Blue Stars
Chris De Leon will serve as visual caption head for the Blue Stars’ 2009 summer season assisted by Bob Barfield (visual consultant and Instructor) and Chris Turner (lead movement and marching technician). “It has been amazing to watch the Blue Stars’ steady improvement into one of the elite drum corps of the activity. I am humbled and extremely excited to be a part of this incredible staff, some of whom are dear friends and former teachers,” said De Leon.
The Cadets
Sixteen days before the organization’s very first November audition camp, the Cadets announced the members of the corps’ 2009 leadership team. Heading up a group of nine brass, percussion and color guard section leaders will be drum majors Chris Zentner and Ben Pouncey. “We are confident [this team] will represent the corps honorably and teach the newest generation of Cadets what makes being a member special,” said assistant director Justin Heimbecker.
Carolina Crown
After a September strategy workshop facilitated by a member of Duquesne University’s center for non-profit development, the Carolina Crown executive committee recommended restructuring the organization’s board of directors to improve its efficiency and effectiveness in conducting business. As part of the reorganization plan, the board has been streamlined from 32 to 11 members, new bylaws have been adopted, and various councils and committees have been formed to aid in the transition.
Cascades
The Cascades recently appointed Ben Adams as the corps’ color guard caption head in addition to several other staff members. Pending the outcome of an official review of organizational operations by the Drum Corps International participation review committee, the Cascades look to return to the 2009 DCI Summer Tour after not fielding a corps last season.
The Cavaliers
The Cavaliers announced winners of its 2008 Steve Brubaker Scholarship which recognizes corps members who show a strong interest in academic pursuits outside of their drum corps experience. This year’s recipients include Sam Bivens, Evan Cooper and Steve Dailey.
Crossmen
Crossmen percussion caption head Jaime Alvarez-Calderon recently announced the remaining staff members who will make up the corps’ 2009 percussion team. “We are very excited about the team that Jamie and Ray [Ulibarri] have assembled and I am looking forward to working with such a talented group of professionals,” said corps director Mark Chambers.
Memphis Sound
Memphis Sound recently announced that the corps’ entire staff from last summer will return in 2009. “I have a strong belief in the staff of Memphis Sound. The return of the staff will give our membership the key for success,” said program coordinator James Thomas.
Revolution
Revolution has announced several new additions to its educational and administrative teams. Alan Lang will be the new visual caption head, Bill Clark will serve as brass arranger and staff coordinator, and former Capital Sound director Marc Gofstein will work as membership coordinator as part of the organization’s administrative staff.
Spirit of Atlanta
Spirit’s 2009 brass staff will be led by arranger and music coordinator Scott Boerma in addition to co-caption heads Dr. Ray Vasquez and Mark Waymire. “Each member of the Spirit brass team brings a diverse and unique background along with a strong commitment to excellence … Each member of the staff understands the value of fun and will provide the Spirit members with a truly memorable experience,” said executive director Joel Vincent.
Spokane Thunder
Spokane Thunder recently appointed new staff members including brass caption head Louis Lugo and brass technician John Schnettler.
Troopers
Director Fred Morris recently announced the drum majors who will lead the Troopers during the 2009 Drum Corps International season. The two selected individuals include two-year members Corey Moore and Beth Haley. More said, “I am very excited about being a drum major for the Troopers. I think this corps has many great things to come this season.”
