Michael Blancaflor will join 7th Regiment's staff as battery percussion arranger, working with returning music arrangers Steve Wolf (brass) and Bob Rush (front ensemble), as well as Steve Lyons (drill design) and Dana Saccomano (color guard). Ray Fallon, Sr. will be new to the corps' creative design team.
7thRegiment.org
The Academy is inviting local percussionists to get a head start on their audition preparations. On Oct. 22 in Tempe, Ariz., Academy percussion caption head Glen Crosby will work with snare and tenor drummers who have registered to try out for the 2010 corps on audition techniques and exercises.
ArizonaAcademy.org
The Blue Devils today announced a partnership with the Pearl Corporation and Conn-Selmer, Inc. As part of the partnership, all Blue Devils affiliated groups will play exclusively with Pearl and Adams percussion equipment. "We at the Pearl Corporation are very proud to have the Blue Devils and Scott Johnson (BD percussion director) as part of the Pearl family of artists," said Rudy Gowern, Marketing and Product Manager for Pearl Marching Percussion. The Blue Devils brass sections will take the field in 2010 playing King Ultimate Marching Brass instruments. "We are extremely excited about the Blue Devils playing on a brand of instruments with a rich history in marching. The Blue Devils commitment to excellence in both the performing arts and music education make this a great opportunity for both organizations," said Michael Kamphuis, Director of Marketing for King Marching Brass at Conn-Selmer, Inc.
BlueDevils.org
The Blue Knights have welcomed Jim Prime back to the corps' design staff after 17 years. "Jim played a key role in the development of the Blue Knights. He was our musical arranger along with fellow design team members George Zingali and Ralph Hardimon when we first became a DCI Finalist. His influence was instrumental in shaping the musical approach of the corps for years to come. " said Executive Director Mark Arnold.
BKnights.org.
Cadets designers continue to work on the corps' 2010 competitive program and as of Oct. 1 have narrowed down its musical source material to several composers. "We have every intention of again being the crowd favorite. The idea that effect is something other than communication with the audience is not of all that much interest to our team right now," said Director George Hopkins. "We love a response from the audience but more than that, we love that the students LOVE the response of the audience."
YEA.org.
Jon Virtue will join the Cavaliers' brass instructional team for the 2010 season. "Jon is an accomplished trumpet player with a wide variety of talents and performance experiences and we are excited to add such a fantastic performer and teacher to our 2010 Brass Team," said Brass Caption Head Scott-Lee Atchison.
Cavaliers.org
Crossmen director Mark Chambers recently announced new and returning members to the corps' design staff for 2010. Heading up the team will be Wes Cartwright in the role of overall program design working with Leon May as drill designer. "We are excited to welcome Wes and Leon to the Crossmen in their new roles. Both men are so talented and bring such experience to our team. We look forward to having them work with the corps," said Chambers.
Crossmen.org
The Madison Scouts will welcome DCI Hall of Fame member Thom Hannum (arranger and consultant), James Ancona (caption supervisor and front ensemble arranger) and Nick Angelis (caption head) to the corps' percussion staff in 2010.
MadisonScouts.org.
The Santa Clara Vanguard has named Robert Nieves to the position of Vanguard Cadets Corps Director, replacing Rob Ripley, who stepped down at the conclusion of the corps' silver medal-finish at the Open Class DCI World Championship in Indianapolis this past August. "While we're sad to have Rob Ripley depart, we're excited to have Robert Nieves step into the position," said Vanguard CEO Jeff Fiedler.
SCVanguard.org.