On May 8, 2008, Incognito Drum & Bugle Corps drew its first breath after passing the Drum Corps International participation review and becoming an Open Class corps. From Norwalk, Calif., the corps is the brainchild of composer, visual designer, percussion/brass instructor and corps director Tony T. Nguyen. Nguyen’s vision not only included a corps, but an entire organization that would provide opportunities for young people in a variety of musical fields. How that happened was a bit of luck with a lot of careful planning.
How did the corps come about?
In 2005, Incognito debuted an ensemble that competed in the indoor percussion circuit. I teach at various high schools in southern California. Over the years, many people still wanted to perform but couldn’t because of different reasons. When we started Incognito Drumline, I marched with them on the floor. I thought it would be a great thing to march with my kids and for them to be able to see that I can still march and play. I like to show them I will do what I teach to set an example. In 2006 I put brass on the court indoors and everyone was really excited. So that year I told them, “Five years from now, we will compete in Drum Corps International competitions.” 2008 rolled around, Incognito Winter Guard debuted during the indoor winter guard season. And on May 8th, 2008, Incognito Drum and Bugle Corps was approved. This happened in two years instead of five years. I am amazed to this day how it all happened.
How was the name chosen?
What is Incognito's 2008 show and music?
How many members are part of the corps?
How did most of them discover this activity?
What was your main goal this season?
Do you think you've achieved it?
I don’t know if we have achieved it. What I do know is that I am very fortunate to have such a great group of members in the corps and to have a great staff to help make this possible. As for respect for the community, I can only go with what other corps directors have been saying. Some say that for us to score in the 50s our first time out is really good. Some say that if we beat a corps that it is great. Some say if the scores keep going up, it is a great thing. I am just glad that we are at least competitive in our inaugural season.
Does your corps lean toward any certain style of music?
As a first-year corps, do you have a corps song or any traditions yet?
As an example, here is the list of the corps' 2008 staff:
Incognitus – Corps Director, Music Composer and Visual/Drill Designer Inconspicuous – Percussion Caption Head Enora – Guard Caption Head Maestrus – Brass/Visual Caption Head Rikognitus – Percussion Technician Sidius – Visual Technician Macius – Corps Consultant Fidensius – Music Consultant As for our shows, from year to year we will have masks and it will change depending on concept or theme. We are starting out this year with “World of Incognitians.” Whatever our last set of the program will be, next year’s opening set will start where we left off with that mask. Then through the show, we will transition into a new mask. Wherever we end that year, we will continue next season where we left off with those masks. Our story continues over years instead of just one season to promote tradition and to remind ourselves to never forget where we came from. I want members to remember their teachers that taught them how to play an instrument or how to spin a flag, and [they should] pass on the knowledge to future performers. We would not be here if someone didn’t take the time to teach us. With this thought, we want to leave legacies whether it’s on a tiny or grand scale.
What is the future of Incognito?
How difficult was the process of putting a corps together?
How has your support team (parents) been with the corps?
Finally, what part does the Music Life Foundation play in the corps existence?
Photos by Francesca DeMello.
