the best activities to learn about show design and what you can do with an outdoor ensemble,” says Adderely, who points out that many schools are now looking for teachers who can effectively lead and teach marching band, A background in drum corps can also help with admission into the school of your choice. “When we look at a kid [for admission], we want to see where they see themselves,”

Name: Ryan Tinker School: University of South Carolina Major: Music Education Corps: The Cadets

Adderley notes. “It might Name: Alison Hulihan School: Grove City College help guide admissions.”

Ryan Tinkel of the Major: Music Education Cadets sees a direct Corps: The Cadets connection between success on the field and in the classroom. “My Cadet experience has shown me what it is like to make the most of life,” he says. “The more I can do, the better I’ll become. The more well-rounded we are in our intellectual endeavors, the better chance we have to be successful.” In addition to playing the euphonium and serving this year as the baritone section leader for the Cadets, Tinker is a junior in the Music Education program at the University of South Carolina. “The two programs are very complementary,” he says. “Some music professors have never seen a drum corps and don’t understand the activity. But I can’t think of better musical education than drum corps.”

What makes drum corps such an effective supplement to academic instruction? “It’s intense training: You’re working on a production for a period of time, week after week after week,” says Adderley, who points out that even players interested in the traditional classical curriculum may benefit from the unique lessons learned on the DCI tour. “Classical musicians might [not think of] marching, but Mike Roylance, principle tuba player in the Boston Symphony [Suncoast Sound] and Peter Bond, trumpter with the Metropolitian Opera [Phantom Regiment] marched.”

Alison “Alley” Hulihan, a trumpeter for the Cadets who studies music education at Grove City College, says that drum corps offers lessons that are not available in her school environment. “I go to a school with a very classically focused music department,” she says. “Even if you come from a drum corps that plays ‘classical’ music, the techniques are completely different.”

24 www.dci.org

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Ultimately, Hulihan wants to become a music teacher, a position that requires versatility. Marching helps develop that. “I have to become fluent in many different languages,” she says. “For example, I’m a Cadet, but I’m also a member of my college marching band, the jazz band, a jazz combo, a concert band, a wind ensemble, a percussion ensemble, a choir, an orchestra [on viola], and a French horn choir! I’ve even taken dance classes.”

you in overcoming those struggles.”

Lipman, a music education and euphonium performance major at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, enjoys the crossover experiences between the corps and school. But he’s also very active in other areas of his education. “My role in student government and as a University Senator at Rutgers keeps me busy outside my major,” he says. Lipman also holds a job at Rutgers’ School of

“I can’t think of a better musical education than drum corps.”

—Ryan Tinker, The Cadets You don’t have to be as driven as Hulihan, but Jarrett Lipman, drum major of the Crossmen who’s entering his third and final season with the corps, finds that it helps. “The better-rounded you can be,” he says, “the better you will survive in drum corps. Much of the corps is simply surviving the day-to-day stresses and struggles of life on the road. And many skills from other disciplines can benefit

Name: Jarrett Lipman School: Rutgers University Major: Music Education/Performance Corps: Crossmen

Ecological and Biological Sciences. “I do marketing, grant proposals and some technology stuff,” he says.

Lipman chooses to work in a non-musical environment because it helps him build other life skills.

“I can make connections, learn about management practices, things that I might not be able to pick up in a practice room at school. It also keeps a balance in my life.”

Lipman also feels that skills he’s learned outside of his musical training have helped him be more effective as a member of the Crossmen. “Many of the leadership and management practices I use as a drum major, and simple ideas on how to help get the corps down the road, stem from my work in non-musical fields on campus,” he explains.

Time management, discipline and commitment may be a part of any successful endeavor, but it’s the worldclass concentrated musical training that’s drawing more and more top music students to DCI’s Summer Music Games Tour.

Current or aspiring music students who are interested in marching can learn more about different corps at DCI.org, and by contacting the individual corps. But Adderley also feels that educators can help match students to a unit that’s right for them—something he compares to finding the right college.

“You have to look at the student’s work ethic and personality and find a corps that meets each student’s needs,” he says. “The people who get the most from their experience in Drum Corps or college are the ones who thought long and hard about it.”

It’s no surprise that motivated players who seek higher musical education do many things to diversify their musical experiences. What’s interesting is that these high acheivers say it’s drum corps that makes them the most valuable players.

26 www.dci.org

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✁

BrassLesson

By Sam Pilafian & Patrick Sheridan Education Directors for The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps

Breathe Your Way to Better Sound

B

rass players need good airflow, good ears, and an efficient embouchure to be musically successful. We will address the issue of becoming a good breather for brass playing in this lesson.

Detailed information can be found in our publication The Breathing Gym, an activity-based exercise book to improve the musical use of the breath (available at Patsheridan.com).

Stretch We first prepare the body by stretching. This promotes better flexibility of the breathing muscles and reduces tension (which inhibits sound production). A good example of stretching to become ready to breathe well is the whole body stretch: 1. Interlock your fingers behind your back.

2. Breathe deeply; as you inhale, pull your shoulder blades back until you are full. Sigh as you exhale and drop all tension in your upper body (do this six times).

Therapy Therapies are the second type of Breathing Gym activity.

Therapies are used to inspire better airflow. These exercises utilize our full lung capacity and provide a gateway to flexibility in our abdominal muscles. This will help us approach the instrument with better airflow when we play. A good example to introduce the therapy activity is “In, sip, sip; Out, push, push”: 1. Breathe in to full capacity in one count; then top off your capacity with two sips.

2. Breathe out to comfortably empty in one count; then push out all remaining air for two counts. Repeat pattern for 20 seconds. Do this at a tempo of eighth note=110 in 6/8 meter.

Hint! – The shape of the mouth should be “OH” or “WHOA” during inhalation.

Air should be moving at all times (in or out, never holding!). Remember—this exercise is a workout!

Flow Finally, we use flow studies to simulate breathing patterns used in brass playing. The goal in these studies is to move air without resistance or tension; sometimes quickly and sometimes over longer periods of time (as is the case with most musical situations). Here is a good first flow study. Breathe in for six counts and out for six counts. When inhaling, raise arms up and out at your sides until they reach directly over your head when your full. When exhaling, bring your arms down and out at your sides until they are hanging at your sides at the end of the count. Repeat smoothly for seven counts. Increase the counts (thus slowing the breathing) to 8, 9, and 10. Increase to greater counts for added breathing virtuosity. (Tempo is quarter note = 72)

Hints on breathing form 1. The shape of the mouth should be “OH” or “WHOA” 2. Breathe evenly over the entire count.

3. Air should be moving at all times (in or out, never holding) 4. Change of wind direction should be as smooth as possible.

Remember: Great AIR = Great Buzz = Great SOUND! World-class tuba virtuoso Patrick Sheridan performs around the world, playing venues as diverse as The Hollywood Bowl and The White House. Sam Pilafian is perhaps best known as a founding member of the internationally renowned Empire Brass Quintet.

He has also recorded and performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the NewYork Philharmonic Orchestra, and many others. Go to Patsheridan.com; Pilafian.com for more.

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12/26/06 1:54:02 PM

✁

Percussion Lesson

By Omar Carmenates Percussion Caption Head Boston Crusaders

Tenor Playing Areas: The Only Way to Play?

I

t is known throughout the entire percussion world that striking different areas of a drum head will yield varying timbral results. Playing on the edge of the head, just where the head meets the bearing edge of the shell, will produce a thin sound full of high overtones. Playing in the center of the drum head will produce a “dead” sound that lacks resonance. While both of these sounds can be used as unique effects, the widely accepted “general” playing area that produces a good blend of tone and articulation is approximately 1/3 of the distance from the edge to the center of the head.

Tenor players are often taught this concept early on in their education and are usually taught to play in specific striking spots on the drums.

These playing areas are chosen to produce as resonant a sound as possible while facilitating an efficient use of motion and space. It is commonly overlooked however, that playing areas exist all the way around the head and thus can be changed according to the musical demands placed upon the player.

Example 1: A phrase like this should use the standard playing areas shown in Fig. 1

R

l

r

L

L

r

l

R

L

r

l

R

1.

L

Example 2: This sweep passage should be played with a slight change in the playing areas on all four drums. See Fig. 2

r

r

l

l

etc...

Example 3: This passage, from the Boston Crusaders’ 2006 production Cathedrals of the Mind, utilizes shifting playing areas to increase motion efficiency, thus making this technical phrase easier to achieve. See Figs 3a, 3b and 3c

R L

L Rr l r l l

R r r R l l r r l l

RRL LR l r r l l R l r r l l

Rl r l Rl r l Rl r l

2.

R

Production and motion efficiency are two concepts that must co-exist on instruments that require a large amount of physical energy to play (such as tenors). Seeking ways to efficiently produce the highest-quality sound possible, regardless of technical demand, should be the priority of every tenor player and educator.

Teacher, performer, and clinician Omar Carmenates has been featured in ensembles ranging from the Monroe Symphony Orchestra with the Bravura Percussion Trio to the Village Beatniks, a five-piece world percussion ensemble from Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Crusaders.com.

3a.

3b.

3c.

30 www.dci.org

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WHO MAKES VIC FIRTH

DkcX[h Ed[5

BLUE DEVILS

THE CADETS

SANTA CLARA VANGUARD

BLUE KNIGHTS

MADISON SCOUTS

BOSTON CRUSADERS

Thanks to all the drum corps who chose Vic Firth in 2006!

Colts, Crossmen, Capital Regiment, Mandarins, The Magic, Pacific Crest, Esperanza, Spartans, Vanguard Cadets, Blue Devils B, Jersey Surf, Colt Cadets, Yamato, Fever, Citations, H.Y.P.E., Vision Elite, Spirit of New Jersey, Racine Scouts, Targets, 7th Regiment

VICFIRTH.COM

TONS OF GREAT EXCLUSIVE ONLINE INFORMATION - ON THE HOUSE. Because we believe in making the world a better place for drum corps fans like you: • Exclusive “In The Lot” video features with top corps • FREE Cyberlessons with rudimental heros such as Jeff Queen and Bill Bachman • Weekly podcasts featuring the top names in marching, drumset and concert percussion • Be sure to check out our “Salute to DCI 2006” feature - only at VICFIRTH.COM!

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Movement Lesson

By Chad Greife Color Guard Instructor Blue Stars

Mind and Body Preparation o have a great rehearsal day, you need to be both physically ready and T mentally focused. The following recommendations for body and mind will help you get the most out of your longest and most intense rehearsal days.

Start the day with a shower. The warm water will help to wake the senses and loosen tight muscles. Eating a well-balanced breakfast is crucial to making it through the day. The body goes through so much in drum corps, it needs to be fed properly. Eating some sugar is okay, but should not be the entire meal.

Don’t forget sunscreen. With the amount of time spent in the sun during a drum corps season, it is imperative to take appropriate preventative measures. A high SPF lip balm helps relieve dry cracked lips. Reapplying sunscreen and lip balm throughout the day is an important finishing touch.

Warm up and stretch. Cardiovascular exercises will continue to warm the muscles. After the muscles are warm, they can be stretched. Stretch your major muscle groups—your legs, arms, back, and neck—first, then work on smaller muscle groups. Hold the stretch for a minimum of 30 seconds and do not bounce when in the stretch position. If the muscle is hard to stretch, take deep breaths and touch the muscle so it is more focused. The muscle is probably tense if it hurts, and a tense muscle is harder to stretch. Breathing deeply and relaxing the muscle should relieve the tension. Stretching throughout a day will help prevent painful injuries.

Drink plenty of fluids. Water and sports drinks are the best way to replenish nutrients lost during a normal rehearsal. Soda actually dehydrates you faster. A good way to check yourself is by looking at the color of your urine. The clearer the better. Drinking plenty of liquids during food breaks, especially at the end of the day, re-hydrates what was lost. A snack before bed is perfectly all right, but picking something that is light on the stomach makes it easier to digest overnight.

Warm down properly. After rehearsal is over, take a hot shower. The hot water keeps the muscles relaxed before bed and prevents soreness in the morning. While in the shower, gradually stretch the areas that are feeling the most pain.

Relax your mind. Give yourself plenty of time in the morning so you don’t start the day feeling rushed or frazzled. The morning is not everyone’s favorite time, but waking up with a positive outlook is essential. Telling a couple of jokes first thing in the morning makes you and others around you feel good. Next, go through your mental checklist by asking yourself: What parts am I still struggling with? What am I going to get accomplished today? And, what can I do to make my show the best it can be?

Chad Greife has been writing and teaching color guard for high school groups for a decade. He’s been an instructor with the Blue Stars color guard since 2003. Bluestars.org

32 www.dci.org

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MUSIC STAFF Dr. Richard Good, Auburn University Dr. Jon Woods, Ohio State University Dr. Douglas Rosener, Auburn University CREATIVE TEAM Greg Lagola of the Cadets, Johnny Amos and Jonathan Schwartz Coordinated by:

SPECIAL THANKS TO: THE BAND HALL YAMAHA VIC FIRTH SABIAN

APPLY TODAY FOR 2007!

Seeking flags, dancers, and musicians from every state. www.groupphotos.com Official Parade Photographer

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Bands of America and Music for All Foundation are now “Music for All, Inc. will provide a mechanism to connect those who develop policy with those who will implement that policy on a large scale.”

Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, past chairman and current board member of the National Governor’s Association and the Education Commission of the States

“We have worked closely with both organizations in the past and we fully support this merger.”

Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM, the International Music Products Association

“The merger of Music for All and Bands of America is a highly significant development for music education in America.

The merging of these two proven agencies into a single united force is very good news for students, educators and musicians across the country and for education as a whole.”

Music for All Foundation and Bands of America, Inc. have merged to create Music for All, one of the largest and most influential national music education organizations in support of active music making. For info on our events, the merger and research and advocacy tools, visit

Sir Ken Robinson, author and one of the world’s foremost authorities on creativity

musicforall.org

RESEARCH & ADVOCACY

INDIANAPOLIS, IN • WARREN, NJ • 800.848.2263

DCI Today Fall06 MFA Ad.indd 1

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It doesn’t have to end in August!

2007

PERCUSSION

2007

COLOR GUARD

Feb 3-4

Mar 10

Feb 3

Mar 10-11

Rancho Cucamonga, CA*

Phoenix, AZ Stratford, CT

Austin, TX Orlando, FL Richmond, VA

Midwest Power Regional* –

Feb 10-11

Chesterton, IN

Phoenix, AZ Union City, CA*

Indianapolis, IN*

Mar 17

Feb 17

Feb 10-11

Richmond, VA

Denver, CO Spartanburg, SC Union City, CA

Dayton, OH* Salem, MA

Mar 17-18

Feb 24

Mar 24-25

Feb 17 Ceres, CA London, England Pensacola, FL St. Louis, MO

South Power Regional* – Tampa, FL Denver, CO

Feb 24

West Power Regional* –

West Palm Beach, FL Portland, OR St. Louis, MO Troy, MI

Coatesville, PA Nashville, TN*

Mar 3-4 Dayton, OH* Las Vegas, NV* Pensacola, FL

New England Power Regional* – Kingston, RI

Mar 24-25 Southwest Power Regional – Dallas, TX

Ferndale, MI San Bernardino, CA West Palm Beach, FL Nashville, TN* So. Brunswick, NJ

Mar 3-4 Atlanta, GA Houston, TX Las Vegas, NV*

April 12-14

*Denotes two-day regional

2007 WGI Color Guard World Championships – Dayton, OH

April 19-21 2007 WGI Percussion World Championships – Dayton, OH

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Drum Corps International Major Regional Events • 2007

DCI Salutes America Saturday, June 16 • Annapolis, MD DCI Chicagoland Sunday, June 24 • Lisle, IL DCI Central Illinois Friday, June 29 • Normal, IL DCI Kalamazoo Saturday, June 30 • Kalamazoo, MI DCI Eastern Classic Saturday & Sunday, July 7 & 8 • Allentown, PA

DCI Louisville Wednesday, July 11 • Louisville, KY Masters of the Summer Music Games

Friday, July 13 • Murfreesboro, TN

DCI Atlanta The Southeastern Championship Saturday, July 14 • Atlanta, GA

DCI San Antonio The Southwestern Championship Saturday, July 21 • San Antonio, TX

DCI Indianapolis Saturday, July 28 • Indianapolis, IN Drums Along the Rockies Saturday, July 28 • Denver, CO DCI Columbia Sunday, July 29 • Columbia, MO DCI West Texas Wednesday, Aug. 1 • Lubbock, TX DCI Phoenix Saturday, Aug. 4 • Phoenix, AZ DCI West Championship Saturday, Aug. 4 • Stanford, CA DCI World Championships Aug. 7-11 • Pasadena, CA

www.DCI.org 470 South Irmen Drive, Addison, IL 60101 • 800.495.7469 x3 • Int’l Calls +001.630.628.7888

Dates and locations subject to change.

AMERICA'S FASTEST GROWING

SCHOLASTIC MUSIC ORGANIZATION Wishes to thank the more than 700 high school music programs from 25 states who participated in USSBA events in 2006.

Brought to you by the same organization that operates the 9-time World Champion Cadets.

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If you would like your band to participate or host an event in 2007, or more information on the USSBA please visit www.yea.org.

12/28/06 10:03:18 AM

GEARING UP New and noteworthy instruments and equipment for marching musicians Heads

Up

The Outdoor Research Windstopper Alpine Hat offers lightweight warmth, thanks to the W.L. Gore Windstopper windproof membrane hidden inside the polyester fleece.

A snug-fitting ear band, with a gently curved bottom edge, keeps your ears warm for extra comfort in cold-weather training. REI.com

Landing

Made in the Shades

Winter and summer, you need a good set of shades. Smith Optic Turntables are critically acclaimed medium to large fit sunglasses that boast handmade acetate frames, 9x3 Toric lens curvature, designed to enhance peripheral view and style, tapered lens technology, and 100% UVA/B/C protection. smithoptics.com.

Pad

L.L. Bean’s Camp Futon Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad features dual valves for rapid self-inflation and deflation. The 4"thick pad is ideal for sleeping on a gym floor. Available in two colors, the package includes a stuff sack. Llbean.com

Pod

Rival

The iPod may be the king of the portable music players, but Microsoft’s new Zune media player has generated quite a bit of buzz. Zune comes preloaded with a selection of songs and videos, allows for wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing, and lets users subscribe to a “Zune Pass” that offers access to an entire library of content. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors. Check it out at Zune.net.

Practice

Stick

Vic Firth’s signature Scott Johnson Practice Stick sports a rubber tip design and a special taper to simulate the authentic feel of the Scott Johnson Marching Snare stick. The SSJ3 can also be used as a special effects stick on snare and tenors, creating unique sound possibilities.

Vicfirth.com

Pocket Studio

Love to record but hate hauling gear? Check out the Boss Micro-BR, a multitrack recording studio that’s not much larger than an iPod. With four tracks of simultaneous playback, a built in mic, effects, and backing rhythms, it’s an ideal sketchpad and practice companion. Boss.com 36 www.dci.org

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12/26/06 7:18:27 PM

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12/16/06 9:46:16 AM

Age-Out

By Debbie Galante-Block

CF Chris Ferguson

Then: Drummer, The Police Athletic League Cadets, Philadelphia Now: Astronaut, NASA

Drumming is always close to the heart of astronaut Chris Ferguson, who made his first space flight in September 2006 as pilot of the space shuttle Atlantis.

Ferguson, who learned to play the drums in the Police Athletic League Cadets, describes himself as an average kid from Philadelphia. “I wanted to learn how to play the drums in high school, but I never took lessons and I didn’t know anyone who played,” he recalls. One day his mother saw a newspaper ad for a drum and bugle corps that was looking for members. Ferguson walked into one of their practices and was accepted despite his lack of experience.

“Not only did they bring kids in, most of whom had little if any exposure to music, they taught us the music and what we needed to know, and encouraged us to go further,” Ferguson says. After a year in the drum corps, the director suggested that Ferguson join his high school band. “So I did it, and I had a wonderful time in the band as well,” Ferguson remembers.

Perhaps the drum corps set the stage for what was to come for Ferguson. “There were military overtones that I would see a lot more of in my future,” Ferguson says.

But what he really cherishes most about his days in the corps was the camaraderie of his fellow cadets. “They weren’t people I went to school with or lived around, they were kids I met that came from all over the city of Philadelphia. And, we still stay in really close touch.”

The corps also taught Ferguson to reach out for what he wanted. “I learned not to be afraid to try something new. Jump in, and see how it works out.” So, while there was a natural progression from drum corps to college to military pilot to astronaut, each step was a new leap. No one in his family had a background in music or space, but Ferguson always moved to the beat of his own drum, quite literally.

How important is drumming to this high-flying 45year-old? When taking a trip into space, astronauts are allowed to bring a certain number of personal belongings. “I had four things already approved, and I wanted to make drum sticks my fifth item, but they counted the sticks as two pieces instead of a set of one, so I couldn’t take them,” he laughs.

Ferguson does not often leave his sticks far behind, thanks to his participation in an all-astronaut band called Max Q. “We play a rock & roll mix. There are about 12 different musicians who can stand in to make the band at one time or another,” Ferguson explains.

The band mostly plays for NASA events and the occasional special appearance. Most recently, the members of Max Q played a gig in support of their NASA comrades in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast who were affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Max Q doesn’t get paid for its performances. “We do it all just because we like it. It’s fun and we’re doing it for a good cause.”

38 www.dci.org

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he only choice —Yamaha. Why? We have world class designers, stateof-the-art manufacturing techniques and are committed to producing the industry’s most consistent, superior-sounding instruments available. Just three of the many reasons Yamaha is unparalleled in providing drum corps with the world’s premier line of musical instruments.

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©2007 Yamaha Corporation of America Yamaha is a registered trademark of Yamaha Corporation of America. All Rights Reserved. www.yamaha.com

12/16/06 11:21:17 AM

THIS SUMMER AT A STADIUM NEAR YOU:

THE 2007 DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL

SUMMER MUSIC GAMES TOUR!

1. Pleasant Hill, CA • 6/16 2. Coon Rapids, MN • 6/16 3. Annapolis, MD • 6/16 4. Menomonie, WI • 6/17 5. Pittsburgh, PA • 6/17 6. Stockton, CA • 6/17 7. Fairfield, OH • 6/19 8. Sioux Falls, SD • 6/19 9. Omaha, NE • 6/20 10. Decatur, IN • 6/20 11. Bakersfield, CA • 6/20 12. Durham, NC • 6/21 13. Columbia, SC • 6/22 14. Racine, WI • 6/22 15. Riverside, CA • 6/22 16. Ankeny, IA • 6/22 17. Toledo, OH • 6/23 18. Brockton, MA • 6/23 19. Powder Springs, GA • 6/23 20. Walnut, CA • 6/23 21. Rockford, IL • 6/23 22. Mesa, AZ • 6/24 23. Lisle, IL • 6/24 24. Belding, MI • 6/24 25. Erie, PA • 6/25 26. Russellville, AL • 6/25 27. South Milwaukee, WI • 6/25 28. Hornell, NY • 6/26 29. Lexington, KY • 6/26 30. Elizabeth, PA • 6/28 31. Evansville, IN • 6/28 32. Oswego, IL • 6/28 33. Westminster, MD • 6/29 34. Elk Grove, CA • 6/29 35. Madison, WI • 6/29 36. Normal, IL • 6/29 37. Mankato, MN • 6/30

38. East Rutherford, NJ • 6/30 39. Kalamazoo, MI • 6/30 40. La Crosse, WI • 6/30 41. Sunnyvale, CA • 6/30 42. Dixon, IL • 7/1 43. Stillwater, MN • 7/1 44. Rome, NY • 7/1 45. Modesto, CA • 7/1 46. Ft. Edward/Glens Falls, NY • 7/2 47. Centerville, OH • 7/2 48. Nashua, NH • 7/3 49. Cedarburg, WI • 7/3 50. Bristol, RI • 7/3 51. Beverly, MA • 7/4 52. Columbus, OH • 7/5 53. Lawrence, MA • 7/6 54. Buffalo, NY • 7/6 55. Dubuque, IA • 7/6 56. Michigan City, IN • 7/6 57. Chippewa Falls, WI • 7/7 58. Massillon, OH • 7/7 59. Springfield, MA • 7/7 60. Allentown, PA • 7/7 61. Allentown, PA • 7/8 62. Dublin, OH • 7/9 63. Hershey, PA • 7/9 64. Warrenton, VA • 7/9 65. Salem, VA • 7/10 66. Charleston, WV • 7/10 67. Chesapeake, VA • 7/11 68. Louisville, KY • 7/11

69. Hilton Head Island, SC • 7/12 70. Murfreesboro, TN • 7/13 71. Traverse City, MI • 7/13 72. New London, CT • 7/14 73. Atlanta, GA • 7/14 74. Bellflower, CA • 7/14 75. Manchester, NH • 7/15 76. Charlotte, NC • 7/15 77. Newbury Park, CA • 7/15 78. Jacksonville, AL • 7/15 79. Tupelo, MS • 7/16 80. Sevierville, TN • 7/16 81. West Monroe, LA • 7/17 82. Memphis, TN • 7/17 83. Siloam Springs, AR • 7/18 84. Baton Rouge, LA • 7/18 85. Dallas, TX • 7/19 86. Houston, TX • 7/19 87. Wildwood, NJ • 7/21 88. Dayton, OH • 7/21 89. San Antonio, TX • 7/21 90. Denton, TX • 7/22 91. Racine, WI • 7/22 92. Midland, TX • 7/23 93. Enid, OK • 7/23 94. Middleton, WI • 7/23

95. Wichita, KS • 7/24 96. Wichita Falls, TX • 7/24 97. Pittsburg, KS • 7/25 98. Lincoln, NE • 7/25 99. Seattle, WA • 7/26 100. Jackson, TN • 7/26 101. Hutchinson, KS • 7/26 102. St. Peters, MO • 7/26 103. Dubuque, IA • 7/26 104. Spokane, WA • 7/27 105. Naperville, IL • 7/27 106. Van Buren, AR • 7/27 107. Denver, CO • 7/28 108. Tri Cities, WA • 7/28 109. Frisco, TX • 7/28 110. Indianapolis, IN • 7/28 111. Columbia, MO • 7/29 112. Midland, TX • 7/30

113. Broken Arrow, OK • 7/30 114. Salem, OR • 7/30 115. Ogden, UT • 7/30 116. Boise, ID • 7/31 117. Grants Pass, OR • 7/31 118. Lubbock, TX • 8/1 119. Portland, OR • 8/2 120. El Paso, TX • 8/2 121. Albuquerque, NM • 8/2 122. Northern, CA • 8/2 123. Tucson, AZ • 8/2 124. Modesto, CA • 8/3 125. Lake Havasu, AZ • 8/3 126. Stanford, CA • 8/4 127. TBD, CA • 8/4 128. Phoenix, AZ • 8/4 129. TBD, CA • 8/5 130. Clovis, CA • 8/5 131. San Diego, CA • 8/5

PASADENA, CA Division II & III Prelims • 8/7 Individual & Ensemble • 8/8 Division I Quarterfinals • 8/9 Division II & III Semifinals • 8/10 Division I Semifinals • 8/10 Division II & III Finals • 8/11 Division I Finals, CA • 8/11

For tickets & additional info, visit: www.DCI.org Events and dates subject to change.

DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL IS THE WORLD LEADER IN PRODUCING AND SANCTIONING COMPETITIVE MARCHING MUSIC AND RELATED STADIUM EVENTS FOR THE WORLD’S MOST ELITE MARCHING MUSIC ENSEMBLES.

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12/23/06 9:45:02 AM