Corps news and announcements
by Drum Corps International
You can now download video of the Blue Devils' 2009 World Championship encore performance in two different versions. One is made in high definition to look good on your big screen TV, and a second version is available enhanced for playback on portable devices like the iPod.
Learn more at TheFanNetwork.org.
The Blue Knights have a garage sale fundraiser scheduled for Sept. 12 in Arvada, Colo., and are currently on the lookout for volunteers and donated items to make the annual event a continued success.
Learn more at BKnights.org.
Getting a head start on next year, the Blue Stars have announced that Zach Ashcraft and Mark Donahue will lead the corps' student leadership team as drum majors during the 2010 season. "Mark and Zach embody both the work ethic of the Blue Stars and relentless pursuit of perfection – on and off the field – necessary for success," said director Howard Weinstein.
Read more at BlueStars.org.
The Bluecoats are currently having a fall merchandise clearance sale until Sept. 30. Visit the corps' online store to find out how you can take advantage of free shipping and discounts on T-shirts, sweatshirts, DVDs, and more.
Check it out at Bluecoats.com.
The Boston Crusaders will host their 11th annual East Coast Classic Golf Challenge on Friday, Oct. 2 in North Attleboro, Mass. All skill levels are encouraged to attend the event which will also include a raffle, silent auction, meal and concluding awards ceremony.
Learn more at Crusaders.com.
Carolina Crown is gearing up for the winter season of its CrownGuard ensemble which last year finished ninth at the Winter Guard International World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. The first set of CrownGuard auditions will take place this weekend in Sharpsburg, Ga.
Learn more at CarolinaCrown.org.
The Northwest Youth Music Association (NYMA) and Greater Spokane Drum Corps Association (GSDCA) announced that they will merge their operational efforts in support of their drum corps and winter ensembles. "Our focus remains doing all we can to ensure the youth involved in our programs get the best-possible opportunities to showcase their talents by competing in regional and national events," said Mike Bujnowski, NYMA board chairman. "Because of this agreement, and the related cost-savings that will come from it, we can affirm that the Cascades and Spokane-based Thunder drum corps will compete in 2010."
Read more at SeattleCascades.org.
Percussion arranger Jim Casella has stepped down from his post with the Cavaliers, a position he has held since the corps' last World Championship winning season in 2006. "I have resigned my position as a music arranger for the corps so that I can free my mental energy for other things both personally and professionally," said Casella.
Read more at Cavaliers.org.
Dutch Boy will host its second annual Northstar Youth Organization Golf Tournament on Sunday, Sept. 27 in Cambridge, ON. Prizes at the event will be awarded for closest to the pin, longest drive, best score, and more.
Learn more at DutchBoyDrumCorps.com.
Cadets alumni can preview what's ahead for the corps in 2010 during a special Sept. 10 alumni gathering at the corps' "birthplace," the Church of the Most Holy Name in Garfield, N.J. Director George Hopkins and other representatives of the Cadets will attend to give the 2010 preview and thank alums for their support of the corps during its 2009 75th anniversary.
Learn more at YEA.org.
The Madison Scouts have appointed James Mason as the corps' artistic director and operations consultant. Mason, an alum of the Scouts and founding director of the former DCI member corps Star of Indiana, has also been the driving force behind the theater productions of BLAST!, Shockwave, Cyberjam, and others. "The opportunity to partner with Jim Mason is a historical moment for the Madison Scouts," said Chris Komnick, executive director.
Read more at MadisonScouts.org.
In a Web site post titled "Closing one chapter and opening a new one," Memphis Sound recaps the highlights of its 2009 season while the organization looks forward to its scheduled 2010 move to Dallas, Texas and Forte Drum & Bugle Corps name change.
Read more at MemphisDrumCorps.org.
Pacific Crest will host a golf tournament in Chino Hills, Calif. on Friday, Oct. 9. Presented by John Hancock Financial Services, the event will take place at the scenic Los Serranos Golf and Country Club.
Learn more at Pacific-Crest.org.
Stuart Spoon will join Revolution's educational and design team for the 2010 season as the corps' staff coordinator.
Read more at RevolutionYPA.org.
The Santa Clara Vanguard Alumni Association (SCVAA) will host an evening cruise on the San Francisco Bay on Saturday, Aug. 29. Including live music, dancing and prize giveaways, proceeds from this event will benefit the SCVAA Scholarship Fund.
Learn more at SCVanguard.org.
Teal Sound inked a multi-year deal with Florida-based Magical Charters Motor Coach Services to provide transportation for the corps until 2012. Teal Sound Executive Director Randy Blackburn said about Magical Enterprises (a company operated by a director of the now defunct Magic Drum & Bugle Corps), "We knew that having a firm that has first hand drum corps experience would be the start of a long-term relationship for all involved."
Read more at TealSound.org.