IN THIS EDITION:
- Vanguard launches unified approach to brass pedagogy
- Jersey Surf alum feeds thousands of hurricane survivors
- Mandarins forms health and wellness team
- Plus much more!
The Academy
Meet the members of Academy’s 2018 percussion staff, led by returning caption head Cisco Hance.
Blue Knights
Blue Knights has announced its color guard staff for 2018, including three new additions to the choreography team.
Boston Crusaders
Michael Tarr has joined the Boston Crusaders’ visual staff. Tarr, who has worked with numerous top-12 drum corps said, “I am incredibly excited and honored to join such a great organization and staff that has proven itself as one of the activity’s leaders on and off the field.”
Carolina Crown
Carolina Crown revealed the 18 members of its 2018 percussion staff, led by director and arranger Thom Hannum, caption supervisor Travis Peterman, and front ensemble supervisor and arranger Jim Ancona.
The Cavaliers
Cavaliers director Joe Roach and executive director Chris Lugo will be in attendance at this weekend’s Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis. There will be an opportunity to get special deals on corps merchandise and to enter to win prizes at the corps’ booth at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Colts
Colts’ entire percussion team, led by percussion caption head and battery arranger Ben Pyles, will be returning for the 2018 season. According to Pyles, “There’s something special about this team, and I think we’ve only begun to scratch the surface of our potential.”
Crossmen
Crossmen has added a Drum Major eXperience camp in San Antonio the weekend of January 26-28 for those interested in auditioning for one of the corps’ drum major positions.
Guardians
If you’re near LaVernia, Texas the weekend of November 17-19, Guardians invites you to sign up to volunteer at the corps’ audition camp.
Jersey Surf
Kenny Claxton, an alum of Jersey Surf and a restaurant owner on the island of St. John, has been feeding 1,000 Hurricane Irma victims each day since the massive storm hit the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Legends
Legends revealed the members of the corps’ 2018 visual staff who will be led by returning visual supervisor Lindsey Schueller. According to executive director Ibe Sodawalla, “Our visual program has grown exponentially under Lindsey’s leadership.”
Madison Scouts
Madison Scouts welcome Sean Womack as front ensemble arranger and Tony Lymon as sound designer for the corps’ 2018 season.
Mandarins
Mandarins has formed a team of professionals and interns to help keep corps members healthy during the year. The Mandarins Health and Wellness Team will be co-directed by Kimberly Wong, PT and Daniel Fong, O.D. According to Wong, “We aim to focus on the total being; including a complete medical history, training protocols for injury prevention, staff education, and on-site care for members as needed.”
Oregon Crusaders
Oregon Crusaders announced a new partnership with TAMA Marching for the 2018 season. TAMA will be outfitting the organization’s drum corps and indoor winter percussion line.
Pacific Crest
The American Drum Line Association is offering two scholarships to Pacific Crest’s educational audition clinic. The application deadline is November 27.
River City Rhythm
November 16 is Give to the Max Day in Minnesota. River City Rhythm is hoping to utilize the day to raise funds to purchase new instruments and other performance equipment. A generous donor has announced a $5,000 matching grant to the corps.
Santa Clara Vanguard
Santa Clara Vanguard is inviting all interested parties to volunteer at the corps’ Los Angeles audition camp November 25-26.
Seattle Cascades
Seattle Cascades continues to add to its leadership team, including returning tour director Jeremy Bennett, percussion caption supervisor Micah Brusse and color guard caption supervisor Brett Harbur.
Spirit of Atlanta
Spirit of Atlanta has a booth at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis through Saturday afternoon. Key staff and members will be in attendance to answer questions about auditions.
Troopers
Troopers has added an audition site in Indianapolis on December 2 for prospective brass and color guard members.
Vanguard Cadets
Both Vanguard Cadets and their parent corps have instituted a unified strategy of teaching brass players. According to Vanguard brass caption manager Chip Crotts, “Our main goal is that, regardless of age level or experience, the members of SCV and SCVC will receive the same level of training and education across the board.”
